|
Walsh begins 2009 session
without her seatmate
'As we begin this year's
session without him,
we try to remember the example he gave us,' Walsh
says
Rep. Maureen
Walsh, R-Walla Walla, began the 2009 legislative session in
Olympia grieving the loss of her seatmate and friend, Rep. Bill Grant,
who passed away Jan. 4.
"Bill's absence has been difficult for our legislative family," Walsh
said. "He was a true statesman and so often worked quietly behind
the scenes to help guide legislation through the process in a bipartisan
manner. As we begin this year's
session without him, we try to remember the example he gave us."
Despite her sadness, Walsh said she must now focus on potential solutions to
solve an almost $6 billion budget shortfall.
"My hope with this
difficult budget
is that we do the least amount of harm," Walsh said. "There will be
sacrifices made by everyone. We can't put new taxes on people, especially
in these difficult economic times, but I hope we can provide enough
protection for the most vulnerable individuals in our state."
The 16th District lawmaker said she is concerned with how heavily the
governor's proposed budget depends on a federal stimulus plan.
"I don't like that we got into this position in the first place," Walsh
said. "We may need money from the federal government, but my
concern is that it will prevent us from being prudent with the money we
have."
Walsh will serve on three committees this year:
Early Learning
and Children's Services,
Human Services
and Health and
Human Services Appropriations.
Walsh encourages constituents to sign up for her
electronic newsletter to receive updates on legislation and agendas
from her Web site at
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Walsh.
# # #
For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
|