Public education shaped my life. My parents came to Washington from South Korea seeking stability and the promise of a quality education for their children, an opportunity I was proud to receive through our public schools. Now, as a parent of children who attended Edmonds and Shoreline schools, I’m committed to making sure every student has that same chance.

I have been a consistent champion for fully funding public education in Washington, recognizing that strong schools are the foundation of opportunity for every child and a valuable took for upward socioeconomic mobility. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have supported investments that reduce class sizes, expand access to early learning, and ensure schools have the resources they need to serve every student.

I believe that paying teachers and school staff fair wages with strong benefits not only respects their profession but also creates a stable, supportive classroom environment where students can thrive. By investing in our educators, I will continue to work to ensure every school is staffed with experienced, dedicated professionals who help every student reach their full potential.

This session, I cosponsored legislation that establishes a dedicated “Pre-K Promise Account,” helping expand and sustain funding for early childhood education programs serving Washington’s youngest learners. I also in favor of HB 2594, which ensures that unhoused children in Washington have equal access to free, high-quality public education.

I believe that access to a fully funded and fully staffed public education system is the right of all students, regardless of income, background, or ZIP code. Every child deserves a chance to succeed and I will keep raising my voice in the Senate to make sure our public schools deliver that promise.