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Bailey assigned additional leadership roles,
committees
Oak Harbor lawmaker picks up two committees,
assistant leader post
House Republicans have chosen
Rep.
Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, to
serve on two additional House committees and as assistant Republican
leader of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
“Representative Bailey’s
work ethic and depth of experience on issues will be tremendous assets
as we work on the budget and make important policy decisions,” said
House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “The taxpayers and
the 10th District will have a real champion on the job
with Barbara working on the Appropriations Committee.”
The House
Appropriations Committee makes spending decisions and considers the
state's operating budget bill and specializes in pension policy. This is the third year
Bailey has served on the committee.
"I am honored to be named
to this leadership position where I can provide a strong voice of reason
and fiscal restraint. With a budget
surplus of nearly $2 billion, there's enormous pressure to spend this
money on new and ongoing programs. The governor's budget proposal would take us from a surplus to a $600 million-plus deficit in
just two years," said Bailey. "The families in the 10th
District work hard for their money. We must respect that as we make
budget decisions. We shouldn't spend for the moment and shortchange the
future."
Bailey has also been
assigned to serve on the Rules Committee, a leadership committee
in the House of Representatives.
"This may be one of the
most important committees in the Legislature because it determines which
legislation advances to the full House. It is also
where damaging legislation is killed," said Bailey. "I will have a voice
in the process of whether or not to move bills forward."
Bailey will also serve on
the House Human Services Committee, a new committee which
considers issues relating to persons with developmental disabilities,
adults in need of general assistance, adults in need of drug and alcohol
treatment, and vocational rehabilitation. This is in addition to her
role as House Republican leader on the Community Economic
Development and Trade Committee.
"The state spends too much
money on the bureaucratic process and not enough on the direct delivery
of services to the people. I want to make it easier for people in need
to access these services in an efficient, cost-effective and well
balanced manner," noted Bailey.
"I know that four
committees, including three leadership positions, will keep me very busy
through the legislative session. I look forward to the challenge because
we have some very important issues to consider for the 10th District and
for the state," added Bailey. "I'm honored to be serving in these
leadership roles which give me an opportunity to be at the
decision-making table and provide a strong voice for my constituents."
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For more information, contact: John
Sattgast, Information Officer - (360) 786-7257
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