As a small business owner I provided health insurance to my employees for 20 years. As a woman I was shocked to learn that maternity care was covered, but abortion, under any circumstance, was not.

The Reproductive Parity Act would have fixed that. In the past, State Senator Steve Litzow (R, 41st Legislative District, Mercer Island) pledged support for the critical bill.

Instead, in 2013, Litzow cast a vote against bringing the bill to a vote of the full senate effectively killing the bill, despite his previously stated support.

This vote was all the more egregious because Sen. Litzow had been endorsed by NARAL, and served on their board. He had also verbally assured a meeting of women’s groups that he would support the bill.

Steve Litzow talks a moderate game, but votes a conservative line. I voted for him in the last election, but he’s lost my support.

On the other hand, Lisa Wellman is a champion of women, education, and small business owners like me. I am proud to cast my ballot for Lisa Wellman in November.

Jeanne DeMund,
Renton