State Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) has been chosen by his colleagues to serve as the new Vice Chair for the House Healthcare and Wellness Committee as the legislature prepares to convene for the 2014 session.
“Spokane is rapidly growing as a regional health sciences hub, bringing together medical practitioners, academic researchers, and businesses,” noted Riccelli, “At the same time, many people in our community continue to struggle for access to the care they need to thrive. We have an opportunity as a state not only to improve our healthcare system, but to expand the health care and medical research sectors that provide family wage jobs to so many people in our state.”
As Vice-Chair, Riccelli will work with Chair Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) to set the Democratic Caucus’s legislative agenda on health and wellness issues. He will also help manage committee meetings and engage with healthcare stakeholders.
“I am grateful for this new opportunity, and I will work hard to be a strong advocate for affordable, accessible and quality healthcare for all. I look forward to bringing my experiences working east of the mountains to our state’s discussion on healthcare issues,” added Riccelli.
In addition to his new role on Healthcare and Wellness, Riccelli will continue to serve on the Capital Budget and Transportation Committees during the 2014 legislative session.