Biography

Sen. Regala was elected to the Senate in 2000. Prior to that, she served in the House of Representatives from 1994 to 2000.
She served as the Majority Whip from 2005 to 2009 and was the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader in 2003. She has now been named the Caucus Vice Chair.

Debbie currently serves on the following committees:

• Human Services & Corrections (Vice Chair)
• Judiciary (Vice Chair)
• Ways & Means
• Rules

She also is a part of:

• Legislative Ethics Board
• Council for Children and Families
• Correctional Industries Board
• Office of Public Defense Advisory Board

Sen. Regala has received many awards:

• 2009 – Champion of Family Support Award – Children’s Trust Foundation
• 2008 – Legislative Champion Award from the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
• 2006 Outstanding Legislator, Children's Alliance
• 2006 Gene Cotten Award, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs

Sen. Regala is involved in numerous civic and community organizations:

• Commissioner of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma — 1986–1992
• President of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma — 1989 and 1991
• Read 2 Me Werlin Reading tutor — six years
• Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build — 2001 and 2002
• Habitat for Humanity Women's Guild — July 2002 and July 2004
• Board member, American Leadership Forum, Tacoma/Pierce County — 6 years
• Board Member, Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County — 6 years
• The Nature Conservancy — 6 years
• Parent volunteer, McCarver Elementary — 14 years
• Various school committees, including Facilities Review, and Restructuring
• Activities Council, Tacoma Art Museum — 3 years, Docent — 8 years
• Lector, St. Patrick's Catholic Church — 20 years
• Marriage Preparation Team — 10 years and Parish Council
• Board of Directors, Pt. Defiance Zoological Society — 6 years

In her spare time Sen. Regala enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her two granddaughters.

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