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Liias bill to reduce fees for branch college campuses heard in committee

Liias bill to reduce fees for branch college campuses heard in committee

OLYMPIA – Students attending branch campuses of public colleges in Washington could see a reduction in fees under legislation introduced by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett).  Senate Bill 5329 would ensure that fees for students attending branch campuses may only be charged if the fee is specific to the student or the campus where the student is enrolled, or if a comparable level of service is reasonably available to the student.  

“This idea ...

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Liias bill would enable seniors to retain more income each month

Liias bill would enable seniors to retain more income each month

OLYMPIA – Seniors and residents with disabilities in Washington would be allowed to retain more of their hard-earned money every month under new legislation introduced by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett). 

“This bill builds on progress we made last year to support our older neighbors and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive,” said Liias. “An increase in the monthly allowance will give more of our neighbors the freedom to afford small personal ...

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Liias re-elected to lead Senate Transportation Committee

Liias re-elected to lead Senate Transportation Committee

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.”
Under Liias’ leadership, the Legislature last session approved ...

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Governor signs Liias bill to expand loan forgiveness program

Governor signs Liias bill to expand loan forgiveness program

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 ...

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Governor signs historic 16-Year, $16.9 billion Move Ahead WA transportation package

Governor signs historic 16-Year, $16.9 billion Move Ahead WA transportation package

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 ...

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Liias bills to protect vulnerable seniors become law

Liias bills to protect vulnerable seniors become law

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 ...

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Bill to restrict sale of high-capacity magazines signed into law

Bill to restrict sale of high-capacity magazines signed into law

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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Legislature approves historic Move Ahead Washington transportation package

Legislature approves historic Move Ahead Washington transportation package

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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