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.”
As the daughter of a World War II veteran and a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Murray is committed to making sure our country fulfills its promise to care for our veterans long after they return home from duty. She knows the sacrifices that veterans and their families have made and continue to make, and she’ll keep fighting for them as their voice in the other Washington.
Senator Murray has fought for increased benefits, housing assistance, new veterans clinics throughout Washington state, and more accountability from the Department of Veterans Affairs. She believes the country should do more to increase education opportunities, expand employment assistance, address the mental and physical trauma servicemembers may experience, and reduce wait times for veterans with pending claims or appeals. She is focused on helping women veterans overcome the unique obstacles they face to getting care and services, while also fighting to help make sure veterans can live independently while receiving the care they need. Senator Murray works closely with leaders in Washington state and across the country to make sure military families are supported during their service with quality housing, paid parental leave, and affordable child care.