EVERETT — State Senate Majority Leader Marko Liias told members of the business community in Everett on Wednesday that Washington needs to prioritize using state transportation funds to create thousands of new jobs.
Liias, D-Edmonds, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, told those at Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s annual Legislative Kickoff that he will focus on new job creation when the 2026 legislative session begins on January 12.
He said the effects of a declining economy require legislative action to build jobs in Snohomish County and the rest of Washington.
“I’m committed to making sure we’re creating thousands of jobs across the state with our budget to mitigate what we’re seeing due to the national economy,” he said.
Liias cited research from job search website Indeed that found that the Seattle metro area, including Snohomish County, had a 35% job drop in job listings — the second biggest in the U.S., behind San Francisco, between Feb 1, 2020, and Oct. 30, 2025.
Liias said after the meeting that the state’s $15 billion transportation budget for the next two budget years is not fully allocated. So, transportation projects that create construction jobs instantly, such as repaving, resurfacing and repairing bridges and roads, need to be prioritized, he said.
Liias also said he opposes a bill announced by Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, in December that would raise more than $2 billion a year for the state by imposing a 5% payroll tax on companies with workers who earn more than $125,000 a year.
“I think it looks like a tax on jobs, and I don’t think we can support that right now,” Liias said.
The Economic Alliance Snohomish County announced its legislative priorities at the meeting, and that also includes no new taxes or fees.
Ray Stephanson, the alliance’s president and CEO, said businesses interested in locating in Snohomish County are concerned about the costs of doing business.
“We have to make sure we are business-friendly,” he said. “New taxes would deter our ability to attract companies,” he said.
The state faces a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit over the next four years, generating debate among legislators over how to resolve the budget gap.
Randy Diamond: 425-339-3097; randy.diamond@heraldnet.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
