Marko Liias

Blog

  • Business Champion (Again!)

    Posted Jun 04 at 6 PM

    I am honored to have been recognized as a Business Champion for the second year in a row by the Everett Area, South Snohomish and Monroe Chambers of Commerce!  As someone that helped start a small business, I know how tough it is to navigate the rules and regulations.

    As someone that lost that same business in this economic collapse, I know the pain that comes from watching your life's work crumbling in front of you.

    I look forward to working with small businesses throughout our community to get the economy restarted, and get people back to work.  Thanks again for the honor!

  • Fighting for students and families

    Posted Apr 23 at 4 AM

    Today, I was proud to lead the fight against an excessive and ill-conceived plan to raise tuition on our state's college students by nearly 30%.  This reckless policy will cost Washington's students and families nearly $2,000 by the end of 2011.

    As the youngest member of the Legislature, I rallied my colleagues and ensured that the bill passed with the minimum votes necessary to pass the House, 50-47.  While it was a defeat for students, it was a victory for accountability and transparency.

    Thanks to key amendments, our state's higher education institutions will have to open their books and be more accountable to our Legislature.  As Washington's students pay more, it will no longer be acceptable for administrators to collect larger and larger salaries, while producing little value for our students.

    I wish the outcome were different, but in the weeks and months to come, I will continue to stand up for the next generation of leaders in our state.  This is not the change we hoped for, and it is not the progressive leadership we demand.

  • Virtual Town Hall

    Posted Apr 05 at 5 AM

    Should the Legislature raise taxes?  Should we fund education or health care?  What are your priorities for our state budget?

    I will be asking these questions and more this Tuesday, April 7th, during a virtual Town Hall on taxes and the budget.  If you live in the 21st District and have a landline, you should receive a call at 6:00pm.  The Town Hall will take place over the phone and it will last one hour.

    If you don't have a landline, or you don't receive our call, you can call in and participate.  Visit this link for more information!

  • Now Showing: Inside Olympia

    Posted Mar 14 at 2 AM

    Marko appeared on this week's episode of "Inside Olympia" to talk about the budget and other big issues in the Legislature.

    The show appears on TVW and is hosted by Austin Jenkins of NPR.  House Minority Floor Leader Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) also appeared to give a Republican perspective on the issues.

  • Sign up for text message updates!

    Posted Feb 22 at 6 PM

    I have just set up a new text messaging campaign to keep you up to date on all my campaign events for the 2010 election cycle!

    This list will be used to notify you of fundraisers, kickoffs, campaign events, and most importantly--when and how to VOTE!

    You will receive on average one text message per month, so don't worry about text spamming...

    Group text messaging by Tatango.

  • Response to Boeing Layoff Announcement

    Posted Jan 09 at 4 PM

    "The layoffs announced by today by Boeing will affect our entire state, but they will have a particularly detrimental effect on our community, which is home to many aerospace-industry employees. These layoffs underscore the need for the legislature to begin work immediately next week on a plan to stimulate the economy and provide assistance for those who lose their jobs. I, for one, am ready to roll up my sleeves and tackle these difficult issues.”

    Rep. Marko Liias, January 9, 2009

  • Paine Field Town Hall

    Posted Jan 05 at 2 AM

    I will be cohosting a Town Hall meeting this Thursday, January 8th from 6-8pm at the new Mukilteo City Hall.

    The meeting is being cohosted by Senator Paull Shin and Rep. Mary Helen Roberts.

    We will be discussing the potential for expansion of commercial air service at Paine Field and how citizens can get involved and make your opinion heard.

    As I have said previously, I am firmly opposed to expansion of air service at Paine Field.  This Town Hall will be an opportunity to hear what you think!

    Details: Town Hall Meeting on Paine Field

    Thursday, January 8, 2009

    6:00-8:00pm

    Mukilteo City Hall, 11930 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo, WA

  • Fundraising Freeze in Effect

    Posted Dec 13 at 4 PM

    As of 11:59pm on Friday, December 12, 2008, Liias for Legislature can no longer solicit or accept contributions.  State law prohibits contributions during the legislative session and in the thirty days prior to the start of the session.

    Any contributions that do not meet this timeline will be returned with our sincere thanks.

    Thank you all for your support and generosity to the campaign, we could not have achieved such strong results in November without you!

