Dear Colleagues, Friends and Neighbors,

As the year draws to a close, I know we are all anticipating a very different New Year and are also cautiously optimistic for a safer time in the near future – a time when children can return to school, businesses can reopen, and families and friends can gather to celebrate important events together. I am holding out hope for the days I can hug my children and visit my grandchildren again, as I know many of you are as well.

Of course, we will never be able to pretend 2020 did not happen. So many have lost loved ones, jobs, and even businesses. I’ve been on calls with the wonderful people at the Issaquah Food Bank and I’m in awe at how they have risen to the challenge of so many new needs, and despaired that so many are in need, especially now as the coldest part of winter sets in. The help of our communities and neighbors is making a difference, and we must continue to show up.

Even as I wish you all the happiest of New Years and vaccines begin to be distributed in our state, we must remember that we are not out of the woods yet. The Hospital Association has warned of an impending crisis in January of increased cases and hospitalizations, but that is dependent on how we handle the holidays. I know we long to celebrate and gather, but we must remain committed to safety protocols. As chair of the Senate’s Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, the top priority for me is getting our kids back to in-person learning as safely and quickly as possible, but this, too, is only achieved by a community willing to put the greater good first.

Please be strong a little longer. Follow state and federal guidelines. Forego holding large gatherings and utilize masks and social distancing. Be safe and keep others safe as well.

I thank you all for doing your part. With just a couple of weeks until the legislative session begins, I am already so excited about the bills being brought to the table that are going to move us in an equitable and stable direction. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office.

Sincerely,

Lisa Wellman
Senator, 41st Legislative District