Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2021 Legislative Session is fully underway, and while our approach to this session is different due to the pandemic, the work to be done is more crucial than ever. Our first order of business, for instance, was to vote to change the rules so we can safely conduct session remotely because of the pandemic. But the most important and most fundamental aspects of our work — the vital business of our state and our communities — will proceed unabated, as always.
First and foremost was the oath of office I recited during my swearing-in to represent you in the Senate for another term. While it’s the same oath we’ve recited in the past, in the wake of the incomprehensible acts of insurrection recently in our nation’s Capitol, I felt these words resonated more deeply and importantly than ever:
“I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America, the Constitution and Laws of the State of Washington, and the Rules of the Washington State Senate and that I will faithfully perform the duties of State Senator to the best of my ability, so help me God.”
You can watch my swearing-in here.
I have always taken this oath very seriously, but these days I feel an even deeper responsibility than ever before. It is more than an honor and a privilege to represent you — it is a sacred responsibility. It should go without saying that anyone elected to public office should honor and respect the laws of our nation and our state, and frankly it broke my heart to see some encourage sedition and attempt to disrupt the smooth transition of power in our Republic. It is incumbent on each one of us, elected or not, to respect and uphold our Constitution in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for our country’s defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to society’s posterity. I believe our democratic principles can withstand great tumult, just as Congress withstood efforts to disrupt and halt the certification of the presidential election.
I am so proud to serve as your senator and to honor the values and principles that make our nation, our state and our community great while always keeping the above words and the goals of our U.S. Constitution in mind. I continue to serve you with all of my heart and soul and look forward to a productive legislative session ahead.
