This month, while the Senate was in recess, I spent time traveling around the state listening to constituents talk about what matters most to them. Two weeks ago, I had the great honor of being hosted at the homes of two local families, one in Seattle and one in Marysville, for an opportunity to talk one on one with constituents around their kitchen table about the issues facing the unemployed. I heard from constituents like Natalie Simmons, a community college professor who talked about how critical unemployment insurance is for students in her job re-training program. Ms. Simmons has seen good students drop out of these training programs when their benefits ran out. I also heard from a constituent who relies on her unemployment insurance to pay for necessary health care treatment. It is stories like these that I take back to Washington, D.C. with me as I continue to fight to provide critical supports for middle class families through the end of the year. I will continue to stress the need to make sure unemployment benefits are continued for workers fighting to get back on the job in this tough economy.

“Jobless tell Murray of struggles getting by” – The Seattle Times

“Sen. Murray meets in Marysville with families to discuss aid for unemployed”
– The Seattle Times

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Fairchild First in Spokane

Two weeks ago, I joined Senator Cantwell, members of the Spokane community, and elected officials at Greater Spokane Incorporated to kickoff “ Fairchild First”, a statewide initiative to ensure that Fairchild Air Force Base becomes an early home to the next generation of aerial refueling tankers. I spoke about the important work that’s being done at Fairchild – both for the local community and for our nation’s national security. Fairchild has so much to offer the new fleet, and I look forward to continuing to engage the military throughout this process to ensure that Fairchild is considered.

“Campaign begins to land new tankers at Fairchild” – The Spokesman Review

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Roundtable with Local Superintendents in Yakima, Early Learning Programs in Bremerton

I traveled to Yakima to tour Adams Elementary School and host a roundtable discussion with superintendents and other education stakeholders on local challenges and to discuss my ongoing efforts to reform and reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to benefit schools throughout Washington state and nationwide. I will use the stories and suggestions I heard at Adams Elementary to bring local concerns to Washington, D.C, as I continue to work to reform the No Child Left Behind Act.

“Senator Patty Murray talks education reform with educators” – KAPP TV

“Sen. Murray in Yakima to talk with educators” – KNDO

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During the recess, I also traveled to Bremerton for a tour of Navel Avenue Early Learning Center, to host a second roundtable with educators, education advocates, and parents to highlight our state’s strong early learning programs and the recent Race to the Top grant award, which I fought for on behalf of early learning in the ESEA reauthorization.

“Senator Patty Murray talks education reform with educators” – KAPP TV

“Sen. Murray in Yakima to talk with educators” – KNDO

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Hearing from Veterans in Yakima

While I was in Yakima, I also had the opportunity to host a roundtable discussion with local veterans. It was a great chance to hear firsthand stories and concerns from our nation’s heroes. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will continue to work on behalf of these brave men and women, to make sure they are getting the care they deserve after serving our country.

“U.S. Sen. Patty Murray visits Yakima veterans, educators” – Yakima Herald

“Senator Patty Murray listens to veterans’ concerns” – KAPP TV

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