Last week, I was able to spend time at home in our state speaking with Washington families about the difficult challenges we face together. Over the course of three days, I helped to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our veterans, toured one of our state’s most innovative high schools, met with worker’s who’ve been given a boost by the Recovery Act and more. My time in our state, listening to Washington families and their stories, is what allows me to come back to Washington, D.C. ready to fight for improvements in health care, education and our economy.
Veterans: Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes on a Very Emotional Veterans Day
Last Tuesday, as the tragedy at Fort Hood and the casualties from Fort Lewis continued to deeply affect our military and veteran communities, I spoke at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. In my speech, I discussed my father, a veteran who came home from WWII and was diagnosed with MS. I also talked about the strides we still have to make to update care by telling the story of a father who I recently met that has been providing care to his quadriplegic son.
Watch a slide show of pictures from the Tahoma ceremony.
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Economy: Hanford Workers Hired With Recovery Act Funding Share their Stories
Last Wednesday, I stood with workers from the Tri-Cities who had found employment helping to clean up the Hanford Nuclear Reservation thanks to nearly $2 billion in Economic Recovery Act funding that I helped direct to our state. The workers are representative of some of the gains we have made in our state as we continue to work to save and create jobs.
“Sen. Murray praises Hanford stimulus jobs” – Tri-City Herald
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Transportation: Light Rail to Extend to the Airport Beginning in December
Last Friday, I had the great pleasure of announcing that beginning on December 19th at 10:00 AM Light Rail will open up from downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport. Light rail will provide a convenient, environmentally-friendly, and low-cost way to get to and from the Airport. This new line seamlessly connects our region’s transportation system like never before. I have worked to provide millions in federal funding to support our light rail system.
Education: Visiting an Innovative School Making Big Strides in Math and Science
Last Thursday, I visited Delta High School in Richland to learn more about the first-year school’s unique science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum. I met with Delta’s very first class of freshmen and talked with them about the real-world learning experiences the school stresses by connecting students with local inventors, scientists, technology entrepreneurs, university faculty, and other professionals.
“Sen. Murray tours Delta High School” – Tri-City Herald
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Meeting with Yakima Valley Latino Leaders
Last Thursday, I joined with various leaders in the Yakima Valley Latino community to discuss the issues that are most relevant to their organizations and their communities. At the meeting we touched on the need to improve educational resources in area schools, the problems of gang violence, immigration reform proposals, and health care reform.
“Latino leaders share concerns with Murray” – Yakima Herald Republic
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