Tag Archives: Senate Ways and Means Committee

Push for transportation reform begins with committee hearing on King bill

Senator Curtis KingSen. Curtis King today began the Majority Coalition Caucus’ drive toward reforming the state’s transportation system by testifying in favor of his bill to return sales tax collected on transportation projects to the transportation budget, rather than diverting it to the general fund. According to King, Senate Bill 6102 – which received a public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee – would actually implement something that most people believe is already happening.

“There’s a general assumption in Washington that taxes collected on transportation projects go back into the transportation budget, but that’s simply not always the case,” said King, R-Yakima, and co-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “My bill would help reaffirm the state’s commitment to transportation as well as help the public regain confidence that we’re being honest stewards of their tax dollars.” Continue reading →

Senate Republicans announce 2011-12 committee assignments

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

King votes against bill to nullify taxpayer protection law

The Washington State Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 6843, which would suspend a key provision of the taxpayer protection law created by Initiative 960. SB 6843 would repeal the two-thirds legislative vote requirement for final passage of any tax increase bill until July 1, 2011, which covers the 2010 and 2011 legislative sessions.

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, said the bill is a slap in the face to taxpayers. Continue reading →

State Senate honors Yakima school superintendent Ben Soria

The Senate today took a break from voting on the 99th day of its scheduled 105-day session to unanimously approve a resolution recognizing the career of Ben Soria, who is stepping down June 30 after nine years as Yakima School District superintendent and 21 years of service as a school administrator in Washington.

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, who introduced Senate Resolution 8661, recalled Soria’s arrival in Yakima from Tacoma, saying he was “the right man at the right time for all the right reasons.” Continue reading →