Bill
SR 8640
Honors Karen Keiser for decades of public service and leadership, including establishing health care access, paid family leave, and measures to lower prescription drug costs.
Overview
- Purpose: A ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Karen Lynn Keiser for her long and impactful service in the Washington State Legislature.
- Status: Adopted.
- Introduction and action: Introduced April 17, 2025; adopted by the Senate on April 17, 2025.
- Classification: Resolution (non-binding, ceremonial).
What the resolution does
- Declares the Senate’s commendation and appreciation for Karen Keiser’s public service to the citizens of Washington and to the Legislature.
- Transmits the resolution to Senator Keiser with sincere thanks and recognition for her exemplary years of service.
Who is honored
- Karen Lynn Keiser:
- Appointed to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1995; won her first election in 1996.
- Appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2001; repeatedly reelected (six times).
- Represented the 33rd legislative district for nearly 30 years (including SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and parts of Burien and Kent).
- Elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate on January 8, 2018; presided over the Senate as needed.
- Chaired the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee; led initiatives benefiting working families, women’s economic security, and workplace protections.
Key achievements highlighted in the resolution
- Health care reform and access:
- Sponsored legislation establishing the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, expanding health coverage to more than 1.9 million residents.
- Family and medical leave:
- Played a pivotal role in establishing Paid Family and Medical Leave, enabling over 600,000 Washington workers to bond with newborns, care for loved ones, or address their own medical needs.
- Prescription drug affordability:
- Instrumental in creating the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to monitor and address unreasonable price increases.
- Insulin affordability:
- Led efforts resulting in a permanent out-of-pocket insulin price cap of $35 for a 30-day supply.
- Labor and workforce advocacy:
- Advocated for full overtime protections for agricultural workers; recognized with a personal commendation letter from President Joe Biden.
- Focused on policies supporting working families, women’s economic security, and reducing workplace sexual harassment.
- Bipartisan collaboration:
- Emphasized ongoing bipartisan cooperation as a guiding principle for sustainable legislative progress.
Procedural and timeline notes
- The resolution was introduced and adopted on the same day in April 2025.
- Purposefully ceremonial, with no fiscal appropriation or statutory changes; intended as formal recognition and gratitude.
- The Secretary of the Senate is directed to transmit the resolution to Senator Keiser.
Impact and audience
- Primarily affects Karen Keiser, the Washington State Senate roster, and public records acknowledging distinguished legislative service.
- Serves as an official public commendation that may inform constituents and future lawmakers about Keiser’s contributions to health care, family leave, drug affordability, and workers’ rights.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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