After a series of unprecedented procedural maneuvers Friday evening, minority members of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus joined with three like-minded Democrats to temporarily gain a philosophical majority and introduce a sustainable budget proposal that doesn’t depend on gimmicks, tricks or tax increases. Central Washington senators say not only does Senate Bill 5967 close the $1.1 billion gap, it projects to be in balance by the 2013-15 biennium. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Senate Republican Caucus
The Senate Republican Caucus today announced its committee assignments for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions, including ranking (lead) Republicans on the state Senate committees. They will be:
Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Ranking: Sen. Jerome Delvin
Other members: Sens. Mark Schoesler, Jim Honeyford and Randi Becker
Early Learning and K-12 Education Ranking: Sen. Steve Litzow
Other members: Sens. Curtis King and Andy Hill
Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Ranking: Sen. Michael Baumgartner
Other members: Sens. Joseph Zarelli, Janéa Holmquist Newbry and Don Benton
Environment, Water and Energy Ranking: Sen. Jim Honeyford
Other members: Sens. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, Jerome Delvin and Bob Morton
Financial Institutions, Housing and Insurance Ranking: Sen. Don Benton
Other members: Sens. Joe Fain and Steve Litzow
Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Ranking: Sen. Dan Swecker
Other members: Sens. Pam Roach and Bob McCaslin
Health and Long-Term Care Ranking: Sen. Randi Becker
Other members: Sens. Linda Evans Parlette, Cheryl Pflug and Mike Carrell
Higher Education and Workforce Development Ranking: Sen. Andy Hill
Other members: Sens. Randi Becker, Michael Baumgartner and Doug Ericksen
Human Services and Corrections Ranking: Sen. Val Stevens
Other members: Sens. Mike Carrell and Doug Ericksen
Judiciary Ranking: Sen. Cheryl Pflug
Other members: Sens. Mike Carrell, Bob McCaslin and Pam Roach
Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Ranking: Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry
Other members: Sens. Curtis King and Mike Hewitt
Natural Resources and Marine Waters Ranking: Sen. Bob Morton
Other members: Sens. Val Stevens and Dan Swecker
Rules Ranking: Sen. Mike Hewitt
Other members: Sens. Curtis King, Val Stevens, Mark Schoesler, Linda Evans Parlette, Joseph Zarelli, Cheryl Pflug and Mike Carrell
Transportation Ranking: Sen. Curtis King
Other members: Sens. Joe Fain, Dan Swecker, Steve Litzow, Andy Hill, Doug Ericksen and Jerome Delvin
Ways and Means
Ranking: Sen. Joseph Zarelli
Other members: Sens. Jim Honeyford, Mike Hewitt, Mark Schoesler, Michael Baumgartner, Cheryl Pflug and Linda Evans Parlette
Members of Senate Republican leadership for 2011-12, announced in late November, are:
- Leader – Sen. Mike Hewitt, Walla Walla
- Caucus Chair – Sen. Linda Evans Partlette, Wenatchee
- Floor Leader – Sen. Mark Schoesler, Ritzville
- Whip – Sen.-elect Doug Ericksen, Ferndale
- Deputy Leader – Sen. Mike Carrell, Lakewood
- Caucus Vice Chair – Sen. Dan Swecker, Rochester
- Deputy Floor Leader – Sen. Jim Honeyford, Sunnyside
- Deputy Whip – Sen. Jerome Delvin, Richland
Today Senate Republican Deputy Floor Leader Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, delivered a letter to Attorney General Rob McKenna in support of his decision to join a bipartisan, nationwide group of attorneys general challenging the constitutionalityof the national health care bill signed into law this week. These senators signed the letter:
| Sen. Randi Becker Sen. Don Benton Sen. Mike Carrell Sen. Jerome Delvin Sen. Mike Hewitt Sen. Janéa Holmquist Sen. Jim Honeyford Sen. Curtis King | Sen. Bob McCaslin Sen. Bob Morton Sen. Cheryl Pflug Sen. Pam Roach Sen. Mark Schoesler Sen. Val Stevens Sen. Dan Swecker Sen. Joseph Zarelli |
“Our caucus has long sought to ensure all Washingtonians have access to high-quality, affordable health care while maintaining our commitments to the vulnerable, working poor and elderly. Over the years we have introduced legislation to accomplish this goal,” the letter stated. Continue reading