Senator Cantwell

Dear Mr. Bouwman,

Thank you for contacting my office. I learn a great deal from listening to my constituents, and I appreciate hearing from you.

When I was elected, I pledged to honor the aspirations and hard work of the people of Washington state. I try never to forget that purpose, when fighting for constituents in need, bringing attention to significant local issues, crafting legislation, and casting important votes on urgent national issues. I have considered your comments carefully and will take them into account as we continue to confront the critical challenges ahead.

Through my work I seek to create opportunity for consumers and business; to make our nation more secure today; to foster innovation for tomorrow; and to stand with parents as they educate and care for their children. I continue to support new growth and strong partnerships in our communities, insisting on responsibility and making life more affordable for all of Washington 's families. And together we're working toward better educational opportunities for our children and less expensive, more accessible health care for our families.

Recently I've cut taxes for the middle-class by ensuring that Washington taxpayers can deduct state and local taxes from their federal returns. When bankrupt Enron officials tried to charge Washington ratepayers for millions of dollars in undelivered electricity, I led an effort to stop them. I've vowed to continue fighting attempts by the Bush Administration to raise local electricity rates.

I'm working to build a comprehensive strategy for our nation's energy future that taps our nation's spirit of innovation, stabilizes prices, diversifies sources, and expands supply. I'm fighting to repair the president's failed drug benefit plan, fighting to add protections to for low-income seniors and guarantee access to transitional supplies of prescription drugs. And I'm working to stop shortsighted funding cuts to our education system that would jeopardize the quality schools, quality teachers, and quality lear ning that our children deserve.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.