Van De Wege gains seat

on powerful Rules committee

Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, was selected last week to sit on the House Rules committee, the committee that decides which bills will be considered on the House floor. The committee wields a lot of power during session, when hundreds of bills are introduced for consideration.

"It’s an honor that also carries great responsibility," Van De Wege said about his appointment. "Not every bill makes it to the floor for a vote, and sometimes it’s not an easy choice. But with Rep. (Lynn) Kessler and me both on the Rules committee, the 24th district won’t be overlooked when important decisions are being made."

In order to serve on the Rules committee, Van De Wege had to give up his vice chairmanship of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, although he will continue to serve on it. His other committees for 2009 are Technology, Energy and Communications, and General Government Appropriations. He no longer will serve on the Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs.

Earlier this month, Van De Wege was elected deputy whip, a leadership position within his caucus.

Exchange group seeks

volunteer advocate

Representatives from World Heritage, a nonprofit student exchange program, are seeking a volunteer from the community to serve as a representative and program supporter for high school exchange students.

Volunteers screen potential host families, meet with local high school representatives and provide support counseling for host families and students.

For more information, call Barbara at 800- 888-9040 or see www.world-heritage.org.