Rep. Manweller named to House Finance Committee

OLYMPIA - Thirteenth District Rep. Matt Manweller will have a front row seat for the debates on tax and revenue bills in the upcoming legislative session.

Manweller has been named to the House Finance Committee, which considers issues relating to state and local revenue, such as tax increases, tax exemptions and changes in the administration of taxes.

"Anyone who has heard the governor in the last few days knows we can expect lively debate in the Finance Committee this session" Manweller, R-Ellensburg, said. "The governor is proposing a capital gains tax and raising taxes on oil refineries and cigarettes. I am sure we will see these proposals, or something very similar before the committee."

Manweller noted that the state is expecting an eight percent increase in revenue during the next biennium without raising taxes.

Manweller will continue to serve as the ranking Republican on the House Labor Committee. He will be serving on only two committees. Last month he was elected assistant floor leader by his colleagues in the House Republican Caucus.

The assistant floor leader is a part of the leadership team that helps coordinate the debate on the House floor. As part of the leadership team, he will also be involved in the strategies and policy decisions of the caucus.

The 2015 legislative session begins on Monday, Jan. 12. It is scheduled for 105 days.