Rep. Stephanie Barnard sworn into office, announces committee assignments
CONTACT: Kelley Payne, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7761
Rep. Stephanie Barnard sworn into office, announces committee assignments
State Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, was officially sworn in today as a legislator for the 8th Legislative District, position 1. The 8th District includes portions of Benton and Franklin counties.
Barnard's legislative priorities include enhancing the economy, combating unnecessary regulations and mandates that inhibit business growth, lowering taxes, strengthening public safety, promoting clean energy opportunities, and protecting the agricultural community and Snake River dams.
“Today, the real work begins. It's an extraordinary honor to represent the 8th District. I've spent the past several months talking about and listening to the concerns of the people who sent me to the state Capitol,” said Barnard. “There's no question we face some tough challenges. But at the end of the day, I'm here to be a voice for our region's values. My decisions in Olympia will be based on the needs of the community and constituents I represent.”
Washington House Republicans announced their ranking member and committee assignments for the 2023 legislative session in late December.
Barnard has been selected to serve as the assistant ranking member of the House Innovation, Community and Economic Development, and Veterans Committee. The committee considers issues related to community and business development, as well as veterans and military affairs.
“To be selected as assistant ranking member as a freshman legislator is a great honor. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in that role. Without question, this assignment gives me a unique opportunity to advocate for a wide range of community and business interests. It's a good fit for our region's priorities,” said Barnard.
Barnard will also serve on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. The committee considers a broad range of issues relating to physical and behavioral health care services, long-term care, licensing of health care facilities, credentialing of health care providers, regulations of pharmaceuticals, and affordability and access to health insurance.
“As viral illnesses like COVID continue to cause problems for our short-staffed health care facilities, it's critical that we find the best solutions for our region and state,” noted Barnard. “Reliable, affordable, and effective health care for our citizens, including the elderly and very young, should be prioritized. I'm looking forward to contributing to the work of this committee.”
Additionally, the 8th District lawmaker has been selected to serve on the House Environment and Energy Committee and the Finance Committee.
The House Environment and Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, hazardous waste; and other environmental impacts. The House Finance Committee considers issues relating to state and local revenues, such as increases or decreases in taxes; exemptions from taxes; and changes in the administration of taxes.
“I look forward to being a voice for our region on the Environment and Energy Committee. Clean renewable energy, like the energy produced by the Snake River dams, needs to be prioritized and protected. A strong energy industry is not only good for our economy but the environment,” said Barnard.
“Being a member of the Finance Committee allows me to be a part of considering the many facets of our state's financial resources, including taxes. I'm looking forward to contributing to the committee's efforts,” concluded Barnard.
Barnard can be reached via email at Stephanie.Barnard@leg.wa.gov or by calling (360) 786-7986 and scheduling an appointment. Letters can be mailed to Barnard's office at 469 John L. O'Brien Building, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600.
The 105-day legislative session began today, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
