LeMay Americas Car Museum CEO advocates for Senate Bill 5444 to support STEAM programs

In a recent Senate Transportation meeting held on April 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around proposed legislation aimed at enhancing wildfire prevention efforts and supporting local educational initiatives. The meeting featured testimonies from key stakeholders advocating for Senate Bill 5,444, which seeks to establish a new license plate program to fund wildfire prevention programs.

Pat Sullivan, Director for Governmental and External Affairs at the Department of Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of the bill not only for its potential to raise funds but also for its role in increasing public awareness about wildfire prevention. Sullivan expressed gratitude to Senator Cortez for her efforts in crafting the substitute bill and urged the committee to advance it this legislative session.

David Madera, CEO of LeMay Americas Car Museum, also voiced support for the bill, highlighting the museum's significant impact on the local community and its educational programs. Madera noted that the museum is consistently ranked among the top automotive museums globally and has plans to collaborate with the Tacoma Public School District to establish a regional robotics center. This initiative aims to prepare students for future careers in a rapidly evolving economy.

Madera underscored the challenges faced by cultural institutions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stressed that the funding generated from the proposed license plate program would be crucial for sustaining the museum's operations and educational outreach.

The discussions during this meeting reflect a broader commitment to addressing environmental concerns while simultaneously fostering educational opportunities in the region. As the committee considers the implications of Senate Bill 5,444, stakeholders remain hopeful for its passage, which could lead to enhanced wildfire prevention efforts and support for local youth programs.