Getting down to business I’m proud to announce my bill, HB 1339, the Native American Voting Rights Act, had its first hearing in the State Government & Tribal Relations Committee. This…
Month: January 2019
Fantastic Friday
Fantastic Fridays Welcome to my first Fantastic Friday letter! Every Friday throughout the 2019 legislative session I will be sending out a Fantastic Friday letter to constituents of the 40th…
Fantastic Friday
Fantastic Fridays Welcome to my first Fantastic Friday letter! Every Friday throughout the 2019 legislative session I will be sending out a Fantastic Friday letter to constituents of the 40th…
Debra On “Native America Calling” Radio Show
The election is over and, after a record year for Native women candidates, it’s time to get down to business. From Congress to state houses to tribal councils, there’s more…
KOMO 4 News: Legislature more diverse than ever before
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The recent midterm elections really changed the face of the state House and Senate. It is being called the most diverse legislature yet. For the first time,…
Spokesman Review: Diverse Washington Legislature opens for 2019 session
OLYMPIA – The tribal drums and chanting that filled the House of Representatives chamber Monday served a double purpose. They celebrated the election of the first Native American woman to…
KING 5: 2019 Washington Legislature most diverse in state history
OLYMPIA, Wash. — When she first came to the United States, then-15-year-old My-Linh Thai couldn’t speak English. She and her family were escaping Vietnam. Thai became the first refugee to…
Seattle Times: Washington’s Legislature this year looks more like the people it serves
OLYMPIA — Debra Lekanoff gathered members of native tribes for drums and song Monday, while My-Linh Thai wore a traditional Vietnamese dress to her swearing-in ceremony. Both incoming House Democrats…
Lekanoff Sworn-In as First Native American Woman to Serve in House
NOTE: This release was thought to be correct at the time of publication. It has since been determined that Rep. Lekanoff is likely the third Native American woman to serve…
New state representative meets with San Juan officials
Voices 170 miles from the state capital can still be heard. The new member of the Washington state House of Representatives for District 40 visited San Juan Island on Dec….