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Bailey selected as ranking
Republican of House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
10th District lawmaker sworn in on opening day of
2009 legislative session
Rep.
Barbara Bailey has been selected by her legislative
colleagues to serve as leading Republican of the
House Financial
Institutions and Insurance Committee. The
10th
District lawmaker looks forward to her new leadership role and the
2009 legislative session which begins today.
“In these uncertain
economic times, we need to make sure our financial institutions and
insurance companies are strong and that consumers are fully protected.
These are not easy tasks,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor.
“I come to this new position with leadership experience, an open mind
and a willingness to work across the political aisle for solutions. I
look forward to the work ahead.”
The House Financial Services
and Insurance Committee considers issues relating to insurance,
including the activities of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and
the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency, the solvency of insurance
companies, and the rates and practices of insurance companies. It also
considers issues relating to financial services, including activities of
the Department of Financial Institutions, the safety and soundness of
state banks and credit unions, the regulation of consumer credit and
lending, and the regulation of securities and investments.
Bailey will also return to the
House Health Care
and Wellness Committee where, in addition to the
House Community,
Economic Development and Trade Committee, she has been a leading
Republican in the past. She believes these past leadership positions,
her versatility and other legislative experiences will serve her well in
her new lead role.
“My past positions have prepared me well for
this new committee endeavor. I’m grateful to have been entrusted with
these leadership roles and to be a part of so many decisions that impact
us all,” said Bailey. “Ultimately, many issues overlap.
This means state lawmakers must be mindful of how their decisions in
certain committees impact efforts in other committees. I’m fortunate to
have such diverse committee experience.”
Bailey
will also continue to serve on the powerful
House Ways and
Means Committee as assistant ranking Republican, in addition to the
Select Committee on Pension Policy.
“Economic development, health care and transportation continue to
remain important issues to me. All of these areas are affected by our
state’s large budget shortfall,” said Bailey. “Now more
than ever, our state must define its priorities, fully fund them and
make fiscally-responsible decisions. As a member of the Ways and Means
Committee, I look forward to being an important part of this process.”
The 2009 legislative
session began today and is scheduled to run 105 days. The day
included state representatives being sworn into office for their
two-year terms.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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