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<br /> <br />PROCLAMATION <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />“Court Interpreter Appreciation Day” <br />May 6, 2026 <br /> <br />WHEREAS: equal access to courts is a cornerstone of the American system of justice and the rule of law; and <br />language barriers impede access to justice for individuals who are limited -English proficient or individuals who are deaf, deaf- <br />blind, hard of hearing or speech -disabled individuals who rely on signed language and other assistive communication; and <br />WHEREAS: Kittitas County District and Superior Courts depend on skilled spoken language interpreters to ensure clear and <br />accurate communication with limited-English proficient litigants, witnesses, victims, and other participants across all case types; <br />and <br />WHEREAS: the courts further rely on qualified sign language interpreters to facilitate effective communication with deaf, deaf - <br />blind, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled individuals appearing as litigants, witnesses, victims, jurors, or members of the public; <br />and <br />WHEREAS: court interpreters bring specialized cognitive, linguistic, and legal knowledge —including mastery of court <br />terminology and procedures—enabling precise, impartial, and culturally competent interpretation that is essential for fair hearings <br />and due process; and <br />WHEREAS: these dedicated professionals uphold the highest ethical standards of accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, and <br />professionalism, thereby safeguarding the integrity of court proceedings and strengthening public confidence in our justice s ystem; <br />and <br />NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Board of County Commissioners of Kittitas County, Washington, would like to <br />recognize and honor the indispensable contribution of court interpreters to ensure equal access to justice for all residents of our <br />diverse community, and do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, as “COURT INTERPRETER APPRECIATION <br />DAY” in Kittitas County and urge all citizens, elected officials, legal professionals, court personnel, and community stakeholders <br />at the state and local levels to join us in celebrating and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the expertise, dedication, and vital service <br />provided by court interpreters every day. <br />ADOPTED this 21st day of April 2026. <br /> THE KITTITAS COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> <br /> <br /> Cory Wright, Chairman <br /> <br /> <br /> Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman <br /> <br /> <br />ATTEST: Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner <br /> <br />Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board