News Releases

OLYMPIA — Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) issued the statement below in response to Julie Meredith’s appointment to lead the Washington State Department of Transportation:  “For more than 30 years, Julie Meredith has tackled tough challenges and served Washington state with distinction in key leadership roles at the Department of Transportation. I am excited to see Gov.-elect Ferguson appoint her as the agency’s next leader.  “As assistant secretary for Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms, Julie has played a ...

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), Senate Transportation Committee chair, issued the statement below in response to the death of King County Metro bus driver Shawn Yim Wednesday:  "I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Shawn Yim, a King County Metro bus driver, in Seattle’s University District. This senseless act of violence is devastating, especially as we approach the holiday season — a time meant for families to come together, not to grieve the loss of a loved one.Read More

OLYMPIA – Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) expanded his leadership roles in the Washington State Senate, following a vote among Senate Democrats on Thursday.  Liias will continue to chair the Senate Transportation Committee, where he has been focused on expanding sustainable transportation options that help fuel a growing economy and serve the needs of Washington families.   Liias will return to the Environment, Energy & Technology, and the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committees, two key assignments central to Washington ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation to ensure the stories of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians are taught in schools was signed into law Monday.  Senate Bill 5462, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), requires school districts to adopt curriculum that covers inclusive, age-appropriate materials that tell the histories, contributions and perspectives of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians.  “The contributions of gay Washingtonians deserve recognition, and just as importantly, students deserve to see themselves in their schoolwork. That leads to better attendance, better academic ...

OLYMPIA — The Legislature on Thursday passed the supplemental transportation budget (HB 2134), a $14.6 billion plan which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.   “After a thorough negotiation process, I am happy that both chambers came to an agreement about this year’s supplemental transportation budget,” said Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), chair of the House Transportation Committee.  “The health of our transportation system is vital to ...

OLYMPIA — Earlier this year Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn approached Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) with an idea to better define what it means to be a peace officer in Washington state and help all officers in the state better do the jobs they were trained to perform.  That idea took the form of Senate Bill 6181, the substance of which was folded into Senate Bill 5424. That bill received a unanimous ...

OLYMPIA — The Department of Commerce announced recently that four local early learning centers were awarded grants through the Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program and will soon see major upgrades.  “There is nothing more beneficial to a young learner’s development than access to early learning programs,” Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) said. “This is great news for so many families and businesses in our community who rely on childcare and early learning.”  Facilities scheduled for an upgrade include:Read More

OLYMPIA — On Tuesday, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias unveiled the 2024 supplemental transportation budget, Senate Bill 5947, a $14.6 billion proposal which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.  “Our transportation system is the lifeblood of our economy, and this year’s budget makes critical investments in ferries, traffic safety, and improving mobility statewide,” Liias (D-Edmonds) said.  The supplemental budget proposal puts $150 million additional ...