Transportation
I started working on replacing the 520 bridge in 1995 as part of the first Regional Design Committee. After I went to the Legislature I worked for several years on the team negotiating final legislation and funding that actually got the job done. My colleagues and I never gave up
Now we have to keep the pressure on to complete the corridor from Montlake to I-5.

Recently, I submitted a request to the Capital Budget to secure the funds needed to repair the Cross Kirkland Corridor. We are working to improve pedestrian safety and access. Along with roads, public transit, and other crucial infrastructure, ferries are central to Washington state’s iconography. We are looking now for a new vendor to build our ferries and working hard to overcome budget challenges for this project. I am committed to improving and advancing transportation efficiency, safety, and accessibility for all.

Jobs and Economy
As a small business owner, I know what it’s like to watch the bottom line. I’ll work with employers large and small to protect existing jobs and bring new jobs to our region in growing areas like alternative energy, biotechnology, biofuels, and emerging industries. 

Environment
From Lake Washington to the Cascade foothills, our quality of life is defined by our region’s natural beauty. I understand that preserving our quality of life requires a thoughtful balance between respecting individual property rights and the need to assure healthy neighborhoods, open space, and clean air and water. I’ll work with local government—and landowners—to assure that we protect both rights and the environment.

I have led efforts in the legislature to manage wildfires and invest in the long-term health of our forests, as well as incentivize reusable packing materials. When re-elected, I will continue to work to protect the beautiful state we call home, keeping the land healthy and preserving the quality of life for Washingtonians.   

Health Care
I’m fighting to make sure everyone has access to affordable health care including essential reproductive freedoms. I voted to cover all kids by 2010 and I’m working to help businesses provide coverage to employees. I’ve already helped make prescriptions more affordable for seniors.

More recently I have worked to expand health care access for young adults, ensure our health care professionals are taken care of, and advocated for paid family and medical leave. I will continue to be a champion for accessible, quality healthcare while safeguarding reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.  

Education and Childcare
Children are our most precious resource. As a former teacher, I’ve supported pay raises for teachers and funding to lower class sizes. I’ll make sure we invest in our schools and teachers—not school bureaucracy—and assure that every student who wants to attend college in Washington has access to the school of their choice. I have supported bills investing in educational mentor programs and improving opportunities for our most vulnerable children through funding distribution.

Caring for our children includes early learning and affordable childcare. These resources are essential, not only for the youth of Washington, but to support our working parents. I am proud to have sponsored legislation improving access to childcare for parents working to complete their higher education as well as expanding access to early learning opportunities.  

Housing & Homelessness
Everyone deserves access to safe, affordable housing. With costs rising, I too share your concerns about this fundamental need. In previous years we have been able to invest in building more affordable housing units and providing more affordable housing units but we must do more. I will continue to center and advocate for the creation and preservation of affordable housing units while also advocating for solutions to the root causes of homelessness.