WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Hudgins hires new legislative assistant for 2011 session

OLYMPIA – As work builds before the 2011 legislative session, Rep. Zack Hudgins has hired Wendy Cho Ripp to work with him as his legislative assistant. Ms. Ripp replaces Elizabeth Hummel who worked with Representative Hudgins for over 7 years. Ms. Hummel has joined the staff of a State Senator. In this role, Ms. Ripp will coordinate their legislative office and facilitate communication with constituents.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have Wendy working for my office and the district,” said Hudgins, D-Tukwila. “She’s intelligent and a hard worker who will help our community pursue its priorities with the state.”

Prior to this position with the House of Representatives, Ms. Ripp worked as a legislative assistant to Seattle Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, and with the Washington Bus, a nonprofit that engages young people in civic engagement and leadership development. She also received the 2010 Municipal League Doug Mason Young Leader Award, and has a special interest in civic engagement of young people, disenfranchised communities, and the Asian Pacific Islander community.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Representative Hudgins, and I look forward to assisting constituents,” Ms. Ripp said.

Regular legislative session for 2011 starts on January 10, 2011 and will continue for 105 days. Hudgins is currently working on foreclosure prevention legislation, streamlining government, and closing the expected $5 billion short fall as part of balancing the state budget.