Greetings,
It is with profound gratitude and humility that I begin my first term in the Washington state House of Representatives. I do so at an exciting and challenging time for our state. Last year, the state Supreme Court made clear what many of us had long argued: The state is failing to meet its constitutional duty to make ample provision for basic education.
The McCleary ruling has lent new urgency to the Legislature’s work on K-12 education, and I look forward to working with my colleagues–Democratic and Republican–to fully fund and improve our public school system.
Every child has the ability and right to fulfill his or her potential, and our education system should, from early learning through college, provide that opportunity.
I was recently elected by my colleagues to serve as vice chair of the House Technology and Economic Development Committee. The 48th District leads the state in innovation, from information technology and interactive entertainment to financial services and life sciences.
We can and must do more to encourage, facilitate and incentivize economic development in these and other sectors in the 48th District and throughout Washington state. Central to this endeavor are a talented and skilled workforce, modern and smart infrastructure, a high quality of life and a supportive business climate.
As a member of the House Business and Financial Services Committee, I will protect, and where necessary enhance, our state’s consumer protection laws.
The recent economic downturn has unfortunately created a financial services black market in payday lending, debt consolidation and other products that often target the elderly and vulnerable, and the law should punish those who extort or defraud the very people they purport to help.
At the same time, we should look for ways to support financial institutions that make capital available to small and medium-sized businesses in our community.
Finally, I will be working as a member of the House Transportation Committee to ensure that the SR 520 bridge replacement is completed on time and on budget, and that we continue our work relieving congestion on I-405 in the coming years. These two projects are vital to the economic vitality and quality of life we enjoy on the Eastside.
Do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email with any questions, suggestions, opinions or constructive criticism. Please also let me know if you plan on visiting Olympia during the legislative session, and I will be sure to schedule time to meet with you during your visit.
Thank you for the honor of serving you in the House.
Truly yours,
Rep. Cyrus Habib