Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) has been reappointed to the Health Care & Wellness Committee for the 2015 Legislative Session of the State House of Representatives.

“Rural districts like ours need strong representation on the Health Care & Wellness Committee, which is what they are getting with Rep. Steve Tharinger and myself,” said Van De Wege.

“Our district has two counties with the highest percentages of elderly residents compared to the rest of Washington. I will ensure that access to quality, affordable health care is unencumbered.”

In addition to his duties as the House Majority Whip, Van De Wege also will serve on the Agriculture & Natural Resources, Community Development, Housing, and Tribal Affairs, and Rules Committees.

Hargrove named top Democrat on Ways & Means committee

Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, will be the ranking Democrat on the Ways & Means Committee when the 2015 legislative session begins next month.

Hargrove served as chairman and was the ranking member of the Senate’s budget-writing committee during the last two sessions.

“There’s no doubt we have serious budget challenges ahead of us in 2015,” Hargrove said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to find a way to secure our commitment to education while not crippling programs that keep people healthy and safe.”

Hargrove, the Senate’s most experienced legislator, also will serve on the Senate Human Services, Mental Health and Housing Committee.

He represents Olympic Peninsula’s 24th Legislative District and will mark the start of his 31st year serving in Olympia when the legislative session begins Jan. 12.