BySenators Robinson, Billig, Brown, Braun, Carlyle, Cleveland, Conway, Darneille, Das, Dhingra, Fortunato, Frockt, Gildon, Hawkins, Hasegawa, Hobbs, Holy, Hunt, Keiser, King, Kuderer, Liias, Lovelett, Mullet, Nguyen, Nobles, Padden, Pedersen, Randall, Rivers, Rolfes, Saldaña, Sheldon, Short, Stanford, Wagoner, Warnick, Wellman, Wilson, C., and Wilson, L.

WHEREAS, John McCoy was first elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2003 and was elected to the State Senate in 2013; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy was a dedicated public servant, faithfully and tirelessly representing the people of the 38th legislative district for 17 years before retiring in 2020; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy began his honorable service with a 20-year career in the Air Force, gaining experience that would inform his deep dedication to serving the good of the people; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy was a leader in the community through his work to diversify the economy of the Tulalip Tribes by establishing and managing Quil Ceda Village; and, was a leader in the Senate as Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, never wavering in his inclusive and supportive approach to leadership; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy worked on a wide breadth of issues, including advocating for disenfranchised communities, lifting the voices of sovereign tribes, and expanding access to quality education and health care, as well as internet access for every Washingtonian; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy was an unrelenting force for those with the least financial resources and political power in the state, giving a voice to those who did not have one in our political process; and

WHEREAS John McCoy championed the passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act that expanded voting rights access in tribal communities; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy passed legislation that ensured Native American history, culture, and government would be taught in all school districts; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy worked persistently for 12 years to pass legislation that would allow dental therapists to provide care on reservations; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy was a strong advocate for the environment, pushing for tougher rules on oil transportation and water quality, as well as expanding production of alternative energy; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy faced challenges that seemed insurmountable with tenacity and perseverance, offering the advice of "It's okay to make a mistake as long as you learn from it… and are sure not to make the same mistake again!"; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy will be missed for his steady leadership, strong moral compass, and his ability to find the perfect bolo tie for every occasion; and

WHEREAS, John McCoy is a loving husband to his wife Jeannie, a father to three daughters, and a grandfather of 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize Senator John McCoy and the contributions he made to the state and the people during his 17 years of service in the legislature.