Thank you for visiting my campaign website!
First, I want to thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Olympia during the 2009 legislative session. Against the backdrop of the worst economic slowdown in 80 years, I brought to Olympia my father’s independent streak and love for the land and the district, and my own experience as a mom and teacher.
My dad, the late Representative Bill Grant, loved serving in the Legislature, and I can understand why. I’m honored to continue his legacy and be an independent voice for my neighbors, our communities, and the hard working families of southeast Washington.
As you all know, this past legislative session was a very difficult one. Difficult choices had to be made. However, despite deep budget cuts I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish. I’m proud of my votes against taxes and fees, and for small business and family farms. I fought to make sure we worked towards needed reforms to help local schools and make their funding more transparent and comprehensive, to invest in job training and vocational programs, and to continue regional transportation and highway safety improvements.
Now that I’m back home in Walla Walla, my first priorities are to: continue serving my constituents and to spend the upcoming months listening and learning from the citizens of the 16th district. I plan to visit you at your doorstep and throughout our communities to hear what’s on your mind. With your help, I plan to return to Olympia to work on the things that are important: supporting agriculture, standing up for kids and schools, passing responsible balanced budgets, and limiting taxes to allow the economy to recover.
I’ve shared with many groups that if there is one thing I’ve learned in my first session in Olympia, it’s just how vital it is that the majority party retain this seat. Currently, with the exception of this one, all rural Eastern Washington seats are held by the minority party. Without a Democrat in this seat, we lack any representation in the majority caucus, which is currently driving the state’s political agenda. It’s vital that we keep this seat, not only for the 16th district, but for all of rural Eastern Washington. Without representation from rural areas like ours, urban issues could exclusively drive that agenda. Having observed this concept first hand, I can’t tell you enough, how vital it is that I return with a strong and moderate voice of reason to represent you.
It’s going to be an exciting summer and fall leading up the election, and we are geared up for a strong campaign! I look forward to visiting with you at your door and traveling throughout our diverse communities. I hope you will visit my site often to get news of upcoming events or to learn how you can join the team! We need your excitement and energy, join us along the campaign trail!
Sincerely,
Laura Grant
16th District
