Chase: “Moving forward includes debating the challenges facing our state”

Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Edmonds, released this statement following the 2017 Inaugural Address by Gov. Jay Inslee:

“With challenging issues to address like our state’s homelessness crisis, prioritizing access to mental health services, collaborating with all peoples to address the use of deadly force, finding a solution to ending the opioid epidemic, and committing to fully funding K-12 education, I would like to thank Gov. Inslee for the positive vision he has for the State of Washington.

“However, we must not forget that our state has one of the most regressive tax structures in the country. We have an opportunity this session to seriously consider the merits of a new tax structure that would level the playing field for all of Washington’s workers and their families.

“As the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture, Water, Trade and Economic Development Committee, I know the positive impact that living-wage jobs can have on our local communities, especially in the rural areas of our state. We must continue to develop and nurture economic development, as many communities are still recovering from losses during the Great Recession.

“I agree with Gov. Inslee that we cannot ignore our state’s 1.1 million school children and continue to deny their rights to a world-class education. It is the legislature’s paramount duty and has been delayed long enough. I also appreciate Gov. Inslee’s position that attending a four-year university is not the only way to a successful future. Our technical skills centers, apprenticeship programs, and community and technical colleges are a critical link in helping our young adults and people of all ages needing to be trained in order to be competitive in today’s economy.

“There is a long to-do list for this legislative session, however, moving forward includes debating the many difficult challenges facing our state.”

Sen. Chase represents the 32nd District which includes all of Shoreline and Woodway and portions of Seattle, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood.