Olympia, WA - Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, has been appointed to the Joint Select Committee on Junior Taxing Districts, Municipal Corporations and Local Government Finance and the Council of State Government’s Legislative Council on River Governance. “These committees cover aspects of life that have a huge impact on southwest Washington,” said Hatfield, chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development Committee. “I am pleased and proud to ensure that the best interests of the 19th District are represented and that the voices of my constituents are heard.” The Legislative Council on River Governance includes representatives from the legislatures of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana, who meet to discuss and learn about common issues and experiences in dealing with the waterways of the Northwest. “Water management, salmon issues and court decisions involving river governance are all discussed at the annual meeting of this committee,” said Hatfield. “As the southern border of the 19th District is formed by the waters of the Columbia River, I see a strong advantage to my being a part of those meetings.” The Joint Select Committee on Junior Taxing Districts, Municipal Corporations and Local Government Finance was created as part of Washington’s supplemental budget.
Made up of four members of the House and four members of the Senate, the committee will be charged with three tasks: - Examining the consolidation of junior taxing districts into general purpose government.
- Examining new revenue options for local government.
- Reviewing the impact of the passage of Initiative 1183 on public safety and provide a sustainable plan for the use and disbursement of excess liquor revenues.
“The goal of this committee is to work in a bipartisan manner to help improve efficiency in municipal government,” said Hatfield. “I believe that by using the best methods available, state and local governments can continue to provide valuable services while at the same time, saving money for those municipalities.”
| 