News Releases

OLYMPIA – Following an internal vote by the Senate Democratic Caucus Thursday, Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett) was re-elected chair of the Senate Transportation Committee for the upcoming 2023 session.

“I’m honored that my colleagues have continued to place their trust in me to lead this crucial committee,” said Liias, who was first selected to chair the committee before the 2022 session. “I look forward to another session of prioritizing the needs of all Washingtonians.”

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today signed legislation to bring relief to the student debt crisis and to expand access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) program.  PSLF is a federal program that allows borrowers employed full-time in public service jobs to have their student loans repaid. Senate Bill 5847, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), helps to promote the program by ensuring public service employees are notified of their eligibility. The ...

OLYMPIA –Today, Gov. Jay Inslee signed the Move Ahead WA transportation package, investing in a sustainable and inclusive transportation system for Washington residents. Years of community engagement led to approval of the 16-year, nearly $17 billion package to meet the needs of all Washingtonians. Over the last two years, Democrats hosted more than 90 listening sessions across the state to hear what transportation projects and investments Washington residents need for a safe and accessible transportation future. Legislators used these conversations ...

OLYMPIA – Two bills intended to protect vulnerable seniors and ensure access to long term care services and supports were signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Both bills were sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett). SB 5508 ensures that Washingtonians who pay for private long-term care insurance can receive benefits when they are needed most. The legislation aligns state law with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act to ensure the Guaranty Fund will remain solvent in the ...

OLYMPIA – Legislation to limit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 5078, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prohibits the manufacture, sale, import or transfer of large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The law does not prohibit the current possession of high-capacity magazines.

“My community has experienced the tragedy of gun violence firsthand,” Liias said. “After a 2016 shooting killed three young people and left another seriously ...

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OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature gave final approval to a nearly $17 billion transportation package today.   Move Ahead Washington, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett) and Rep. Jake Fey (D – Tacoma), the respective chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees, invests $16.9 billion over 16 years in major projects throughout the state.  

“We said when this package was announced that it was a first ...

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OLYMPIA – Legislation to restrict the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines was approved by the Washington House of Representatives on a 55-42 vote Friday. Senate Bill 5078, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prohibits the manufacture, sale, import or transfer of large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The approved legislation does not ban the current possession of a high-capacity magazine. “Enough families have experienced the tragedy of gun violence in our state,” said Liias. “It is long overdue that we step up to ...

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Senate today approved the spending portion of Move Ahead Washington, a 16-year transportation investment package. Senate Bill 5689, the Supplemental Transportation Budget, invests primarily in ferries, backfilling of Connecting WA projects, and preservation and maintenance while Senate Bill 5975 funds carbon reduction initiatives. 

“We are on the verge of a new day in Washington – one that puts people, our environment, and working families at the ...

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