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Schmick draws key committee
appointment as Legislature convenes
Just days before the
Legislature convened Monday for the 2008 session in Olympia, 9th
District
Rep. Joe Schmick
received confirmation that he had been appointed to a coveted seat on
the House Appropriations Committee. It is a rare accomplishment for a
freshman lawmaker to advance so quickly to the powerful budget-writing
panel, but caucus leaders said Schmick made a persuasive case when he
met with them to discuss his committee priorities.
In announcing Schmick’s assignment, House Republican Leader Richard
DeBolt said the Colfax freshman brings energy, commitment and valuable
real-life experience to the caucus.
“Equally important,” he said, “Joe has the work ethic that’s essential
for Appropriations, which is one of the most demanding committee jobs in
the Legislature. Our leadership team has a lot of confidence in him.”
Schmick also will serve on the Higher Education and Local Government
committees, both of which, he said, deal with policy and issues that are
important to his district.
“I look forward to the opportunities my committee assignments provide to
focus on critical areas of public policy,” he added.
During the Legislature’s opening-day ceremonies, Schmick was chosen by
Speaker Frank Chopp to be part of the two-member House delegation that
carried the message to the governor that the House was organized and
ready to do business.
“It was a pleasure to have a role in the traditional exchange of
greetings that accompany the start of a new session,” Schmick remarked.
“Our visit with the governor was short but collegial, and hopefully sets
the stage for productive accomplishments.”
Schmick took time to enjoy the day’s ceremonial events, but was clearly
anxious to get to work.
“I am grateful for the privilege of representing the citizens of our
district, and it is one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said.
“There are some tough political realities here, but I believe it’s not
only possible but imperative to find common ground on controversial
issues. We have an important job to do, and I don’t intend to get mired
down in partisan differences.”
The 49-year-old Schmick, a farmer and small business owner, was
appointed to his House seat Nov. 26, succeeding David Buri, who resigned
to become government relations director for Eastern Washington
University.
Schmick took his first votes as a House member a few days later during a
short special session in which lawmakers reinstated Initiative 747’s 1
percent cap on property-tax collection increases.
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For more information, contact
Bill Taylor, Information Officer:
(360) 786-7074
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