WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Wylie takes her seat in the House of Representatives

OLYMPIA – With the legislative session lumbering toward its April 24 deadline, new lawmaker Sharon Wylie hit the ground running today in Olympia as the newest Democratic member of the House of Representatives.

“I am humbled and excited to serve the people of Southwest Washington in the state legislature,” said Wylie, who was appointed to succeed Jim Jacks as a representative from the 49th Legislative District, which covers Vancouver’s west side and much of Hazel Dell. “I pledge to the families back home that I will work tirelessly to represent their interests, and that I will utilize my background and experience to serve the needs of our district. I am eager to begin working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the serious economic challenges facing our state.”

Wylie received a unanimous vote from the Clark County commissioners and was administered the oath of office yesterday by Superior Court Judge Barbara Johnson.

Over the course of Wylie’s eight years lobbying Clark County issues in Olympia, her victories included working with other local and legislative leaders to:

* Obtain funding for the Clark County Center for Community Health.

* Secure $40 million in state funding to complete the Salmon Creek-Interstate 5 interchange.

* Land a new state crime lab for Vancouver (instead of Spokane).

* Save the county’s shortline railroad.

This morning Wylie, a former Oregon legislator, was recognized on the House floor by Speaker Pro Tempore Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, her fellow 49th District representative.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with Rep. Wylie on our 49th Legislative District team,” said Moeller.“Sharon has spent many years working hard for the concerns of Vancouver and Clark County. She certainly comes to the Legislature well-versed on issues of importance for southwestern Washington, and she will bring a real passion to the principle of doing what’s right by the people.”

Rep. Sharon Wylie was also appointed to her legislative committees this morning; she will serve in the Environment, Higher Education, and Technology, Energy & Communications Committees.