McEntire to serve on capital budget and education committees in upcoming legislative session
CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7794
McEntire to serve on capital budget and education committees in upcoming legislative session
Rep. Joel McEntire will be serving as the assistant ranking Republican on the House Education Committee when the 2023 legislative session convenes.
“My many years of working in education, including being a middle school teacher, provides firsthand experience on the committee. It will be beneficial in working with the leadership of our caucus and the chair of the committee on education-related issues,” said McEntire, R-Cathlamet. “The COVID pandemic and lockdowns have been tough on students at all levels. We have a lot of work to do to ensure they are getting the education they need and not allowing the remote learning to set our kids back.”
The Education Committee considers all K-12 issues.
McEntire will also serve on the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.
“I have recently worked at the higher education level. I am familiar with many of the challenges facing these students and issues the Legislature could focus on to improve our postsecondary education system,” said McEntire. “It is clear that college after high school is not the route for everyone, and I am passionate about making sure that all high school graduates can have employment that is rewarding.”
Besides postsecondary education issues, the committee also considers governance of public and private institutions, technical training, student success, apprenticeships, lifelong learning, workforce development, and removing barriers to employment.
McEntire’s third committee assignment is the Capital Budget Committee, which he also served on during his first term. The committee looks at funding for construction and repair of public schools and buildings, community projects, land acquisitions while protecting waterways and the environment.
“I am excited to once again serve on the Capital Budget Committee. Legislation I am working on related to small school construction and repairs could come before this committee,” said McEntire. “It is also a budget where we are looking to return taxpayer dollars to legislative districts for much needed projects in communities.”
McEntire was part of the 19th District legislative contingency that was able to bring more than $4 million back to Southwest Washington for projects such as the Veteran Housing and Resource Center in Raymond, the Westport Marina gear yard and the upgrades to the Longview Senior Center.
Washington House Republicans announced ranking member and committee assignments last week.
The 2023 Legislature convenes in Olympia on Jan. 9.
