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.”
Senator Murray believes that after a lifetime of hard work, older Americans deserve to enjoy their later years with dignity and financial independence. She will always fight to make sure our country is living up to the promise of Social Security and Medicare and will protect those important lifelines. Senator Murray is working to expand critical programs for seniors and families who need it most—such as Medicare and Medicaid, including home- and community-based services, and other supportive services like caregiving and home-delivered meals. She will continue working to make sure older Americans have affordable health care, secure housing, a safe, stable financial future, and the support they need and deserve. Senator Murray knows that seniors make up an important part of our nation’s middle class, and she will continue to make sure more seniors in Washington state and across the country have access to a secure retirement.