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Orcutt appointed to top
Republican
post on House Finance Committee
Rep. Ed Orcutt
will serve as ranking Republican member of the House Finance Committee
when the 2005 legislative session starts Jan. 10. The move puts Orcutt,
R-Kalama, in the position of leading the House Republican Caucus on tax
policy issues and responding to proposals from House Democrats, who will
have majority control of the Legislature.
"I'm honored that my colleagues have trusted me with this
responsibility. The Finance Committee addresses tax policy. Such policy
can determine whether we attract -- or drive away -- jobs that we so
desperately need in our state. This committee is the first line of
defense against tax policies that would discourage job growth. We must
work to encourage the growth of jobs to help our citizens get back to
work," Orcutt said.
Tax policy will determine how the legislature develops the 2005-7
operating budget -- the budget which funds public services and state
agencies.
"While revenues are
expected to grow by $1.5 billion, the cost to continue services at
current levels and cover new expenses, like the state employee raises
that will be proposed, is expected to increase the budget by twice that
amount -- about $3.2 billion," said Orcutt. As the ranking Republican
member, Orcutt said he is concerned about talk of raising taxes to allow
spending to increase in the budget. "If tax increases are proposed, my
question will be: 'How does this help create jobs and allow people to
get back to work?'"
Orcutt’s appointment, announced today by Rep. Bruce Chandler, House
Republican Leader, comes after just three years as a Finance Committee
member. His other committee assignments should be known later this
month.
Orcutt was re-elected last month to a third House term from the 18th
Legislative District. He represents parts of Cowlitz and Clark counties,
including Camas, Washougal, Felida, Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell, Battle
Ground, Ridgefield, LaCenter, Woodland, Amboy, Yacolt, Kalama, Carrolls,
Rose Valley and Toutle.
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For more information, contact:
Brendon Wold, Public
Information Officer: (360) 786-7698
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