WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Appleton elected vice chair of House Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee

Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), vice chair of the House State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee during the 2011-12 legislative session, has been tapped to retain that position in its successor committee, Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs.

Democrats, who hold a sizeable majority in the state House, restructured several policy committees in preparation for the coming session, narrowing the focus of some and expanding the duties of others.

In this case, the state-government portfolio of the former committee has been split off and divided into two separate, newly created panels.  In addition to retaining oversight of tribal-related legislation, Appleton’s revamped committee will take on a wide range of issues involving community development, veterans, parks and recreation, and housing, including the accessibility and affordability of housing, state assistance for low-income housing, the Washington Housing Finance Commission, and the state’s many local housing authorities.

“These are all significant quality-of-life issues,” Appleton said.  “How well we can deal with them will affect every person and every community in the state.  Employers and businesses look for complete, healthy, functioning communities, and our ability to attract jobs and expand our economy in turn contributes to the well-being of families and communities.  I’m looking forward to a challenging but rewarding session, and I’m grateful to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues who elected me to be vice chair of this new committee.”

Appleton will continue to serve on the Public Safety Committee (née Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness), and will take a seat on the House Capital Budget Committee as well.