education. He justified his actions by saying, "Since before this legislative session began, the message from my constituents has been loud and clear. Another budget that is unsustainable, relies upon accounting gimmicks and sets our state up for a perennial deficit is simply unacceptable. If we ever want to get ahead of our budget crises, our state needs wholesale government reform and a budget that reflects our commitment to sustainable governing." Majority Coalition Caucus On December 10, 2012, Tom announced that he would caucus with the Republicans to form the Majority Coalition Caucus (MCC). Tom became the new senate majority leader. On February 4, 2013, both Tom and Tim Sheldon, another Democratic senator who joined Republicans to form the MCC, were censured by the state Democratic Party for "gross disloyalty" and "perfidious behavior," cutting off their future access to party funds and mailing lists. This followed separate votes to censure Tom by the 5th and 43rd District Democratic organizations, Democrats in Tom's own 48th District, and the Pierce County Democrats. Amid the censures, state Republicans urged support of Tom. Personal life Tom's wife is Deborah. They have two children. References External links Legislative homepage Rodney Tom for State Senate Rodney Tom at ballotpedia.org 1963 births Living people Members of the Washington House of Representatives Washington (state) Democrats Washington (state) state senators Washington (state) Republicans People from Medina, Washington