Dear neighbors,
Lawmakers meet for 105 straight days during the winter of odd-numbered years.
The historic reason behind that is Washington state has always had part-time citizen lawmakers, and many were farmers who needed to plant in the spring and harvest in the summer or fall.
I’m proud to continue that tradition. This isn’t Washington, D.C.—nobody serving in the state House or Senate will become famous on cable news or get rich.
I drive a Honda Civic with 300,000 miles on it.
What’s great about the House of Representatives is we actually work together, across party lines, to get things done. More than 90 percent of bills are bipartisan, with many passing unanimously.
Real solutions—to the cost of living, public safety, and jobs—happen when we listen to each other with respect and work together to tackle common problems.
Standing up for military families
I’m proud to represent a district with so many military families and veterans—and just as proud that my first public hearing is for House Bill 1335, protecting military spouses from discrimination.
It’s illegal in Washington state to deny employment simply because of someone’s race, religion, gender, and other factors—including the fact they’re a veteran or military. But it’s not illegal to refuse to hire someone simply because they’re a military spouse.
This bill fixes that loophole. I’ll keep you updated as it moves through our democratic process!
Meeting folks from the 26th District
Meeting with folks from the 26th District is the best part of my day. If you’re planning on making the trip down to Olympia, please call ahead so I can be sure to see you, and listen to your ideas and comments. Calling is the best way to get a hold of me as we receive an email about every minute.
Here, I’m with Family Connects Pierce County, which has an evidence-based program for caregivers with newborns in our county.
Lawmakers like me are interested in this issue because science shows the best return our investment comes in the earliest years of a child’s life. A great start is the best way to give every child a chance in school and in life.
Share your thoughts—online, by video, or in person
You can still come down to Olympia and sign up to testify on a bill—but now there are more options. Today, testimony can be live in person, or live via video.
Or you can comment on a bill. Click here to learn more.
And if you don’t want to testify or comment, you can always share your thoughts with your local lawmakers by calling the toll-free Hotline at 800-562-6000.
Get in touch
Hearing from you is important to me. You can reach me by email, regular mail, or the toll-free Hotline (800-562-6000).
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from you soon!
