State Reps. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-36, Ballard), best known as a child health care advocate and most recently as a proponent of legalizing marijuana, and Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney (D-46, N. Seattle), who ushered through a homelessness funding bill this session, announced to their Democratic colleagues in caucus today that they will not seek reelection.

Dickerson was first elected in 1994. She is the chair of the chair of the Health and Human Services Appropriations committee.

Gutierrez-Kenney was first elected in 1997. She made a brief play to fill state senator Scott White's seat when he died late last year, but her District colleague now state Sen. David Frockt (D-46, N. Seattle) was appointed.

Here's Gutierrez-Kenney's email to her colleagues:

From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2012 2:58 PM
To: @HDC Members; @HRC Members; @HDC Staff; @HRC Staff; @OPR Staff; @SDC Members; @SRC Members
Subject: Point of personal privilege


Dear Friends,

I want to tell you this news myself before you hear it through the Legislative grapevine – I have decided that this will be my last term in the House of Representatives.

The Legislature is an institution that I hold very dear to my heart, and I count many of my colleagues – in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle – among my closest friends.

We may not see eye to eye on some issues, but I believe all of us, Democrats and Republicans, come to Olympia with a true commitment to the people we represent and a true desire to make our One Washington a better place for all. Thank you all for the work you do!

I would also like to thank my Legislative Assistants who have helped keep me on track, as well as the staff in the Office of Program Research and the House Democratic Caucus who have worked tirelessly alongside me all these years. Without their dedication and amazing work ethic I would not have been able to accomplish so many things.

I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my husband, my children, and my grandchildren, but I intend to keep fighting for the people of our state. I will be devoting a large amount of my time to an organization that I and other members of the community have been developing called “Latino Advocacy and Leadership Institute.” The Institute’s vision and goal is to provide Leadership Training to young people on how to get involved in government at the state and local level.

I also intend to stay involved in commissions and boards which I feel are making a difference in our community. These are exciting times and I am looking forward to this opportunity to make change in a whole new way.

Thank you all again for the last 16 years!

With affection,

Phyllis