News Releases

OLYMPIA — Local news outlets across Washington face significant challenges due to staffing cuts and declining revenue, resulting in a loss of critical coverage for many communities. In response, Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) has introduced Senate Bill 5400, a bipartisan effort aimed at supporting local journalism and ensuring the continued availability of important news.   The bill will be heard in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.  “Local ...

Morgan Smith, a student at College Place Middle School in Lynnwood, served as a Senate page during the week of Jan. 20-24.  Smith plays soccer and the trombone and is also a wrestler. She decided to join the page program because of her father, who also participated in the program.  During the program, she helped compose a bill about incorporating mental health education into school curriculums. She said her favorite part of the program was getting to ...

OLYMPIA — Study after study shows the use of cellphones and other devices in classrooms have a detrimental effect on students.  With that in mind, Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) has introduced bipartisan legislation to ask every school district in the state to develop policies to keep cellphones and other devices out of Washington’s classrooms.   “We know students of all ages do better when they can focus and actively engage during the school day,” said ...

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 ...