News Releases

OLYMPIA — The 2019-21 Washington state operating budget invests $910,000 to NW Straits Commission for continued project support for Marine Resources Committees around Puget Sound.

"I'm so proud of the work the Northwest Straits Commission has done over its twenty year history in Washington state," said Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes). "This vital work ensures restoration and improved health of ...

OLYMPIA — Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) sent a letter to the Premier of British Columbia today calling on the provincial government to stop mining activity in the headwaters of the Skagit River.

"As a state legislator representing the communities and natural land of the Skagit River watershed, I am deeply concerned about the impacts of mining on the ecosystems ...

I am thrilled to host a town hall on the San Juan Islands this Saturday, May 4 at 3 p.m. at the Brickworks in Friday Harbor. Please join me to hear more about what we’ve accomplished in the 2019 Legislative Session.

OLYMPIA — The two-year capital construction budget passed unanimously today by the Legislature invests in priority infrastructure across the state in the areas of behavioral health, affordable housing, education, orca protection, and environmental health.

"Critical local projects for our communities that improve public safety, expand recreation and educational opportunities, and protect our environment are in this robust budget," ...

OLYMPIA — The Senate’s bipartisan passage of House Bill 2119 today will streamline the creation of the Harriet A. Spanel State Forest.

This is a critical component of finalizing the transfer of timber land — including public and private lands — in Blanchard Mountain.

"So many community members have been working to preserve and designate ...

OLYMPIA — Under current law, crimes motivated by hate are prosecuted as “malicious harassment.” HB 1732, passed today by the Senate, would more clearly call out these offenses for what they are by renaming the violations “hate crime offenses” in state law.

"We have a sorry history of hate in our country and, sadly, our state," said Sen. Liz Lovelett ...

OLYMPIA — The state Senate passed bipartisan legislation today to protect Washington's most iconic animal —the southern resident orca.

"The decline of orcas in Puget Sound requires our action on many fronts, including improving their food sources, removing toxins in the water, and reducing noise from boats," said Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes). "Few things are more emblematic of the dire consequences ...

OLYMPIA — The Washington Senate today approved a bill to help local governments provide sanctioned, temporary and transitional shelters.

Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) co-sponsored SB 5946, which would streamline permitting for communities that have declared a state of emergency due to the level of homelessness.  Under the bill, a temporary shelter would be exempt from the ...

OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate today approved a bill to set Washington state on a path to 100 percent clean energy.

Senators voted 28-19 in favor of Senate Bill 5166, sponsored by Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle). The bill would require all electric utilities in Washington to transition to a 100-percent, carbon-neutral electricity supply by 2030 and to 100-percent carbon-free electricity by ...

OLYMPIA —Legislation to strengthen protections and oversight of children in the foster care system under the state Department of Children, Youth and Families passed the Senate today on a 49-0 vote.

"It's so important for the state to give all children the great start in school and life they deserve, no matter the type of family or situation they are ...