As state lawmakers gathered on the Capitol campus for the first day of the 2015 legislative session, Sen. Joe Fain was sworn in for a second term representing South King County’s 47th District following his reelection in 2014.

“I appreciate that our community has entrusted me with the continued responsibility to represent them and respect the value and fragility of that trust,” said Fain, of Auburn. “Congratulations to all of my new and returning colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their service and good work. We have a great deal to accomplish this year and I look forward to addressing each of our opportunities and challenges in a bipartisan manner.”

Fain was first elected in 2010. During his first four years in office he: sponsored and passed successful legislation to strengthen DUI laws and penalties; worked to freeze college tuition rates for two consecutive years; helped increase K-12 education funding by more than $1 billion without raising taxes; increased services for thousands of people with developmental disabilities; and secured funding for a variety of local improvement projects in South King County.

“Our priorities for 2015 are both ambitious and attainable,” continued Fain. “We need to make meaningful investments to reduce traffic and improve our transportation system, and we must provide the resources our schools need to prepare every student for college or career.”

Fain re-affirmed the oath of office during the Senate’s opening proceedings with Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and Secretary of State Kim Wyman.