News

“Congratulations to Sen. John Braun. This is a well-earned honor for someone who has been at the center of many of the key decisions that have impacted our state in recent years.

“I have frequently found myself in deep policy debates with Sen. Braun on the Senate floor and at numerous negotiating tables. And although we have had differences of opinion on many issues, he has always shown himself to be a thoughtful, honest, and hard-working legislator.

“As we enter a critical moment in our state’s history, I look forward to working ...

OLYMPIA – The Senate Democratic Caucus on Monday voted to confirm committee membership and leadership positions ahead of the 2021 Legislative session. “I am proud of the work Senate Democrats have done in putting people first in recent years,” said Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane). “The pandemic has challenged our state like never before and this upcoming session will be unlike any other. I am confident that we have the team to meet these challenges head on and do our part in helping all Washingtonians battle back stronger than before.” Key changes to committees include the following:

• Sen. ...
  Read More

OLYMPIA – State Senator Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, released this statement following today’s announcement from Gov. Jay Inslee on economic relief for individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19. “This economic aid package was developed in consultation with budget writers and prioritizes much-needed relief for small business owners and the thousands of workers who find themselves without a job through no fault of their own. Senate Democrats remain committed to helping our state’s small businesses, including through regulatory relief and assistance for displaced workers. We are counting on communities across the ...

OLYMPIA – State Senator Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, released this statement following today’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting: “This updated forecast will put the Legislature in a better position to meet the needs of struggling families and small businesses when we convene in January. Our state still has a lot of challenges ahead, which I’m confident we will continue to meet, and we continue to look to our federal government to help get us through these trying times.”

OLYMPIA – State Senator Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, released this statement following today’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting: “Washington’s diverse economy is showing signs of resilience. While we will still face many challenges ahead, there are some extremely positive signals for our state’s financial picture in this forecast and it represents an enormous step in shoring up our state’s projected budget deficit. “Thanks to action by lawmakers to hold $3 billion in reserves and difficult decisions made earlier this year by the governor to veto legislation and reduce spending, ...

Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) on Thursday issued the statement below on the US Supreme Court's decision to reject the Trump Administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA): “This news comes as a tremendous relief for the thousands of DACA recipients living in Washington. From the time the Trump Administration began its racist, xenophobic campaign against immigrant communities across this nation, people who know no other home but this one, have lived in fear. “In our Washington we have taken strides to ensure immigrants have access to education, health care and jobs. This includes our ...

OLYMPIA – Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, released this statement following today’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting: “Today’s forecast gives us a better understanding of the enormous fiscal challenges facing our state in the months to come. We will continue our work to address the immediate impacts of the pandemic and prepare to make smart, informed budget decisions that will protect households from the continued impacts of a sustained downturn. “While we remain hopeful that our federal partners will act responsibly and support states with a relief package, it will ...

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) released the statement below following today’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting:

“Since session concluded in March, we have not stopped our work to ensure all working people, businesses and those disproportionately impacted by both the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 receive the support they need to survive this crisis in the short-term and thrive in the long-term.

“Today’s revenue forecast gives us a better understanding of the size of the economic problem and reaffirms that we have a daunting task ahead. As we ...

Working people and small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, the Senate Special Committee on Economic Recovery heard from a variety of experts about ways to help people and businesses recover.

The bipartisan committee focused its first meeting on a wide variety of topics, including unemployment, regional challenges, challenges faced by small businesses, short and long-term recovery strategies, supply chain issues, and much, much more.

“Solving this crisis will require us to be thoughtful, creative and resist the temptation to retreat to our ideological corners. ...