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OLYMPIA - Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, shared the following statement regarding a transportation package today:

 "As we begin the 2022 session, I want to be clear that any transportation package I introduce in the Senate this year will not include a new gas tax. As our state continues to confront and recover from the pandemic, working class families still face the brunt of the economic burden. In light of these challenging times, it is imperative that we put people first to invest in communities and projects across the state without ...

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OLYMPIA - Gov. Jay Inslee, together with Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), released the following statements this morning on delaying the Washington Cares Fund premium assessment: “I have been in ongoing discussions with legislators about the long-term care bill, which is set to begin collecting funds in January. This bill will help provide much-needed care and coverage for Washingtonians as they age. However, legislators have identified some areas that need adjustments and I agree. We need to give legislators the opportunity to make refinements to the bill. Therefore, I am taking ...

  OLYMPIA – Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) has been chosen to chair the Senate Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee in the 2022 legislative session. “I’m honored to assume this new position,” said Wilson. “I will draw on my long experience as an educator to continue to address the root causes of the challenges facing our communities, including ensuring that the needs of our youth are met.” Wilson has served on the Senate Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee since 2018. The chair position became open earlier this fall when then-Sen. Jeannie Darneille retired from the Senate. “I look forward to ...

REDMOND – Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) has been chosen to chair the Senate Law & Justice Committee. “I’m honored to have the trust of my colleagues to lead our efforts to ensure the effective and equitable administration of justice in our state’s court system,” said Dhingra, who previously served as vice chair of the committee. During Dhingra’s tenure as vice chair, the Legislature passed legislation strengthening protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, lengthening the statute of limitations for rape, reducing firearm violence, and cracking down on financial fraud and identity theft. In the 2021 session, ...

OLYMPIA – The Senate Democratic Caucus today voted to confirm committee membership and leadership positions for the 2022 Legislative session. “I am so proud of all that’s been accomplished on behalf of all Washingtonians in recent years,” Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig said. “We’re leading on issues such as jobs, climate, voting rights, healthcare and much more. “We have more work to do, and this is the team that will help keep Washington on a path of prosperity.” Key changes to committees include:

• Sen. Manka Dhingra becomes chair of the Law & Justice Committee.
• Sen. Claire Wilson becomes chair of ...
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Sen. Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer Island) previews what is in the works for education in Washington state in a recent video. “We’ve been making changes to our education system to respond to the 21^st century’s growing, digital economy,” said Wellman. “We have committed to ensuring that every student who comes through our K-12 system is prepared to move into the next phase of their lives with the knowledge and skills to succeed. We have done the preparatory work, establishing pathways for graduation and setting standards for computer science in K-12. Now we are building on that work. I ...

OLYMPIA – Sen. Marko Liias (D- Everett) was chosen to chair the Senate Transportation Committee in an internal vote today by the Senate Democratic Caucus. “It is an honor that my colleagues trust me with this responsibility and have selected me for this position,” said Liias. “As we face dramatic changes to transportation revenue and mobility options, this is our moment to write a visionary, equitable, climate-focused transportation package that invests in our shared priorities while respecting our real and unique local needs.” The position became open last month following the appointment of the prior chair, former Sen. Steve Hobbs, to lead the Secretary of State’s office. Liias had served as Vice Chair of the House ...