Special Issue Focus: Early Learning
The Washington state constitution regards education as the “paramount” responsibility of state government. Unfortunately, state resources devoted to K-12 have continually declined, both for infrastructure 
(there are still 12,000 portable temporary classroom buildings at schools across the state) and for general operation. We’re near the bottom in the country in teacher pay, classroom size and per-pupil expenditure, right down there with Mississippi.As I visit voters at their doors, some tell me that we’re “throwing money at the schools and look what we’ve got.”
I’m sorry, but we’re not throwing money at the schools. (more…)
Jobs and the Economy — An Urgent Matter
Each day passes with more disturbing news about the financial markets and the economy. We’re now bracing for a severe recession – or worse. The national, and now global, slowdown is dramatically affecting our pocketbooks. (more…)
Environmental Protection
Trained in environmental law and having worked for many years on major environmental and energy legislation while on staff in the U.S. Congress, I am passionate about preserving planetary health and our natural resources. (more…)
Health Care – Access, Affordability and Quality
Some progress has been made on the federal level to provide universal access to health care, but Washington State can still take important steps to ensure greater levels of access for its own citizens. (more…)
Traffic Problems and Transportation Choices
Our region’s crush of traffic is maddening. Anyone who tells you that we can “solve” our transportation woes easily or quickly is lying to you. (more…)
Education – Our Top Priority
Without question, our top priority is public education. “Ample” funding for education is our constitutional obligation; it is also critical to our competitiveness in the global market and to our good citizenship at home. (more…)
Fiscal Responsibility – Balancing the Budget
In the current economic turmoil we still have to balance the budget, and we will. (more…)
Public Safety and Public Order
I bring many years of expertise in the criminal justice system to my work on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Public Safety Committee. I am committed to working to make us safer on the roadways, in public spaces and in our homes. I enjoy the support of our state troopers, sheriffs, police chiefs and rank-and-file officers. (more…)