News Releases

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 are more than 80 years old, thousands of miles of roads are overdue for paving, and five of our ferries are reaching the end of their lifespan. Preservation and maintenance are the two most important investments we can make right now ...

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

• 1 to 2 p.m. at the Rosehill Community Center (304 Lincoln Ave, Mukilteo, WA 98275)
• 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. at the Edmonds Waterfront Center (220 Railroad Ave Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020)

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 the Lion is one of Finland’s three official orders and awarded to people for their service and contributions to the country. Liias received the decoration in recognition of his legislative work, including his efforts to strengthen the relationship ...

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. Ferguson’s swift action to ensure jet fuel continues to be delivered safely to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this week. “The effects of this fuel leak and shutdown cannot be overstated. I’m deeply worried about the potential air travel disruptions and price increases we’ll ...

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 our aging ferry fleet. That’s why I support the governor’s decision to move forward with the lowest-cost bid for three new hybrid-electric ferries. “The budget constraints we face — combined with rising construction costs driven by tariffs and inflation — mean ...

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 future.  Senate Bill 5801, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), addresses declining fuel tax revenues and rising construction costs. The agreed-upon plan is expected to generate $3.2 billion over six years and includes a mix of ...

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 for live audiences. Under the law, using these animals in traveling acts is a gross misdemeanor, which carries maximum penalties of 364 days in jail or a $5,000 fine. “We measure societies by how they treat their ...

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 antiviral drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration without prior authorization for clients enrolled in Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program. The Legislature appropriated funds for this coverage in the 2023-25 operating budget, and the bill ...