OLYMPIA – Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, newly elected to represent the 16th Legislative District, took his seat in the state Senate Monday – in his office, not on the Senate floor.
COVID precautions this year are forcing lawmakers to keep their distance, and most lawmakers are participating from their offices via teleconference.
“I miss being able to talk to people face-to-face,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge for all of us this year.”
Dozier was elected last November, succeeding Sen. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla. A dryland wheat farmer in Walla Walla and Columbia counties, Dozier previously served as a Walla Walla County commissioner and was president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers.
Like other lawmakers, Dozier took his oath of office last week in advance of the session. Dozier has been assigned to the Senate committees on Human Services. Reentry and Rehabilitation, Early Learning and K-12 Education, and Financial Institutions and Insurance.
“I’m excited to be here,” Dozier said. “There’s so much we can accomplish for small business, for agriculture, for the people of Southeast Washington. We face enormous short-term challenges in rebuilding our economy after our COVID shutdown, everything from making sure unemployment benefits are delivered on time, to staving off the impact of business-tax increases.
“But it’s what comes next that is most important. Creating a sound business climate, promoting educational opportunities from preschool to college, and ensuring that state government spends responsibly and wisely. In the 16th District, partisanship has never been more important than getting the job done, and I am honored that the people of my district have elected me to carry on the tradition.”
The 16th Legislative District covers Walla Walla and Columbia counties, and includes parts of Benton and Franklin counties.
Sen. Dozier can be contacted at:
Washington State Senate
109-A Irv Newhouse Bldg.
PO Box 40419
Olympia, WA 98504
Office phone: (360) 786-7630
Toll-free hotline: 1-800-562-6000
Email: Perry.Dozier@leg.wa.gov
Media inquiries: Contact Erik Smith at (206) 953-3874