The 2020 Washington State Legislative session began at noon Monday, Jan. 13, with an opening ceremony in which Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was sworn in as Speaker of the House.

Rep. Jinkins is the first woman, as well as the first openly lesbian person to be selected as House Speaker in Washington state history. Those in attendance, including many wearing white in honor of the 100th year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, cheered in congratulations for Rep. Jinkins.

The 2020 legislative session is expected to run until March 12.