OLYMPIA—If you watch the House of Representatives debate and vote on legislation, chances are the lawmakers holding the gavel will be Reps. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) or John Lovick (D-Mill Creek).
“It is an honor to preside over the House as we debate issues that the people who sent us to Olympia care deeply about,” said Rep. Orwall, the newly elected Speaker Pro Tempore who had been serving as Deputy Speaker Pro Tem since the 2011 Legislative Session. “I have tremendous respect for my colleagues and I am humbled that they’ve once again put their trust in me to facilitate communication as we solve problems and keep the state moving forward.”
Rep. Lovick is returning to the House after time away as Snohomish County Sheriff and Snohomish County Executive, and he has years of experience holding the gavel when he served as Speaker Pro Tem. For the first year of the session, he’ll serve as Deputy Speaker Pro Tem, and then Orwall and he will switch in 2018.
“We make a good team, and it takes a team on days when we might debate important bills until midnight or beyond,” said Rep. Lovick. “I appreciate the chance to do this again and look forward to working together with lawmakers from around the state to give our kids and grandkids a better life.”