WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Wylie elected Assistant Majority Whip and assigned to key committees

OLYMPIA – As the second week of this Special Session begins, Rep. Sharon Wylie—a Vancouver Democrat— takes on a leadership position and adds a fourth committee to her legislative assignments.

 

Elected Assistant House of Representatives Majority Whip this morning, Wylie’s duties will include keeping track of her peers to ensure that members are in attendance for votes taken on the House Floor.

 

“Making sure all members participate in the difficult decisions we must consider is important to this process; it is an honor to be asked to serve in this role,” said Wylie.

She was elected in the November special election, but Wylie has served in the House since her appointment to fill a vacancy in April. After being sworn in, Wylie was assigned to three House committees: Environment, Higher Education, and Technology, Energy & Communications. Last week, however, she was also assigned to the Capital Budget Committee, due to her interest and expertise in construction and infrastructure.

 

The House Capital Budget Committee considers:

  • the state capital budget, which approves money for the construction and repair of public buildings and other long-term investments;
  • state money that is either given or lent to local governments or nonprofit organizations for infrastructure, housing, and cultural and heritage facilities; and
  • legislation that authorizes state debt, and that affects state buildings and land.

 

The House Environment Committee:

  • considers issues relating to climate change, renewable energy, recycling and solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, the State Environmental Policy Act, and parks and recreation; and
  • oversees the Puget Sound Partnership’s activities.

 

The House Higher Education Committee considers:

  • issues relating to the state’s public and independent baccalaureate colleges and universities, public community and technical colleges, and private career schools; and
  • issues that include governance and coordination of higher education, financial aid, tuition, distance learning, and the licensing of private colleges and career schools.

 

The House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee considers:

  • deployment, regulation, and access to technology and electronic communications; and
  • energy availability, production, and conservation, as well as related infrastructure issues.

 

“Receiving these four critical committee assignments will enable me to focus on jobs, which is my first priority, because they cover the topics that impact employment both in the short and the long-term,” said Wylie. “Energy, technology and education are critical to our future, so making sure we invest in the right infrastructure will put people to work now and going forward.”