Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson

Thank you for visiting my web page.

I have the honor of serving the 36th legislative district, which includes many of Seattle’s friendliest neighborhoods. One reason I’m proud to serve the 36th district is that people in our local communities care as much as I do about education, the environment and human services – especially for children and the elderly.

As chair of the Health & Human Services Appropriation & Oversight Committee, my top priority is to protect children from harm and provide services people need. But I’m also focusing on issues of particular importance to Seattle, such as improving transportation, public schools, government efficiency, and preserving our environment for our children and grandchildren..

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to sign up for my Legislative E-memo, which is a great way to stay up-to-date on legislative happenings. It’s completely free and I promise to respect the privacy of your email address.

Thank you for the honor and pleasure of representing such great communities.

Mary Lou

Click here to see the new 36th Legislative District

Hear Mary Lou’s new podcast: Looking Out for Kids and Families

Latest News

House votes to ban toxic flame-retardants in children’s products

OLYMPIA—State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson refused to give up hope that the House of Representatives would pass the Toxic-Free Kids Act and protect Washington’s children from toxic flame-retardants that are linked to cancers and other adverse health effects. Her hopes … Continue reading →

Open Letter to the Seattle Times

The Seattle Times says House Democrats should focus on its list of reforms [True Reform Best Method of Budgeting, Feb. 22]. Where have you been? Pension reform? Last year’s reforms will save Washingtonians nearly $8 billion over 25 years. And … Continue reading →

I am angry

(Originally published in the Slog, Jan. 12, 2012) For many good reasons, elected officials rarely talk about how they feel. It’s just not done. But I’m going to break that rule. I am angry, and I want people to know … Continue reading →

Dickerson proposal would require every adult to report severe child abuse

OLYMPIA—Everyone has a moral responsibility to report cases of sexual molestation or other severe abuse of children to authorities. State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson wants to make it a legal responsibility as well. Dickerson (D-Seattle) is proposing legislation that would … Continue reading →

Statement by Mary Lou Dickerson on Budget-Reduction Alternatives

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a set of budget-reduction alternatives on Thursday to respond to the continuing shortfall of state revenues. As a result of declining revenues, the state of Washington has already reduced per capita spending to its lowest level … Continue reading →

Dickerson law targets pimps involved in child prostitution

OLYMPIA—With a stroke of her pen today, Gov. Chris Gregoire gave law enforcement officials in Washington long-sought tools to investigate and prosecute pimps involved in child prostitution. The new law, proposed by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle), allows law enforcement … Continue reading →

Orwall’s Foreclosure Fairness Act signed into law

OLYMPIA – Hope came to life this morning for thousands of Washington families facing the loss of their homes, thanks to Gov. Chris Gregoire signing the Foreclosure Fairness Act of 2011 into law. The new law gives homeowners facing foreclosure … Continue reading →

Democrats call for referendum to rescue mental-health services

OLYMPIA—Forty-four House Democrats are calling for a statewide referendum that asks voters to end sales-tax preferences for out-of-state shoppers in order to save mental-health services for Washingtonians. Washington is the only state other than New Mexico that makes residents pay … Continue reading →

House approves new tools to combat ‘epidemic of child prostitution’ in Washington

OLYMPIA—Law enforcement agencies could soon have additional powers to combat child prostitution in Washington. The House voted 87-9 on Saturday to allow law enforcement to record private conversations and to use children in certain aspects of investigating child prostitution. “We … Continue reading →

Seattle Times endorses Dickerson proposal to legalize and regulate cannabis

OLYMPIA—The Seattle Times, the newspaper with the largest circulation in Washington and the Pacific Northwest, has endorsed Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson’s proposal to legalize and regulate the production, distribution and sale of cannabis in Washington state. The editorial, The Washington … Continue reading →

Could cannabis help ease our state’s budget crisis?

Rep. Dickerson’s legislation could generate $400 million per biennium for Washington OLYMPIA—State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson introduced legislation today that could generate $400 million of new revenue for the state by regulating the production, distribution and sale of cannabis in … Continue reading →