Tuesday, April 8th 

It's an absolutely beautiful drive from Vancouver to Yakima along the Columbia River. We've passed eight waterfalls and several stunning views of the river valley.

I thought the drive would be a good time to introduce a few of the Governor's supporters on the kickoff and ask why they are here. 

Tom Pillow is the President of the Washington State Patrol Troopers' Association. "We're behind the Governor 100 percent." Since 2005, the Governor has been getting results that increase safety on our highways, like strengthening 180 bridges to protect us from earthquakes.

Lloyd, B. of Tacoma served for 23 years in the U.S. Army. He is on the kickoff because "the Governor and First Mike really care about veterans. They honor the service and sacrifice of our returning heroes."

Tracy Prezeau, who works for the Washington Association of Electrical Workers, is on the kickoff because the Governor supports the growth of apprenticeships. "In the last three years, we've had a 40 percent increase in members who are residential electrical workers."

We just crossed the Columbia River at The Dalles and will arrive in Yakima soon.

Scott W

Checkout this video of the Governor's kickoff speech in Auburn.

After a long drive, we arrived at EPIC (Enterprise for Progress in the Community), an early childhood education center in Yakima.

Every parent and teacher I spoke to had great things to say about the Governor.

For the first time, early childhood education is a priority in our state. Today, 2,250 additional low-income children have access to early childhood education. This is the largest expansion of early childhood education in our state’s history.

We also stopped at Miner’s burgers, which was great. She talked to the employees, owners and customers. A few families saw the bus and stopped so the kids could get their pics taken with the Gov.

Scott W