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OLYMPIA – Employers in Washington state who provide reproductive health care benefits would gain recourse against penalties imposed by other states under legislation filed by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) and Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle). “After the U.S. Supreme Court’s radical decision to take away reproductive freedom, lawmakers and governors in other states are attempting to penalize employers who provide reproductive health care benefits,” said Keiser, chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. “While we can’t change those states’ laws, we can provide employers who are simply providing reproductive health benefits with a way to ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 9, 2023  OLYMPIA – In Washington, abortions must be covered by all state-regulated health plans that cover maternity services, but out-of-pocket costs can currently be a burden for patients. Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver) and Rep. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) are looking to ease that burden through Senate Bill 5242 and its companion, Read More

The Washington State Senate has one of the best Page programs in the country and applications are now open! This is an exciting program which allows many young Washingtonians to get a closer look at the civic process and learn firsthand about state government and the Legislature. Pages are students sponsored by legislators who serve for one week during the legislative session. During that week, they spend time in Page School learning about the legislative process while also distributing materials throughout the Capitol campus, assisting legislators, working on the Senate floor, and presenting the colors at the opening of ...

At a ceremony in Bellingham, Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) was sworn into office today by Judge Cecily Hazelrigg with family, friends, and supporters looking on. Shewmake replaces Republican Sen. Simon Sefzik in the Senate, who was appointed to replace Sen. Doug Ericksen after Ericksen’s death in late 2021. Shewmake defeated Sefzik in the 2022 election, and was sworn in to fulfill the final weeks of what would have been Ericksen’s term, followed by a full four-year term starting in 2023. Shewmake previously served in the state House of Representatives. In the Senate, Shewmake is slated to serve as Vice ...

OLYMPIA – Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell) has been chosen to chair the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committee in the 2023 legislative session. “Our state has the strongest economy in the country and has been recognized as one of the best places both to do business and to be a worker,” said Stanford. “I’m honored my colleagues have chosen me to lead our efforts to build on that success.” Gaming, an issue area added to the committee’s bailiwick this year, has been the topic of legislation in recent years to legalize and regulate sports wagering. The committee ...

OLYMPIA – Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) was unanimously selected by her peers in the Senate Democratic Caucus to chair the newly formed Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee in the 2023 legislative session.

“I’m honored to assume this new position,” said Lovelett. “Since I began public service, I have been proud to prioritize collaboration between all levels of government on the issues most pressing to our communities, and I look forward to continuing that work as a committee chair.”

Olympia– Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) was selected by her Senate colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Caucus Whip during the 2023 session. “I am both humbled and enthusiastic to have been selected by my peers to serve in this position,” said Nobles. “From the start of my tenure in the Senate, I’ve stressed the importance of transparency in my office. I’ve valued so deeply the ability for community to be civically engaged and understand the nuances of the Legislature in order to make changes in the issues they care about. I’m elated to be able to further this ...

Olympia– Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-White Center) was selected by the Senate Democratic Caucus to chair the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee in the 2023 legislative session. “Washington is a renowned environmental leader powered by a robust technology sector and an innovative energy industry,” said Nguyen. “The conversations in this committee aren’t just about our state’s immediate needs, but also about the infrastructure we are building for an equitable future. I’m deeply honored to assume this position, not just as a representative of our community, but as a parent.”

OLYMPIA – The Senate Democratic Caucus today voted to confirm committee membership and leadership positions for the 2023 Legislative session. “Our majority caucus continues to become a more accurate reflection of the people we represent,” Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig said. “Lawmaking is most effective with diverse voices and perspectives at the table. Our caucus, like our state, includes people of many different backgrounds, ages, and lived experiences. Those experiences and diverse opinions result in better policies and ensure that we are working to make progress for everyone in Washington state. “We’re excited and humbled to enter our sixth ...

OLYMPIA – A report on car tab payment options is available to the public now. The Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) received legislative direction to convene a Vehicle Registration Payment Options Workgroup to analyze payment options for vehicle fees and publish a report. “I appreciate the approach we took to analyze this issue,” said Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), who spearheaded the effort during the 2020 legislative session in response to requests from her community. “We used surveys and focus groups to center community members and hear from those directly affected.” The JTC contracted with BERK Consulting to study the ...