Morton to keep leadership role on natural resources committee

December 23, 2008

Olympia…Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, was selected by his colleagues to continue serving as the ranking Republican member of the Senate standing committee that deals with natural resource issues: Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation.  

His other committee assignments for the next two years include Agriculture and Rural Economic Development and Environment, Water and Energy. 

Morton is a long-time member of these committees and served on similar committees in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate in 1995. 

The 2009 Legislature convenes on Monday, Jan. 12. The top issues are the looming $5 billion budget deficit, energy, transportation and education. 

Key issues for Morton include forest health, water rights, education and the North Spokane Corridor freeway. 

“I do not support new or increased taxes to solve the overspending problem of the last four years,” Morton said. “Building a ‘no-new taxes’ budget in the face of the deficit will be tough, but we can do it. 

“I also want to make sure that as we work on the new transportation budget, we keep Eastern Washington in mind, particularly the North Spokane Corridor freeway.” 

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Additional contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov