OLYMPIA… Sen. Perry Dozier has been appointed to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, where he will be the assistant Republican leader on the capital budget.

The Waitsburg lawmaker will continue as Republican leader on the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee. He also will be back as a member of the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.

This week, while lawmakers were at the state Capitol for committee meetings ahead of the 2025 legislative session, members of the Senate Republican Caucus also unanimously re-elected Dozier to their caucus leadership team.

He will continue as deputy whip, working with other caucus leaders to track and coordinate what happens during floor sessions in the Senate chamber.

“This is a great combination of assignments,” said Dozier of his committee responsibilities. “Collectively, these are responsible for policy and fiscal decisions that are important to students, parents, employers, taxpayers, those who receive state services, and communities.”

As a former two-term Walla Walla County commissioner who knows his way around a balance sheet, Dozier had his eye on joining the budget committee as he begins his second Senate term.

“This stands to be one of the most challenging budget-writing sessions in a long while. I’m glad to have the opportunity to be a voice for our part of the state on tax and spending issues,” he said.

Dozier is especially looking forward to his new leadership role on the capital budget, which funds public construction projects and similar investments and acquisitions throughout the state.

“In the Senate, the capital budget has been one of the great examples of bipartisanship. It also does good things for our school districts, and higher-education institutions, and communities – things people can see. This is exciting.”

Dozier will take the oath of office again on Jan. 13, when the 2025 legislative session convenes.