My Priorities Are Your Priorities
People are already talking about the 2014 election: the issues, the races and the politics. There's a time and place for all of it, but right now I want to be sure you know that my focus is on what is important to you.
We must maintain the momentum on jobs despite the continued obstruction of the GOP. We can do that by passing a robust transportation investment that puts local people back to work building and repairing our roads, bridges, highways and transit systems. Transportation investments create jobs: plain and simple.
You and I know this investment is about safety as well. We saw up close what happens when our infrastructure fails when the I-5 bridge collapsed into the Skagit River. We can’t keep waiting until they crumble into the water below. We need investment for jobs and safety now.
I continue my work to ensure that aerospace and aviation contribute to creating jobs. I am working to connect our small- and medium-sized aerospace suppliers with the global market. It is not enough to sell locally. They need the opportunity to sell globally while making products locally putting people to work.
Our community and technical colleges, like Everett Community College, Edmonds Community College and Bellingham Technical College, and universities, like Western Washington University, play a key role in training and educating the next generation of workers and innovators. That is why I have fought to replace the devastating sequester cuts to research and direct support for students.
And it is why I have joined my Democratic colleagues to try to stop the doubling of interest rates on student loans. Congress needs to give a clear message to local college students: America will invest in you.
I introduced the America Votes Act of 2013 because access to participation and opportunity is an important value to me. These values drive my desire to stop voter suppression laws that masquerade in the benevolent guise of voter ID laws. If you are a citizen and legally registered to vote, no government action should discourage you from voting.
Neither should being a victim of domestic violence stop you from your dreams. That is why I worked hard to pass a new Violence Against Women Act to update the existing law and ensure tougher protections for victims.
Opportunity in America should know no bounds for those willing to work hard. I think Congress should pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes the DREAM Act and a pathway to citizenship. I have spoken with local DREAMers. All they want is a chance in the country they call home. Let's make sure they have that chance.
I expect many other issues will come and go before the 2014 election. I will do my best to stay aware of your views.
Now, I ask for your support so I can continue my work to ensure access to opportunity and participation in an America that we build together.
Thanks again.
