On The Issues

It is imperative that we have leaders who will stand up for all of us on the issues that matter most to our communities.  Whether that means fighting for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors, promoting safe and clean communities, working for good jobs and a strong economy, or protecting our environment, we need advocates who can work across the aisle to get results.

Fighting For Our Most Vulnerable

The 21st District is one of the most beautiful places to live, but there are too many of our friends and neighbors struggling to make ends meet. The pandemic has only made this worse. As chair of the Housing, Human Services, and Veterans Committee, it’s my job to help pass legislation to help people stay in their homes and access the critical services they need so they can keep food on the table. 

Promote Strong, Safe Communities

I am proud to report that we passed significant common sense gun legislation this year including the ban on selling or manufacturing high capacity magazines, prohibiting ghost guns, and restricting firearms at public meetings and election-related locations. We have seen gun violence right here in the 21st District and we don’t want to experience it again. 

Of course the opioid epidemic is still destroying too many families. From the Secure Medicine Take-Back Act to record investments in treatment, I will continue to lead on fighting substance use disorder, investing in more behavioral and mental health services right here in Snohomish County. 

Fuel Our Local Economy and Create Jobs

The pandemic has been hard on all of us, but especially hard on our small businesses and our first responders. That’s why I joined with my colleagues to provide emergency funding for our hospitality businesses, art organizations, and other small businesses and fought for better working conditions for nurses. 

In Olympia, I will continue to support legislation that invests in workforce development, worker retraining programs through local colleges and universities, and new apprenticeship programs so we can provide the skilled workforce that employers need.

Fully Fund Our Schools

While I believe we have met the Supreme Court’s mandate to fully fund education, we still have work to do.  Hungry or homeless children aren’t arriving to the classroom ready to learn and that’s why I proudly supported the Breakfast After The Bell Act and passed a bill ensuring all kids can access a good lunch without fear of public shaming.

We need to take a tough look at outdated tax loopholes for special interests and continue to find ways to make government more efficient and accountable to the people.  We have a big job to do but you can be sure that I will always put our kids first and make sure that we step up to our obligations.

Invest in Needed Transportation Projects

This year I was proud to vote for Move Ahead Washington, a transformational transportation package that invests $16 billion over the next 16 years to create a more sustainable future while ensuring we maintain the infrastructure we already have. From Safe Routes to Schools to historic investments in our ferry system, this budget has a focus on equity to make sure all of our communities are served well and no one is left behind. 

Here in the 21st, projects include the much needed SR 525 Bridge replacement in Mukilteo and over $20 million in investments for the Highway 99 revitalization project in Edmonds. Special thanks to my seatmate and Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Marko Liias, for his leadership.