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Nobles named Senate Majority Caucus Whip

Nobles named Senate Majority Caucus Whip

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 ...

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Nguyen to chair Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee

Nguyen to chair Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee

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.”

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Senate Democrats set leadership, committees ahead of 2023 session

Senate Democrats set leadership, committees ahead of 2023 session

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 ...

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Nobles fulfills promise to investigate car tab payment options

Nobles fulfills promise to investigate car tab payment options

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 ...

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Billig re-elected Senate Majority Leader; Hasegawa again selected Caucus Chair

Billig re-elected Senate Majority Leader; Hasegawa again selected Caucus Chair

Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane) was re-elected Senate Majority Leader on Friday, a position he has held since first being selected by his colleagues for the post in November 2018. Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle) was selected Caucus Chair for the second time. Both were elected by acclamation. Billig begins his third term as majority leader. During his tenure, the Spokane lawmaker has seen the Senate pass landmark legislation to improve childcare, K-12 education, voting access, tax reform, gun safety, climate action, health care and much more. Under Billig’s leadership, the Legislature has adjourned on time five sessions in a row without ...

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Senator fights for BIPOC homeownership—with data

Senator fights for BIPOC homeownership—with data

A recently published Washington State report found a significant gap in homeownership among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color compared to their white community members. The report is a culmination of many months of findings from the Homeownership Disparities Work Group, which was funded by the Legislature in 2021. State Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Tacoma) was among the lawmakers advocating for the funding.

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Nobles steers state highway safety roundtable

Nobles steers state highway safety roundtable

After a 13-year-old boy died in a fatal biking accident amid an uptick in traffic fatalities, State Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) hosted fellow transportation leaders for an advocate roundtable as part of a listening tour on improving road safety. On July 19, Michael Weilert had entered the crosswalk near Pacific Avenue and 134th Street South after activating the crosswalk signal, but a motorist failed to yield to the signal.

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Nobles advocates to reduce child hunger and accelerate learning

Nobles advocates to reduce child hunger and accelerate learning

State Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-28) joined the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) last week for its proposal to provide school meals at no cost to all Washington students. “When kids don't have to think about an empty stomach, they can focus on learning,” said Nobles. “When kids have that freedom, they are healthier, do better in school, and have better relationships with friends and family. Enabling all Washington students to eat school meals free of charge is a tremendous step forward for stronger, healthier communities."

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Nobles remarks on recent shooting in community

Nobles remarks on recent shooting in community

TACOMA—Sen. T’wina Nobles releases the following statement as a response to the tragic and fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl in her neighboring district.

“We, as a community, have been inundated with tragedies. Earlier this week, a 14-year-old girl was fatally shot just blocks from where I work in Tacoma. I, like many of our community members, am overwhelmed with grief and frustration. This incident was one of several senseless shootings that have happened around our country in recent days. “In moments of such tragedy, I recognize the role as part of an elected body we have in the ...

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Sen. Billig: "Protecting the right to choose is a fundamental Democratic value"

Sen. Billig: "Protecting the right to choose is a fundamental Democratic value"

Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig released the statement below following the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v Jackson: “Today’s radical Supreme Court decision is wildly out-of-step with the vast majority of all Americans and certainly Washingtonians. “And let me be absolutely clear – while I’m proud of all we have done to protect these rights here in our state, they remain in place only because Democrats in the legislature are protecting them and have beaten back countless Republican attempts to undermine and end them.

“People concerned about losing access to abortion have the opportunity to ensure ...

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