Rep. Paul Graves appointed to House Appropriations Committee, named Assistant Ranking member on Judiciary
Rep. Paul Graves, R-Fall City, has been appointed by House Republican leadership to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, as well as promoted to Assistant Ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. The appointments were announced earlier today as the House convened for the first day of the 2018 legislative session.
The House Appropriations Committee is the chamber's principal budget-writing committee. Its members consider the operating budget bill, as well as policies related to budget processes, pensions, and compensation. Additionally, any bill with a significant fiscal impact must be approved by the committee before it is heard on the House floor.
Graves says he plans to protect taxpayers by forcing government to prioritize its spending and focus on its central obligations: education, public safety, and protecting the vulnerable.
“The state has increased spending every year since the 2011-13 biennium,” said Graves. “It is time to hold government accountable for its spending and ensure taxpayers are getting results for their money.”
In recent years, the House Appropriations Committee has been heavily involved in the development of new funding mechanisms for K-12 education. Graves says his experiences helping low-income kids prepare for college, and as a founding board member for one of Washington's first public charter schools, will make him a valuable addition to the committee.
“Funding should be strategic,” said Graves. “When we connect curriculum to careers, while holding schools accountable to students, parents and taxpayers, every student in Washington has a better shot at success.”
As the assistant ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, the 5th District lawmaker will work with the committee chair to set the agenda and policy priorities.In addition to the new assignments, he will continue serving as the assistant ranking member of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, a position he was appointed to last year.
The 2018 legislative session began today, Jan. 8, and is scheduled to run for 60 consecutive days.
