FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 30, 2023 OLYMPIA - Legislation to create more opportunity for housing near transit centers will be heard in the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee Tuesday morning. The bill aims to increase the state’s supply of diverse types of housing while amplifying recent investments made in public transportation.
“We’ve made massive investments in public transportation the last few years, and this bill would help us support even more of ...Read More
OLYMPIA – New legislation introduced in the Washington State Senate could create more opportunity for housing near transit centers, increasing the state’s supply of housing diversity while amplifying recent investments in public transportation.
“We’ve made massive investments in public transportation in recent years, and this legislation would help to make sure that funding supports more of our neighbors,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prime sponsor of the legislation. “By creating more housing near transportation centers, we can shorten commute times, decrease ...Read More
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 ...Read More
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 ...Read More
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 ...Read More
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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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 ...
Read MoreOLYMPIA – 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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