Washington

Current Laureate:
Kathleen Flenniken

Start of Term:
February 9, 2012

Position History:
House Bill 1279, which establishes the official position of Washington State Poet Laureate, was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire April 19, 2007, and became effective July 22, 2007. The state poet serves a two-year appointment. Due to a budget shortfall, the position, which carries a stipend of $10,000, was suspended at the end of Samuel Green's term in December 2009. Gov. Gregoire permitted the position to resume in 2011, provided no state funds were used. The position is currently funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities Washington.

Previous Laureates:
Samuel Green (December 17, 2007-December 2009)

Further Resources:

• Publications by Kathleen Flenniken in the Library's online catalog.
• Background on the position of Washington State Poet Laureate from Humanities Washington.

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