Mary Lou Dickerson, a Democrat who has represented the 36th District since 1994, has grown so frustrated with Olympia that she’s decided to not seek re-election this fall and, instead, spend more time in her painting studio.
Dickerson, chairwoman of the House Health and Human Services Appropriations and Oversight Committee, made her announcement on March 1. She said the Legislature has a structural revenue problem that needs to be fixed.
“I’ve become increasingly frustrated with the lack of revenue to fund Washington programs and how the Legislature’s hands are tied by the initiative process,” Dickerson said. “It’s particularly apparent in times of revenue crisis when we have to deal with deep recessions.”
Known for her work in issues that covered a variety of topics, ranging from children and family issues to the legalization of marijuana, Dickerson said the revenue picture has been getting worse for the past 10 years of her 18-year career in the state House.
Even though she is stepping down from elected office, she still intends to be politically active and to start a conversation with the public about issues surrounding taxes and revenue.
Dickerson wants Washington to end the initiative-mandated rule that the Legislature needs a two-thirds majority to raise taxes or to close tax loopholes. She maintains such legislation is hurting the system. She also said the state’s regressive tax system needs to be reformed.
“I’m not suggesting we should impose any specific tax,” Dickerson said. “But we need to have a conversation on a higher level than that. We need to look at what really is representative democracy that our forefathers and mothers set up for us.”
As for leaving elected office, Dickerson said she intends to do a lot more oil painting in the studio in the back of her home. She may even do it professionally.
“That is the next chapter of my life,” she said “I’m also planning to have fun.”
She acknowledges that the last few years of difficult cuts have been a challenging time and not any fun.
Seeing cuts made that affect vulnerable people is very sad,” Dickerson said. “I think we are better than that. I think Washington state should be better than that.”
Dickerson named a number of bills that she sponsored or helped pass, including legislation that helps DSHS fund effective programs in child welfare and juvenile justice. She was the prime sponsor of the “toxic toys” bill, which requires children toys to meet stricter standards for allowable levels of lead and other toxic substances. She was also the prime sponsor for a bill that banned the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from bottles, cups and other containers used by children.
She also sponsored the Justice and Raiden Robinson bill, which gives DSHS more power to remove abused children from their home. Most recently, she has been known for her support of legislation to stop the sex trafficking of minors. She has also been a longtime support of legalizing marijuana. An initiative for legalization that will be on the fall ballot is very similar to her legislation.
When asked what will be her fondest memory of the Legislature, Dickerson said, “It is the joy of being able to pass bills that make a significant difference in the lives of children and families. That is something that will stay with me.”
Dickerson said she will also miss the creative, dedicated, intelligent and funny lawmakers and staff members that work in Olympia.
“I continue to be very impressed with the folks down here,” Dickerson said of Olympia. “I certainly didn’t expect to find such a creative and committed group of people.”
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