Edward B. Murray Rep. Washington State Legislature, Olympia Sen. Ed Murray has been a member of the Washington State Legislature for the last twelve years, representing the 43rd District which includes the Seattle neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District, Greenlake, Eastlake, Madison Park, Roosevelt and Ravenna.As chair of the House Capital Budget Committee, then-Rep. Murray led the effort for momentous increases in funding for community college construction and for doubling the funding for low-income housing, and housing for the developmentally disabled and victims of domestic violence. His commitment to our environment resulted in a significant increase in funding dedicated to such programs as the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, the Trust Land Transfer, and salmon restoration. During his four years as chair of the House Transportation Committee, then-Rep. Murray forged a legislative consensus on two historic transportation packages in 2003 and 2005 – resulting in the first new revenue for transportation in 13 years.He also prime sponsored legislation requiring cleaner auto emission standards in our state. As a House member, then-Rep. Murray led the successful effort to pass civil rights legislation to protect gay and lesbian Washingtonians from discrimination in employment, housing, and financial transactions. The 2006 passage of this bill – and several memorable speeches – successfully ended an almost 30 year effort.In 2007, Sen. Murray introduced and successfully led the effort to pass Washington State’s historic domestic partnership law that extends rights and protections to same sex and senior couples. The bill passed the House and, after a stirring speech by Sen. Murray – his first as a senator and the first speech on the floor of the state Senate by a gay member – it passed the Senate and was signed into law.In 2008, a second bill that vastly expands these rights, responsibilities, and protections also successfully passed and was signed into law.Sen. Murray serves on the Health and Long-Term Care Committee, the Rules Committee and, as Majority Caucus Chair, is the highest ranking gay elected official in the state. Sen. Murray has received numerous accolades and awards for his work in a number of areas including transportation, civil rights, education, health care, and the environment. (8/09)