OLYMPIA- Representative Gerry Pollet (D-North Seattle) was appointed to the Washington State House of Representatives last week by the King County Council, following Rep. David Frockt’s appointment to the Senate and the untimely passing of Senator Scott White. A few short hours later, Rep. Pollet was heading to Olympia to participate in this month’s special session.
Since arriving, Rep. Pollet has been busy attending budget meetings, taking his first few votes as a representative, and setting up an office in Olympia.
Yesterday afternoon Rep. Pollet received his committee assignments. The public interest attorney will serve on the Education Appropriations and Oversight, Higher Education, and Environment committees.
“I’m very excited to have a seat at the table when decisions about how we fund our state’s paramount duty are made. As a parent of two children enrolled in public schools, it’s an issue very close to my heart” said Rep. Pollet.
As a clinical lecturer at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health and leader in the environmental community, Gerry also believes he’ll bring a unique perspective to the House Higher Education and Environment committees.
The special legislative session adjourned yesterday afternoon, after lawmakers approved a plan to cut $480 million from the state budget. The 2012 regular session will convene January 9, but budget writers continue to work on an agreement for closing what remains of the $2 billion shortfall in the 2011-2013 biennial budget.