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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's statement on President Obama's support of marriage equality 5/9/2012
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, sponsor of Washington's marriage equality law, issued the following statement today regarding President Barack Obama's support of the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry:
"In a 17-year effort to pass marriage equality legislation in Washington state, I have been inspired by the thoughtfulness and compassion shown by people of all walks of life as they consider such a deeply personal issue.
Sen. Murray’s statement on governor signing state budget 5/2/2012
Sen. Murray, the chair of the budget-writing Senate Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Chris Gregoire's signing of the budget approved by the Legislature:
"This is the first budget in four years to avoid cuts to Washington’s schools, colleges and universities. For families and students, that is great news. After the deep cuts of the past few years, I and many of my colleagues are pleased to have protected education and important services for Washingtonians who are sick, hungry or disabled.
Sen. Ed Murray’s statement on passage of a balanced budget 4/11/2012
Sen. Murray issued the following statement regarding the budget approved by the Legislature early Wednesday morning:
"Months ago when we began our work on this budget, we faced the prospect of making deep cuts to all state services. Instead, the Senate Democrats’ proposal in February was the first to fully protect education. Today we passed a budget that held the line on education. We passed a budget that preserved services that keep the most vulnerable Washingtonians safe and healthy. We protected family planning, food assistance and other services that had been targeted for cuts or outright elimination.
Sen. Murray's statement on Israeli LGBT delegation's visit 3/20/2012
OLYMPIA -- Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, issued the following statement regarding the recent Washington visit by the Alliance of Israeli LGBTQ Educational Organizations:
"Last week, a group of lesbian and gay delegates from Israel stopped in Seattle as part of a West Coast tour to promote awareness of LGBT issues within their country. In the ensuing days since their arrival, there appears to be a growing impression that no leaders of Washington's LGBT community would agree to meet with them. While it is true that the Seattle LGBT Commission rescinded an invitation to meet with the delegation under pressure from a small, vocal opposition, on the whole this impression is incorrect.
Find common ground to pass state budget 3/9/2012
The following article by Sen. Ed Murray appeared in the Seattle Times:
The Legislature was not expected to adjourn on time Thursday because there is no agreement about how to bridge the $1 billion dollar hole in the state budget.
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.
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Sen. Ed Murray speaks at marriage equality bill signing
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Sen. Ed Murray's statement on Majority Leader Brown 5/3/2012
Sen. Murray issued the following statement regarding Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown's decision not to seek re-election:
"Sen. Brown and I have served together in the Legislature for 17 years, and I have always respected her commitment to serving the people of our state. She is a trailblazer, and a tireless champion for young families.
Sen. Lisa Brown and Sen. Ed Murray’s statement on new Republican budget announced at a news conference today 3/15/2012
OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Senator Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the chair of the budget-writing Senate Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding a new Republican budget announced at a news conference today:
“Senate Democrats drew a line in the sand – we protected education. The House agreed with us, and today we see that the Senate Republicans have come to our position. It’s an important step in the right direction. It signals a willingness to move toward a solution to Washington’s budget challenges.