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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 ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 7, 2021 Sen. Emily Randall (D-Bremerton) announced she will be sponsoring legislation to remove all tolls from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in under two years. The bill would transfer $772 million from the state’s general fund to pay off remaining debts on the bridge. “This proposal is bold but the demand is simple: our community here on the peninsula should get the infrastructure investments we need and deserve,” Randall said. “We have long raised our voices together about the problems with the way this bridge was financed, and the inequity of leaving toll payers responsible ...

Nobles named Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow

Olympia– State Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) has been selected as a 2022 NCSL Maternal and Child Health Fellow in a program designed to support legislators who are experienced or emerging leaders in maternal and child health.   “I look forward to joining this program in hopes of re-examining health care models to find how we can improve our health care systems to better serve historically disenfranchised communities,” said Nobles. “Approximately 700 women die annually in the United States as a result of pregnancy or complications during pregnancy. By investing in healthy children and families, we strengthen communities and avoid ...

  In 2021, Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) was recognized with numerous awards her work on policies in early learning and childcare, as well as comprehensive sexual health education. Below is a brief description of each award. Golden Crayon Award from the Early Learning Action Alliance for Wilson’s outstanding leadership in early learning and her commitment to advancing early learning policies and funding over the last year, which has been crucial for Washington’s children and families. Crayon Awards acknowledge achievements policymakers who support investments critical to supporting children and families. The award credited Wilson as a steadfast advocate of championing critical ...

Olympia– State Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Tacoma) joined U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in a virtual roundtable discussion with Amara, a Pacific Northwest based nonprofit that serves children in foster care, their families, and adoptees earlier last week. “We know children who experience foster care face higher risks of poverty, homelessness, incarceration, early parenthood and substance use disorders after exiting the foster care system,” Nobles said. “As someone who went through this system, I know how important it is to receive intervention and support.” The roundtable discussion focused on the impacts of the ...