Category Archives: News Release

OLYMPIA — Sound Transit would be able to issue 75-year general obligation bonds under new legislation introduced by Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias (D-Edmonds). The bipartisan bill would give Sound Transit an additional financing tool to deliver promised projects to riders and keep up with rising constructions costs due to inflation and tariffs.   “Transit riders can’t ...

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed supplemental transportation budget for the 2025–27 biennium: “We cannot ignore that Washington’s infrastructure is aging. At least 10% of our bridges ...

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) is hosting two coffee chats Sunday, Dec. 14, to discuss the priorities and concerns of constituents in the 21st legislative district ahead of the 2026 legislative session. When and where: 1 to 2 p.m. at the ...

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) was awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion by Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola presented Liias with the decoration Dec. 3 at her residence in Washington, D.C.   The Order of ...

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued the following statement concerning the Olympic Pipeline shutdown. “The Olympic Pipeline is a lifeline for Washington state. This shutdown is nothing short of an emergency, and I appreciate Gov. ...

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) issued the following statement after Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that Washington has selected Eastern Shipbuilding Group to construct new ferries. “For too long, our Puget Sound communities have felt the strain of service disruptions caused by ...

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate approved a bipartisan transportation revenue package Friday to maintain and improve the state’s roads, bridges, ferries, and transit systems. After months of negotiation, the agreement marks a significant step toward securing Washington’s long-term transportation ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation banning the use of some animals in traveling acts was signed into law Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), prohibits traveling acts like circuses from using elephants, bears, tigers, lions, and nonhuman primates in performances ...

OLYMPIA — Bipartisan legislation ensuring the state’s Medicaid program continues to cover HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization was signed into law Friday. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), requires the Health Care Authority continue covering all HIV ...

OLYMPIA — The 2025-27 bipartisan transportation package passed the Senate Saturday.  The bipartisan package, which includes a spending plan, revenue bill, and bond bill, closes the $1 billion shortfall in the state’s budget for the 2025-27 biennium and commits funding ...