Dear friends and neighbors,

On Monday, surrounded by my family, my House colleagues from both sides of the aisle, and many dear friends and mentors, I was sworn in as the next Speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives (click here to watch my swearing in and opening speech).

This new role is a historic first for our state. As the first woman and first out lesbian to hold the position of Speaker in our state House, my hope is to inspire leadership in others who have historically been underrepresented at the policy making table.

In my speech to the full House, I said that while the title of my new role may be Speaker, I see my primary job as listening. And that’s what I’ve been doing over the last few months as I’ve traveled across the state, meeting with legislators in their own districts. Listening to them made it clear that even when we disagree on policy, we all share a deep, abiding commitment to making things better for the people of this state.

This will undoubtedly be the hardest job I’ll ever have, but also the most fulfilling. We have work to do to address affordable housing and homelessness, take action on climate change, lower the cost of health care, and make child care more accessible and affordable for all families, among other pressing issues.

Together with my colleagues, I’m ready to get to work.

Sincerely,

 

A legislative preview

Last week, I participated in the Associated Press Legislative Preview, an hour-long Q&A with members of the capitol press corps and the leadership of the House and Senate. It was my first time taking part in this annual event. Some of the topics covered included the homelessness crisis in our state, transportation and the impacts of I-976, gun violence prevention, and climate legislation. The full forum can be viewed by clicking here.

January 20, 2020: Honoring Dr. King

This Monday, January 20th, is a state holiday honoring slain civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the House, we honor Dr. King’s legacy with a resolution on the House floor, accompanied by speeches from lawmakers about Dr. King and his work.

At the state capitol, MLK Jr. Day is traditionally a big day for citizen advocates to come to the capitol to attend rallies and meet with their legislators. If you plan to visit the capitol that day, here is some great visitor information including links to campus maps, parking, and tours.

If you can’t be there in person, you can watch the House floor activities that day on TVW.