  • Contacting me during the legislative session

    Posted Nov 14 at 3 AM

    The 2009 legislative session will convene in January and last for 105 days. During this time, I will be spending most of the week in Olympia, and it is best to contact me through my legislative office.

    I appreciate your feedback on the important decisions we will make this year, and I need to hear your thoughts on the issues that are important to our state.

    Contact information in Olympia

    Legislative Aide: Paige DeChambeau
    Office telephone: (360) 786-7972
    Email: liias.marko@leg.wa.gov

    Visiting Olympia?

    If you are planning a visit to the State Capitol, let me know!  There are tours available, and I always appreciate a chance to see friends.  Our schedule is very hectic during the legislative session, so it helps to call a few days in advance to let me know you will be in the area.

  • Comcast Newsmakers Interview

    Posted Nov 06 at 8 PM

    Marko was interviewed today for a Comcast Newsmakers segment that will be included on Comcast channels later this month.

    Tony Ventrella asked Marko about career and technical education and other subjects during the short interview at Redmond City Hall.

    Click below to view the video via YouTube.

  • Marko leads with 66%

    Posted Nov 05 at 6 PM

    The initial results are in, and Marko has been elected!  He is currently leading with nearly 20,000 votes and 66%.  A big THANK YOU to all our volunteers and supporters.

    Marko says a special thanks to campaign manager Robert Knoll!

  • Mukilteo Beacon endorses Marko

    Posted Oct 30 at 2 AM

    Marko's hometown paper has endorsed him for the Legislature!  The Mukilteo Beacon announced its support on Wednesday.  The endorsement focused on Marko's background on the Mukilteo City Council and his record in one short session.

    The Mukilteo Beacon is the fourth newspaper to endorse Marko Liias, continuing the unanimous support of editorial boards in this race.

    Here is an excerpt:

    "In his first year in Olympia, Liias worked hard to prove his worth, shepherding three bills to passage. The most important, perhaps, was creation of a $10 million emergency fund to save low cost housing – such as mobile home parks and apartments – in danger of being lost to new development... Residents of the 21st District deserve a representative who cares. We support Marko Liias."

    To read the full endorsement, click here.

  • Enterprise endorses Marko

    Posted Oct 25 at 2 AM

    The Enterprise newspapers have endorsed Marko Liias for state representative!  The editorial board's endorsement is the third in a string of support from every newspaper to make a recommendation in the race.

    Here is an excerpt:

    "Liias was appointed to the Legislature in January to fill out the remainder of Rep. Brian Sullivan's term. He's worked hard in Olympia on affordable housing, education and business and technology. He deserves a chance at a full term to show voters what he can do, and receives our full backing."

    To read the full endorsement, click here.

  • Seattle Times Endorses Marko

    Posted Oct 14 at 3 AM

    The Seattle Times has become the second major newspaper to endorse Marko in his race for the Legislature.

    Click here to read the full set of endorsements.

    "Rep. Marko Liias seeks election to the Position 2 House seat he was appointed to last January when four-term state representative Brian Sullivan was elected to the Snohomish County Council. Democrat Liias was elected to the Mukilteo City Council in 2005, and he takes that solid local experience to Olympia."

  • Marko featured on Q13 News

    Posted Oct 10 at 3 AM

    Our race is attracting some local media attention as Election Day nears!

    This story in the Edmonds Enterprise led to a full story on Q13 news at 10pm on Thursday.  Click here to read the Q13 story.

    Marko did a great job talking about the issues in our district, and why a younger voice in the Legislature is an asset for our community.

    We still need your help taking that message to the last few voters though, so consider sending a final donation to support our campaign!

    Click here to contribute online.

  • Everett Herald endorses Marko!

    Posted Sep 24 at 4 AM

    The Everett Herald has officially endorsed Marko for election this fall!

    Below are excerpts from the endorsement, or you can click here to read the full endorsement!

    "Liias has political experience to complement his clear thinking and good ideas.

    He's on the House Education Committee, where he'll champion high standards and accountability, but also prudent changes to the WASL ...

    He's also a strong proponent of bringing a technology-oriented four-year public university campus to Everett.

    We think Liias has the intelligence, commitment and self-confidence to become an outstanding lawmaker."

    (emphasis added)

  • The "Chief" Endorsement

    Posted Sep 18 at 3 AM

    I am so pleased to announce that the Snohomish County Fire Chiefs Association has endorsed my campaign!

