Bob Hasegawa papers, 1961-2017

Robert "Bob" Alan Hasegawa, born on September 22, 1952, is an American labor leader and politician known for his service as a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 11th Legislative District since January 2013. Hasegawa, a resident of Seattle's Beacon Hill, has played a significant role in both the labor movement and the political landscape of Washington State.

Early Life and Education

Hasegawa grew up in Seattle, residing in the Beacon Hill neighborhood where he spent his childhood. As the son of Japanese immigrants, his family endured internment during World War II, a historical aspect of his upbringing. After graduating from Cleveland High School in 1970, Hasegawa pursued higher education, studying physics at the University of Washington. He later graduated from Antioch University Seattle with dual concentrations in Labor Relations and Organizational and Social Change. Continuing his academic pursuits, he earned a Master of Public Administration from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. Additionally, he holds an Associate degree in Labor Studies from Shoreline Community College and pursued coursework in information technology at Seattle Central Community College. Hasegawa's dedication to public service extends to his family; his daughter, Toshiko Grace Hasegawa, has served as an elected Commissioner on the Seattle Port Commission since 2022.

Career

Hasegawa's professional background encompasses a variety of roles, reflecting his deep involvement in labor and civic activities. He has worked as a commercial truck driver, a certified transport operator, and a journey-level heavy construction equipment operator. Possessing a Class A-Commercial Drivers License with multiple endorsements, including hazardous material and pilot car driving, Hasegawa has also been certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for work at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Boeing Field.

His extensive tenure in the labor movement includes leadership positions within the Teamsters Union, where he served for over 32 years as a member and union leader. Notably, he held the position of head of Teamsters Local 174, the largest trucking local workers union in the Pacific Northwest, for three terms. Hasegawa was also actively involved in the national Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) reform movement. Additionally, he contributed as an executive board member of the King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, representing the transportation trades. His efforts in labor activism earned him recognition, including the proclamation of "Bob Hasegawa Day" in 2001 by Seattle Mayor Paul Schell and King County Executive Ron Sims. Furthermore, he received an award honoring the memory of labor activists Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes, who opposed the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. Beyond labor activism, Hasegawa has served on numerous boards and executive boards of community-based organizations, including the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA).

Politics

Hasegawa's political career began with his candidacy to succeed Representative Velma Veloria in the Washington State House of Representatives in 2004. He won the primary election and subsequently secured victory in the general election, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Washington State politics. In 2012, Hasegawa transitioned to the Washington State Senate, aiming to succeed Margarita Prentice. His successful election in November 2012 marked the beginning of his tenure in the Senate, where he has continued to serve since.In 2017, Hasegawa entered the mayoral race for Seattle, advocating for progressive values and community empowerment. While his mayoral bid concluded with a modest share of the primary vote, his commitment to advocating for Seattle residents remains steadfast.

Political Positions

Hasegawa's legislative agenda reflects his commitment to promoting equity, justice, and prosperity for all Washingtonians.

Healthcare: He has been a vocal advocate for universal public healthcare, introducing legislation such as SB.5222, The Washington Health Trust, in 2019, and sponsoring SJM 8006, which advocates for a federal-state partnership towards universal single-payer healthcare.

Housing: Hasegawa has prioritized addressing homelessness and housing affordability in Seattle, supporting initiatives to increase housing availability, invest in public housing, and protect renters' rights.

Taxes: He has criticized Washington's tax structure and advocated for reforms to address its regressive nature, including opposition to specific taxes such as the sweet-beverage tax.

State Bank: Hasegawa has been a proponent of public banking, introducing legislation to establish a state bank in Washington modeled after the Bank of North Dakota.

Affirmative Action: He supported Initiative-1000, aimed at re-legalizing affirmative action in Washington, in the State Senate.

(Source: "Bob Hasegawa." Wikipedia. Accessed: April 1, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hasegawa)