Rosa Franklin

About Sen. Franklin

Sen. Franklin says her interest in public service began as a child when she delivered Sunday meals to disabled neighbors.  She was elected to the senate in 1993. She served in the House of Representatives from 1991 to 1993.

She is vice-chair of the Senate Rules and health & Long-Term Care Committees and serves on Financial Institutions and Commerce and Insurance, and Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committees.

Sen. Franklin was selected Senate President Pro Tem in 2005 and 2001. She served as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader in 2003; Majority Whip in 1998; and Democratic Whip in 1997.
A strong proponent of education, Sen. Franklin holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and English from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s from Pacific Lutheran University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service in 2006.

Sen. Franklin is involved in numerous civic and community organizations. Some of her awards include:

• 2007 Seattle Storm Woman of Inspiration; inducted into the WSNA Hall of Fame, 2002
• Stafford Study Club; Outstanding Volunteer, Pierce County Government
• Honorary Citizen, Citizen of Tacoma
• Washington Assn. of Community College Women's Programs
• Pierce County Nurses Association
• Thurgood Marshall Award

Sen. Franklin and her husband have been married for more than 57 years. They have three grown children and five grandchildren. In her spare time Sen. Franklin enjoys gardening, reading, travelling and spending time with friends and family.