How can we move Washington state forward?

If you could do anything to move Washington state forward, what would it be? I’m asking citizens in the 11th District for their thoughts, ideas and comments about reforms to make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.

I’m holding another set of one-on-one meetings, miniature town halls, from 6 to 8 p.m. on November 7 at my small business, Aces Tennis, 401 Olympia Ave. NE, Suite 101 in Renton.

To set up a 15-minute slot that night, contact me or my aide, Syd Locke, by email (steve.bergquist@leg.wa.gov) or phone (360-786-7862 or the toll-free Hotline at 800-562-6000). Please contact my office to set something up; I’d love to hear from you.

There was good news on education this year. As a public school teacher, and as proud new father after the birth of our daughter, I know how much people care about our schools. Lawmakers put an extra $1 billion into education, and we finally stopped the yearly tuition hikes at colleges and universities.

Yet there’s more work to be done. I want to hear from you about ways to find the extra funding education needs to comply with a ruling by the state Supreme Court—and how to pass a transportation package that invests in the future and tackles traffic gridlock.

I’m also reaching out to hear from citizens via an online poll on my website, which you can reach at: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/news/poll-what-are-your-top-priorities/

Whenever I talk to somebody, I learn something. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative, and I hope to hear from you soon.