Senate announces new committee chair line-up

Our friends in the Senate Democratic Caucus just announced their recommended slate of committee chairs. Senator Lisa Brown will remain Senate Majority Leader.

Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond

Early Learning & K-12 Education: Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell

Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup

Environment, Water & Energy: Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County

Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance: Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens (new)

Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections (formerly Government Operations & Elections): Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver (new)

Health & Long-Term Care: Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent

Higher Education & Workforce Development: Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina (new)

Human Services & Corrections: Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam

Judiciary: Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle

Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle

Natural Resources & Marine Waters(formerly Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan (new)

Transportation: Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island and Vice chair: Sen. Scott White, D-Seattle (new)

Ways & Means: Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle and Vice chair of capital budget: Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor (new)

Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, has announced that she will run for the leadership position of President Pro Tempore, and Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County, has announced she will run for the leadership position of Majority Caucus Chair. Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, has announced her desire to remain Majority Floor Leader.

The House Democratic Caucus is still working on leadership and committee chair assignments, including who will take over one of the top leadership roles that opened up when House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler retired. We'll keep you posted.