Gov. Jay Inslee was pacing in the wings of the Senate as debate over Initiative 1000 came to a close during the final hours of the 2019 legislative session. The galleries above the floor were packed, and chants from the rotunda grew to a swell. Those anxious moments as the votes were counted one-by-one hung in time. As we crossed the threshold needed to enact I-1000, the weight of our achievement ending the 20-year ban on affirmative action began to sink in.

Overcome with emotion, I rushed off the floor and tried to find a quiet space in the middle of the crowd that had gathered to watch the vote — a historic vote that was a capstone to what had been an exhausting but incredible legislative session.

We passed strong policy to protect our environment, including our beloved southern resident orca whales. We made significant investments in affordable housing and social services, and strengthened tenant rights — all toward the goal of alleviating homelessness. We became the first state to adopt a publicly funded long-term care option and dedicated funding for a nation-leading education package guaranteeing access to a college education for all students who qualify for Washington’s Promise Scholarship.

And, for the first time in a decade, the Legislature finished a 105-day session on time and with a balanced budget.

After one of the most prolific and successful legislative sessions in recent memory, I paused to realize it was accomplished by the most diverse legislative body in the history of Washington state. From the diverse spectrum of gender, race, sexual orientation and economic circumstance, this body of legislators reflects more accurately the people we serve than ever before.

After my first session, it is even clearer to me why we must emphasize the value of equitable representation. In Washington state, thousands of bills are introduced in any given year and yet only a few hundred ultimately become law. Early on this session, as I was acclimating to the unique environment of Olympia politics, it became very clear to me that what legislation receives serious consideration is far more complex than vociferous debates between right and wrong. With less than 10 percent of bills likely to pass, controlling the conversation and presenting an issue in a way that demands discussion is paramount to success.

For too long, regular working families have felt excluded from the political process. Although we have had many champions working and advancing the causes for everyday people, I believe this session marked the beginning of new era of leadership — the result of new perspectives at the tables where decisions are made and where we can turn up the volume. It’s what becomes possible when we use majorities to prioritize people over profits.

I want to thank the residents of Vashon Island and everyone in the 34th District for the opportunity to serve our community. There is still much work to be done, but I am confident in the foundation we are building for the future, and I left Olympia with a renewed sense of hope.

Let us always remember, in the words of DeRay McKesson: “Hope is not magic. Hope is work. Let’s get to work.”

— Joe Nguyen is a state senator who represents the 34th Legislative District.