State Rep. Sharon Wylie is back in Olympia to begin her third term representing the 49th Legislative District in the House of Representatives.
This coming session Wylie will vice chair the Commerce & Gaming Committee (previously known as Government Accountability & Oversight), and will also serve on the Finance and the Technology & Economic Development Committees.
“Working closely with the Liquor Control Board over the past two years, I expect we’ll see strong legislation that protects minors but also manages the Marijuana initiative fairly. It has been a complex process and the next steps must include accommodating medical marijuana patients while creating a workable legal system,” said the Vancouver Democrat. “And reasonable taxation is especially important to my district as Oregon follows our lead.”
The Commerce & Gaming committee, which considers issues relating to commerce in alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, and the regulation and oversight of gaming, will benefit from Wylie’s previous experience with these issues, as well as from her administrative skills.
Wylie was also assigned to serve on the powerful Finance Committee. This 15-member panel is regarded as one of the most influential House standing committees since it considers issues relating to state and local revenues, such as increases or decreases in taxes, tax incentives, and changes in the administration of taxes.
“Taxation decisions have a disparate impact on our community as a border county with Oregon, so any changes to our investments in education, infrastructure and safety net must be made with consideration of the businesses we wish to attract and retain. I am looking forward to taking part in this decision-making process as we work on fulfilling the State’s obligation to focus on the jobs of the future,” said Wylie, who also serves on the Washington State Economic Development Finance Authorityand is a member of the NCSL Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee.
Rep. Wylie will continue serving on the Technology and Economic Development Committee, which considers issues relating to technology and electronic communications, small business assistance, business financing, and the development of industry clusters, international trade and technology-driven jobs. The committee also considers issues related to renewable energy standards and energy availability, production and conservation.
The 2015 Legislature convenes on January 12.