State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has been named to three House committees for the upcoming legislative session — Local Government, Capital Budget, and Business and Financial Services.

The House Local Government Committee considers issues relating to the operations and financing of counties, cities, and some special districts. The committee also considers land use issues, such as local permitting and the subdivision of property.

“The Local Government Committee is a great platform for discussing and developing three types of reforms that are important to the people of the 19th District — putting some reasonable limits on the permitting processes for buildings and businesses, supporting the ports in our district and getting unfunded mandates under control,” Walsh said. “These reforms can make our state a better place to live and work.”

The House Capital Budget Committee considers the state capital budget which approves money for construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and transfers.

“For decades, the 19th District has been on the short end of the state’s capital budget priorities. My goal on this committee is simple – to get worthy, local infrastructure projects the attention they deserve,” Walsh said. “True externalities are those public projects that add value to everyone — not just a few special-interest groups. The capital budget can be a tool for supporting those sorts of projects, and I intend to use this tool for our communities.”

The House Business and Financial Services Committee considers the licensing and regulation of businesses and professions. It also considers issues relating to insurance, including the activities of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency, the solvency of insurance companies, and the rates and practices of insurance companies.

“In Washington state, we want a financial system that works for ordinary, working people. At its best, our financial institutions can do that – including price savings, investments and loans,” said Walsh, who is a small business owner. “Capital also needs to be available at a reasonable price for buying homes and building businesses.”

Walsh was sworn in to office on Dec. 8. His email address is jim.walsh@leg.wa.gov and his phone number is (360) 786-7806.

The 2017 legislative session begins Jan. 9 and is scheduled to end April 23.