Rep. Taylor named top GOP on key committee

Taylor was originally named to the panel after his appointment to the 15th District House seat in 2009. The committee assignment was a priority for the Moxee lawmaker, who steadily established himself as a knowledgeable voice on the wide range of public policy matters that come before the committee.

The committee considers issues relating to the processes of government, including state agency rule-making, state government reorganization, elections and campaign finance, public disclosure, ethics in government, procurement standards, and public employment.

The panel also oversees various state agencies and officials, and considers the regulation and oversight of liquor, tobacco and gambling, and issues relating to veterans and the government-to-government relationship of the state and Indian tribes.

"I appreciate the confidence our caucus leaders have in my abilities, and am pleased to have been selected for this challenging opportunity," Taylor said. "The position of ranking member will allow me a more active leadership role on the committee, and I'm looking forward to it."

Taylor also will serve on the newly named House Environment Committee, the Labor and Workforce Development Committee (also new this year), and the General Government Appropriations Committee.

The Environment Committee considers issues relating to climate change, renewable energy standards, recycling and solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, the State Environmental Policy Act, and parks and recreation. The committee also oversees the Puget Sound Partnership's activities in Puget Sound and Hood Canal.

The Labor and Workforce Development Committee is responsible for issues relating to industrial insurance, unemployment compensation, collective bargaining, family leave, safety and health standards, and employment standards, such as wage laws and employment discrimination. The committee also considers issues relating to the building and construction trades, and workforce development issues, including apprenticeships, job skills and worker retraining, and implementation of the Workforce Investment Act.

The General Government Appropriations and Oversight Committee addresses issues relating to funding and oversight of general government, natural resources, and corrections programs and agencies, and makes funding recommendations to the Ways and Means Committee. In addition, the committee considers bills relating to general government, natural resources and corrections with limited fiscal impact.