Rep. Bill Jenkin returns to Olympia, selected for two new leadership roles
Rep. Bill Jenkin, R-Prosser, was sworn in for his second term as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives on Monday.
“It’s such a humbling experience to sit on the House floor the very first day as the Legislature convenes for another session. It’s an honor to be one of the voices in the room on behalf of the people of the 16th District,” said Jenkin. “It’s time to get to work. We’ve already seen some good ideas brought forward, but we’ve also seen some bad ideas. There are many challenges ahead of us in the next four months. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure our state moves forward in the right direction.”
House Republican leadership recently selected Jenkin to serve as the ranking member on the House Housing, Community Development and Veterans Committee.
“I’m grateful for the confidence my caucus leadership team has in my abilities to be the ranking Republican,” noted Jenkin. “Housing affordability and homelessness are two huge issues facing the Legislature this session. This role puts me at the forefront to help lead the committee in finding real, commonsense solutions to keeping people in their homes, reducing cost burdens and regulations on building homes, and pinpointing the root causes to our homelessness crisis so our plan moving forward isn’t a temporary fix.”
The House Housing, Community Development and Veterans Committee considers issues relating to housing, including accessibility and affordability, homelessness, state assistance to low-income housing, housing authorities and the Housing Finance Commission. The committee also considers issues relating to community development, community investment programs, underrepresented communities, veterans and military affairs, parks and recreation, and emergency management preparedness and response.
He will also serve on the House Capital Budget, and House Commerce and Gaming committees.
Aside from his committee assignments, Jenkin was selected to serve as deputy whip during the 2019 legislative session for the House Republican caucus. As deputy whip, Jenkin’s duties include helping to ensure members of the caucus attend floor session when important legislation is being heard on the House floor, and assist in caucus meetings to help maintain protocol.
“I feel valued by my caucus for the assignments I’ve received this session. Their faith has me energized to get the job done right,” said Jenkin. “I have a lot of momentum moving forward. I’m motivated to step up to help organize our caucus work so we can look at each issue with the consideration it deserves to ensure we pass legislation that benefits each and every Washingtonian.”
The 2019 legislative session began on Jan. 14 and will run 105 consecutive days.
