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We're all in this together
The official blog of the Senate Ways & Means Chair, Ed Murray
“The country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” -FDR
Sen. Murray proposes capital gains tax, other revenue solutions. 2/6/2012
To fund the services Washingtonians need, Sen. Murray has proposed a series of revenue ideas, including phasing out a temporary increase in the sales tax.
As the Associated Press reported today:
Sen. Murray's remarks on the marriage equality bill 2/2/2012
The following are Sen. Murray's remarks on the marriage equality bill, as prepared:
I recognize the issue before us; granting gay and lesbian couples the right to marry, is as contentious as any issue the Senate has debated in its history.
"We share the same short moment of life" 2/1/2012
"The citizens of Washington state have come to understand that lesbian and gay families are their neighbors and their friends," said Sen. Ed Murray, prime sponsor of the mariage equality bill passed Wednesday.
SB6239 cleared the Senate in a historic, 28-21 vote.
Sen. Murray and partner Michael Shiosaki on why marriage matters 1/23/2012
Listen to Sen. Murray and Michael Shiosaki, partners of more than 20 years, explain what passing marriage equality will mean, for them and for Washington state.
Compassion is the only path to equality 1/16/2012
Sen. Ed Murray submitted the following editorial on Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
Today we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the midst of our struggle to achieve equality for lesbian and gay families. It's a special opportunity for those of us who want equality to reflect on the strength of Dr. King's nonviolent methods in achieving social change.
Marriage equality bill introduced with bipartisan support 1/13/2012
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, today announced he has introduced a bill that will provide marriage equality to gay and lesbian couples in Washington state. The legislation, Senate Bill 6239, was sponsored by 23 senators, including members of both parties, and was requested by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
"I am honored to introduce this legislation, to have the support of the governor and so many of my colleagues, and most of all to do my part in ending discrimination against Washington families," said Sen. Murray. "We cannot be assured our bill will pass, but we’re closer than ever to our shared goal of greater justice."
Sen. Murray's statement on governor's endorsement of marriage equality 1/4/2012
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, issued the following statement regarding the governor's support of same-sex marriage in Washington:
Murray discussed the issue with the Seattle Times and readers in a live online chat earlier today. You can read that here.
We represent people, not numbers 12/20/2011
On a budget sheet, education, prisons and health care are all separate columns with their own numbers. But in the real world, in my community in Seattle and in communities across Washington, there are no numbers. There are just people.
I want to share a powerful story to illustrate that point. Franklyn came to Olympia to remind us that adult dental care can give a homeless man his smile back – and with it his confidence and his ability to contribute to his community.
Budgets connect people with careers 12/16/2011
One compelling story we heard over the past few weeks came not in the form of testimony, but in a video message from Washingtonians who were hoping for a better future -- people who had been laid off or out of work but now hope to be medical assistants, welders, or machinists, or to learn English so they can get a job and chase the American Dream. Their hopes and dreams depend on colleges supported by our state budget.
Real need exists everywhere in Washington 12/15/2011
At the opening of the special session, Ned Hammar, a family practice doctor from Okanogan, drove six hours to Olympia then waited in our committee for more than two hours so he could speak to Legislators for just nine minutes. But they were an important nine minutes.
He wanted to share the stories of his patients with us. Today, I want to share his stories with you.
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News
Sen. Murray’s statement on the House vote on marriage equality 2/8/2012
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, issued the following statement regarding today's scheduled vote on his marriage equality bill, SB 6239, which is expected to pass the House and go on to the governor, who fully supports the measure:
Sen. Murray’s statement on Prop 8 ruling 2/7/2012
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, issued the following statement today regarding a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declaring California's law against same-sex marriages unconstitutional: