Washington State Legislature
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Contents |
History
"Washington Territory was created in 1853. It was carved out of the Oregon territory and consisted originally of all of what is now Washington and part of Idaho and Montana. President Franklin Pierce appointed Isaac I. Stevens, first territorial governor and he, upon arrival in the territory, called for elections to the legislative assembly which was to consist of a nine-member Council and an eighteen-member House.” Don Bazier, History of the Washington Legislature [1]
The first session of the Washington State Legislature convened in Olympia on February 27, 1854. [1]
About
The Legislature is the branch of government that establishes and revises Washington State laws. The Washington State Legislature is also responsible for imposing taxes, writing the state’s budget, and regulating other state agencies. [2]
The legislature conventes on the second Monday of January each year in Olympia, WA. In odd numbered years (budget years) the Legislature meets for 105 days. In even numbered years the Legislature meets for 60 days.
Legislators are citizens of Washington State. To be a Legislator you must be at least 18 years old, life in your Legislatve District, and be a registered voter. [2]
Legislative Districts
There are 49 legislative districts in the State of Washington. Each district is served by one Senator and two House members.
Visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx to locate your legislative district.
House of Representatives
House members, called Representatives, are elected to two-year terms.
2010 House Democratic Leadership:
- Speaker Rep. Frank Chopp - District 43
- Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Jeff Morris - District 40
- Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Jim Moeller - District 49
- Majority Leader Rep. Lynn Kessler - District 24
- Majority Caucus Chair Rep. Dawn Morrell - District 25
- Majority Whip Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos - District 37
- Majority Floor Leader Rep. Zack Hudgins - District 11
- Majority Caucus Liaison Rep. Larry Springer - District 45
- Majority Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Deb Eddy - District 48
- Assistant Majority Floor Leader Rep. Tami Green - District 28
- Deputy Majority Whip Rep. Kevin Van De Wege - District 24
- Assistant Majority Whip Rep. Reuven Carlyle - District 36
- Assistant Majority Whip Rep. Fred Finn - District 35
- Assistant Majority Whip Rep. Jim Jacks - District 49
- Assistant Majority Whip Rep. Scott White - District 46
2010 House Republican Leadership:
- Minority Leader Rep. Richard DeBolt - District 20
- Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Joel Kretz - District 7
- Minority Caucus Chair Rep. Dan Kristiansen - District 39
- Minority Whip Rep. Bill Hinkle - District 13
- Minority Floor Leader Rep. Doug Ericksen - District 42
- Minority Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Maureen Walsh - District 16
- Assistant Minority Floor Leader Rep. Charles Ross - District 14
- Assistant Minority Floor Leader Rep. Jaime Herrera - District 18
- Assistant Minority Whip Rep. Kevin Parker - District 6
- Assistant Minority Whip Rep. Mike Hope - District 44
- Assistant Minority Whip Rep. Brad Klippert - District 8
House Committees:
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Audit Review & Oversight
- Capital Budget
- Commerce & Labor
- Community & Economic Development & Trade
- Early Learning & Children's Services
- Ecology & Parks
- Education
- Education Appropriations
- Environmental Health
- Finance
- Financial Institutions & Insurance
- General Government Appropriations
- Health & Human Services Appropriations
- Health Care & Wellness
- Higher Education
- Human Services
- Judiciary
- Local Government & Housing
- Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Rules
- State Government & Tribal Affairs
- Technology, Energy & Communications
- Transportation
- Ways & Means
Senate
Senators are elected to four-year terms.
2010 Senate Democratic Leadership:
- Majority Leader Sen. Lisa Brown - District 3
- Caucus Chair Sen. Ed Murray - District 43
- Majority Floor Sen. Leader Tracey Eide - District 30
- Majority Whip Sen. Chris Marr - District 6
2010 Senate Republican Leadership:
- Senate Republican Leader Sen. Mike Hewitt - District 16
- Senate Republican Caucus Chair Sen. Linda Evans Parlette - Distirct 12
- Senate Republican Floor LeaderSen. Mark Schoesler - District 9
- Senate Republican Whip Sen. Dale Brandland - District 42
- Senate Republican Deputy Leader Sen. Mike Carrell - District 28
- Senate Republican Caucus Vice Chair Sen. Cheryl Pflug - District 5
- Senate Republican Deputy Floor Leader Sen. Jim Honeyford - District 15
- Senate Republican Deputy Whip Sen. Jerome Delvin - District 8
Senate Committees:
- Agriculture & Rural Economic Development
- Early Learning & K-12 Education
- Economic Development, Trade & Innovation
- Environment, Water & Energy
- Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance
- Government Operations & Elections
- Health & Long-Term Care
- Higher Education & Workforce Development
- Human Services & Corrections
- Judiciary
- Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection
- Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation
- Rules
- Transportation
- Ways & Means
External Links
Legislature Home Page
House of Representatives
Senate
Resources
[1] History of the Legislature
[2] A Student Guide to the Legislature
