Op-Eds

Saving local news and strengthening democracy in Washington

by clamasFeb 15 20260 Comments

Washington’s local news industry is in crisis, and our democracy is suffering because of it. Last year, Washington State University published the most comprehensive picture to date of our state’s local news industry. Researchers identified more than ...

Yakima Herald: Farmworkers deserve extra pay for extra work

by clamasMar 31 20230 Comments

Farmworkers keep us healthy and well-nourished. They deserve to be paid extra when they work extra. March 25-31 marks National Farmworker Awareness Week — a week of action to bring attention to farmworkers and honor them for the contributions they make ...

Women of color are changing the dialogue in WA’s Legislature

by clamasApr 19 20220 Comments

“No two countries run by women would ever go to war.” That recent judgment by Meta Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg may be open to debate, but we have seen clear evidence during the pandemic ...

Yakima Herald: Senate budget is wrong approach on both sides of the Cascades

by clamasMay 20 20170 Comments

Throughout this legislative session, I have heard more times than I can remember how the interests of Seattle are at odds with Eastern Washington. But there is something my district in South Seattle shares with communities in the Yakima Valley: ...

Seattle Met: State Senate’s Only Woman of Color Sets Big Agenda for Her Freshman Year

by clamasDec 30 20160 Comments

The people of Southeast Seattle’s 37th Legislative District expect a lot from this newbie who’s taking outgoing state senator, now U.S. Rep-elect, Pramila Jayapal’s shoes. They want their state senator to stand up for black lives, immigrant rights, a fair ...