As we approach Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of family, faith and thankfulness for all the blessings in our lives. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity you have given me to be your voice in the Senate. In even-numbered years, like 2016, the legislative session is scheduled for 60 days, as opposed to odd-numbered years, where it lasts 105 days. The upcoming session, beginning on Jan. 11, will move quickly and there are plenty of challenges that will need to be addressed.

With voters once again demanding a supermajority in order for lawmakers to raise taxes (by passing Initiative 1366), the state Supreme Court still pushing its will over that of the Legislature and the people, and the need to protect our roads from impaired drivers being greater than ever before, we must stay vigilant.

In order to represent your voice on all of these issues and more, we must hear directly from you. That is why we have worked for increased use of remote testimony to legislative committees and use tools like online polls to learn where you stand on important issues. There is one such poll in this e-newsletter that I hope you will take.

Click here to read the full Report from Olympia.