As a mom, attorney, legislator, and community volunteer, I empathize with those who may feel uncertain about the future of our country and our state. At the federal level, the unknown future of life-saving government programs, such as the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act, undoubtedly has more people on edge than usual. In recent months, right here in Washington state, we have evidence of an increase in hateful actions and activities that do not uphold the respect and dignity that all people deserve. We all have a shared interest in the success of our schools, our communities, our state and our country.

Let’s not undermine the good work we’ve accomplished by singling out people for their differences; instead, let us celebrate the cultural wealth in our communities and honor the diversity of ideas, passions, people, and backgrounds that make us unique.

In my role as your state Senator, I will continue to strongly advocate for the values and the democratic principles that I swore I would protect. I see every day in our district, Olympia and all across our state, there are thousands of people who are dedicated and committed to making our state a better place to live.