★ An Economy that Works

Eastern Washington families are working hard — but too many feel like they’re falling behind. Housing costs are rising. Wages haven’t kept pace. Childcare is expensive and hard to find. Many seniors worry their retirement is not secure. An economy that works for everyone means more than a rising stock market - it means stability, opportunity, and dignity for the people who power our communities every day.

Here’s what that looks like:

Affordable Housing:

Throughout Eastern Washington housing prices and rents have risen faster than incomes. Many struggle to buy their first home. Seniors on fixed incomes feel squeezed. The root cause is our housing shortage – building just hasn’t kept pace with demand because construction costs are too high, permits take too long, we have a shortage of skilled workers, and too much land is locked up by outdated use rules.

Incomes That Support Families

A strong economy should reward hard work. That means expanding access to family-wage jobs, supporting unions, and local businesses. We need to invest in the industries we have in Eastern Washington – like agriculture, healthcare, education, and skilled trades – and we need to bring more manufacturing and clean energy jobs to our region. We can build opportunity here at home.

Child and Elder Care Solutions for Working Families

Families shouldn’t have to choose between their paycheck and their children or elders. Across Eastern Washington, families tell me that quality care is too expensive and too scarce. We need common sense approaches that increase access, support local providers, and give families flexibility — without adding unnecessary bureaucracy. The federal government can provide grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits to open more childcare centers and in-home care options for kids and the elderly. We can support care workers with better pay to reduce turnover, and collaborate with state leaders to streamline licensing and oversight.

Access to a Secure Retirement

After a lifetime of working, people deserve peace of mind. That means ensuring the solvency of Social Security and Medicare, strengthening retirement savings options, and ensuring seniors aren’t forced to choose between prescriptions, groceries, and keeping the lights on. Retirement should be secure and enjoyable — not stressful.