    Earlier this week, I shared the support we have received from mayors in our area, now its the CEOs of our vital public safety agencies--our fire chiefs.

    As a city councilman, I helped Mukilteo hire a new fire chief, and I saw first hand what a big job our fire chiefs take on every day.

    In the email from the Association, they cited my support for Washington's firefighters.  Ever since I got involved in our local EMS campaign, I have been a strong advocate for all of our first responders.

    When we are in trouble, they come to our aid, when we leave the building, they are running into it.  Standing up for these everyday heroes is a privilege, and I am honored to have their support.

    To see all of my endorsements, click here.

    To add your name to the list, click here!

  • Eight Mayors Agree

    Posted Sep 15 at 4 AM

    We have heard a lot about mayors lately, especially small town mayors.  That is why I am so proud to have the support of eight mayors right here in our area.

    Mayors are the CEOs our cities, and they know good leadership when they see it.  That is why they have joined our campaign.

    Three of these mayors have signed the Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, which is a local commitment to take action on global warming.  I am proud to have environmental leaders like Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, and Lynnwood Mayor Don Gough on my team.

    I am also pleased to note that mayors from every city in the 21st District have endorsed my campaign.  These leaders from every corner of our community know that I am advocate and a partner for every family in our district.

    For all the national attention that has been given to mayors lately, I am proud to have the support of eight superb mayors!

    List of Mayors:

    Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb
    Brier Mayor Bob Colinas
    Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson
    Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson
    Lynnwood Mayor Don Gough
    Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith
    Mukilteo Mayor Pro Tem Randy Lord
    Shoreline Mayor Cindy Ryu

  • Statewide leadership

    Posted Sep 04 at 3 AM

    The state's new consumer protection website went live this week, and already it is receiving statewide news coverage.

    I was pleased to sponsor the bill that created the new resource, and I am so pleased that consumers across the state will now benefit from the resources that exist.

    Links:

    Click here to watch a TV story from KNDU in the Tri-Cities.

    Click here to visit the consumer protection site.

  • Strong Job Growth

    Posted Sep 01 at 7 PM

    Mukilteo and Lynnwood are leading the state in job creation, according to a new report. Strong growth in the manufacturing sector has helped create nearly 3,000 new jobs in the two cities according to the Puget Sound Regional Council.

    The growth from 2006-2007 places the cities in the top 10 communities across the state in terms of job creation. A strong and vibrant aerospace industry has reinforced the growth in manufacturing jobs.

    Our strategy is working, by investing in small aerospace companies, like we did this past session, we are creating family-wage jobs and keeping the economy strong.

    I was proud to be the House sponsor of the bill to extend the Boeing tax incentive package to our smallest aerospace companies, and I was pleased that the bill made it to the governor and was signed into law.

    In the coming session, I will continue to be a strong advocate for more good, family-wage jobs in our community. Though our national economic picture is uncertain, I am hopeful that we can make progress here at home.

  • Empowering Consumers

    Posted Aug 28 at 7 PM

    Starting today, Washington's consumers have one more tool in their arsenal: information. A new one-stop consumer protection website went live this morning and consumers are already benefiting.

    The website covers several major topic areas including children, education, and product safety. Included within the topics are hundreds of links to existing resources for consumers.

    “The bottom line is that we are already paying for these services, but people do not always know where to turn for help. This website will empower people to protect themselves and their families,” said Rep. Marko Liias.

    The website is the product of a bill introduced by Rep. Liias, which was signed into law by the Governor in April. As a new representative, Rep. Liias was instrumental is passing legislation directing state government to create the new resource for consumers.

    The full web address for the site is: http://access.wa.gov/consumer

  • Huge Primary Victory

    Posted Aug 20 at 1 PM

    The first results are in, and we exceeded all expectations!  Marko Liias received 61.59% of the vote, which is historic for a first time Democrat in this swing district.

    Rep. Marko Liias released this brief statement:

    "I want to thank the voters of the 21st District for their strong support tonight.  We have visited thousands of doors with my positive message, and it is so gratifying to see the results of our work.  I look forward to a strong campaign this fall, and the opportunity to get to work as your voice in Olympia."

  • New website

    Posted Aug 19 at 5 PM

    We are in the process of upgrading our website for the General Election campaign, give us feedback on how you like the new format!



Paid for by Liias for Legislature