OLYMPIA - The Washington State Senate today approved the spending portion of Move Ahead Washington, a 16-year transportation investment package. Senate Bill 5689, the Supplemental Transportation Budget, invests primarily in ferries, backfilling of Connecting WA projects, and preservation and maintenance while Senate Bill 5975 funds carbon reduction initiatives.
“We are on the verge of a new day in Washington – one that puts people, our environment, and working families at the ...Read More
OLYMPIA – Legislation to increase road safety and decrease traffic fatalities was introduced in the Washington State Senate today. Senate Bill 5982 would lower the blood alcohol limit for operating a motorized vehicle, while Senate Joint Memorial 8010 requests Congress to mandate the use of technology to prompt motorists to conform to local speed limits. Both pieces of legislation come following reports indicating an increase in fatalities on Washington roads in recent years, and aim to make streets safer ...
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OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate today approved revenue sources for Move Ahead Washington; the 16-year transportation investment package sponsored by Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett). Senate Bill 5974 passed the chamber on a 29-20 vote Tuesday evening. Move Ahead Washington includes $16.8 billion in investments for projects across the state, including historic funding for public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian safety, road preservation and maintenance, and climate mitigation.
“We are on the verge of a new day in Washington – ...Read More
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate approved legislation this week to expand access to loan forgiveness for people who work in public service. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that allows borrowers employed full-time in public service jobs to get their student loans repaid. Senate Bill 5847, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett), requires employers to notify public service employees of their eligibility and provide them with resources on how they can enroll and have their public service recognized.
“Too many of our neighbors are feeling the burden of student loan debt, ...Read More
A bill to restrict the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines in Washington was approved by the state Senate on a 28-20 vote Wednesday. Senate Bill 5078, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett), prohibits the manufacture, sale, import or transfer of large-capacity magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The approved legislation does not ban the current possession of a high-capacity magazine.
“My community has seen firsthand the devastating impact that gun violence can have on families,” said Liias. “We need to act now to protect residents across the state from unnecessary harm, ...Read More
OLYMPIA – On Tuesday, Senate and House Transportation Committee Chairs Sen. Marko Liias, D – Everett, and Rep. Jake Fey, D – Tacoma, unveiled Senate Bills 5974 and 5975 and House Bills 2118 and 2119 — Move Ahead Washington — a 16-year transportation proposal for Washington state. The $16 billion package provides historic funding for preserving our infrastructure, combating climate change by reducing emissions, expanding safe, affordable transit options, and addressing harm caused in communities of color from our existing transportation system.
“Washington is a nationwide leader ...Read More
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Senate approved bipartisan legislation today to ensure Washingtonians who pay for private long-term care insurance are able to receive benefits when they are needed most. Senate Bill 5508, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett), passed on a unanimous vote. The legislation would align state law with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act to ensure the Guaranty Fund will remain solvent in the long term.
“This is an important step to make sure Washingtonians ...Read More
OLYMPIA - The Senate Health & Long Term Care and Rules Committees approved legislation this week to ensure Washingtonians who pay for private long-term care insurance are able to receive benefits when they need it most. Senate Bill 5508, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett), would align state law with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act to ensure the Guaranty Fund will remain solvent in the long term.
“This is an important step to make sure Washingtonians ...Read More
