Patty was born and raised in Bothell, Washington where she grew up with her parents and six siblings—including a twin sister. Her father managed a Main Street 5 and 10 cent store, where she worked growing up and first learned the value of strong work ethic. When Patty was a young teenager, her father—a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient—was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and in a few short years, his illness got so bad he could no longer work. Patty’s mother, who had stayed home to raise their family, had to take care of him while also working to support their family. She found some work, but it didn’t pay enough to support Patty and her six brothers and sisters—and a husband with growing medical bills. Thankfully, they lived in a country where the government didn’t just say “you’re on your own.”
When workers succeed, our businesses, our economy, and our country succeeds. That’s why Senator Murray is focused on supporting working families, creating jobs, and growing the economy in Washington state. She believes we need an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the very top.
As the Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Murray is leading the efforts to strengthen workers’ rights, raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, end subminimum wages for tipped workers, youth workers, and workers with disabilities, establish a national paid leave program, and protect the right of workers to collectively bargain and unionize, including by leading the fight for the PRO Act in the Senate. She is a strong supporter and advocate of unions, and believes they can make all the difference in ensuring good benefits and safe working conditions for workers across the country.
Senator Murray also recognizes the extreme inequities that persist in our economy. From closing the wage gap, to fighting income inequality, to protecting workers with disabilities, Senator Murray is committed to addressing these inequities and creating a fairer economy for everyone. She will continue to fight to ensure every worker gets the wages, benefits, working conditions, and support they need and deserve.