MY PRIORITIES

Washington’s elected officials must focus on policies that get us back to work, back to the classroom, and most importantly, back to normal for our families.

Simply put, I want the citizens of the 5th District to EARN, LEARN, and RETURN TO NORMAL.
 

 

EARN

I know it is time for Washington to re-open the economy and rehire its idled workforce. This can be done safely as business owners, workers, and customers work to adapt their products, procedures, and behavior to mitigate the health risk for all. I will support the return of small businesses by decreasing the burden of reopening or starting anew through temporary tax holidays, relaxing licensing requirements, and simplifying the employer reporting processes. Most importantly, I will resist any new form of taxation that delays our economic recovery by increasing the cost of doing business or hiring new employees.

 

LEARN

I am thankful for the performance of our students, teachers and administrators during these challenging times especially given inconsistent direction from Olympia. The online learning this past spring was beneficial, but now our children need to return to their classrooms to avoid falling further behind their peers in other states and even private schools close to home. I will push for the allocation of testing, tracing, and technology resources to our schools to ensure the safety of our students while they learn in the optimal environment. I will advocate for the development of robust online education platforms to respond to specific health emergencies and to be available for families with children at increased risk. These measures must be implemented while still honoring our paramount duty to provide basic education to all of Washington’s children.

 

RETURN TO NORMAL

Aside from getting back to work and school, I look forward to the day that we can again socialize with friends & family, patronize our favorite bar or restaurant, and attend a large concert or sporting event. I believe the new realities of our lives will require some adjustment with a clear recognition of those among us that remain vulnerable. I will work to secure ongoing support for nursing homes and assisted living facilities while ensuring that our hospitals remain prepared to address future demand wherever it arises.

I am confident that there is a Better Way Forward for Washington because I know that we have the commitment and the capacity to safely work, learn, and play with an obligation to protect all who are at risk.

Together we will meet these challenges so that Washington can continue to revitalize its economy, educate its children, and return to a future of optimism and prosperity for all its citizens.