It’s been an honor serving the state as Speaker since 1999, and to have helped hold the Democratic majority for so many years.
With that majority, we’ve accomplished a great deal for the people of Washington. I’m proud that the House of Representatives led the way on such issues as:
- Apple Health for All, which provides health care to more than 1.5 million people;
- Funding basic education;
- Paid Family Leave;
- Marriage Equality Act;
- Voting Rights Act;
- Dream Act and the Opportunity Scholarship program;
- Historic investments in the state’s infrastructure and transportation projects that have resulted in tens of thousands of family-wage jobs;
- The Housing Trust Fund, which has invested more than $1 billion in affordable housing.
Now, I’ve decided it’s time to step aside so that I can focus more energy on the issues that matter most and are priorities for the caucus. I plan to serve as Speaker through the 2019 session to provide an orderly leadership transition, but remain in the Legislature as a representative of the 43rd Legislative District.
It’s been an honor to serve as the state’s Speaker and to work with so many dedicated legislators on both sides of the aisle.