Local legislators take leadership posts in new session

Evan Smith

By Evan Smith

Legislators from the 32nd and 46th districts will hold leadership positions in the 2017 legislative session that opens Monday.

Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi will continue as chairwoman of the House committee on early learning and human services and a member of the Appropriations Committee, while joining the Environment Committee.

The other 32nd District representative, Democrat Cindy Ryu, will continue as chairwoman of the committee on community development, housing and tribal affairs, while joining the Capital Budget Committee and the committee on commerce and gaming.

Democratic 46th District State Rep. Jessyn Farrell, who will become deputy house majority whip, also will become vice chairwoman of the Transportation Committee and a member of the Rules Committee, while joining the committee on commerce and gaming.

The other 46th District representative, Democrat Gerry Pollet, will continue as vice chairman of the Higher Education Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, while joining the Appropriations Committee.

In the Republican-controled Senate, Democratic 32nd District State Sen. Maralyn Chase will be ranking minority member of the committee on agriculture, water and rural economic development and a member of the Senate Rules Committee.

Democratic 46th District State Sen. David Frockt will become assistant ranking minority member for the capital budget on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, while continuing to serve on the Higher Education Committee and the Law and Justice Committee.

The 32nd District includes Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.