Public letter re: Washington state Senate Democrats’ majority increase

As majority leader of the Washington state Senate, it is my honor to welcome eight new members to the Democratic Caucus.

	Sen.-elect Chris Marr, D-Spokane  (replacing Sen. Brad Benson in the 6th Legislative District)
	Sen. Brian Hatfield, D- Raymond (replacing retiring Sen. Mark Doumit in the 19th Legislative District)
	Sen.-elect Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor  (replacing retiring Sen. Bob Oke in the 26th District)
	Sen.-elect Ed Murray, D-Seattle  (replacing retiring Sen. Pat Thibaudeau in the 43rd District)
	Sen.-elect Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens  (replacing Sen. Dave Schmidt in the 44th District)
	Sen.-elect Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland  (replacing retiring Sen. Bill Finkbeiner in the 45th District)
	Sen.-elect Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent  (replacing retiring Sen. Steve Johnson in the 47th District)
	Sen.-elect Rodney Tom, D-Medina  (replacing Sen. Luke Esser in the 48th District)

During the past two legislative sessions, Democrats have made great strides to help ensure that Washington moves forward, sponsoring and passing legislation that invests in opportunities for our families and our future, including:

• Committing to insure all children by 2010.
• Developing minimum renewable fuel content standards.
• Treating diseases of the mind the same as diseases of the body by passing mental health parity.
• Creating “green” building standards and statewide recycling programs for unwanted electronic items that wreak havoc on our environment.
• Getting tougher on sex offenders and creating more resources for counties to deal with the growing problem of methamphetamines.
• Prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• Increasing options for students who fail to achieve our tough academic standards.

And all while we maintained a fiscally responsible budget

In the upcoming session, with an even stronger majority, I hope to make even more progress, particularly regarding funding for public education and accessible and affordable health care for all of our citizens. I am confident that each of the newly elected senators will help us achieve that.

I look forward to serving with them, and I know they look forward to serving you.

Sincerely,

Lisa Brown

List of 2007 Committee Assignments