Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, will serve as president pro tempore of the state Senate, presiding over the chamber when the lieutenant governor is unavailable.
In addition to these duties, Keiser will chair the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee.
“It is an honor and privilege to be elected by my colleagues to preside as president pro tem of the Washington State Senate,” Keiser said. “I look forward to stepping up to the podium and wielding the gavel when Lt. Gov. Habib is unable to preside. I assured my colleagues that I will make every effort to ensure fair, equitable and efficient Senate.”
Keiser’s seatmate in the House, Rep. Tina Orwall, D- Des Moines, serves as speaker pro tempore. This marks the first time in Washington state history that two members from the same district share presiding roles.
Keiser will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee and the Senate Ways & Means Committee, which produces the operating and capital budgets. She will also serve on the Rules Committee.
“It is time to put partisan bickering aside and put the hardworking people of Washington first,” Keiser said. “I am looking forward to bringing back transparency and accountability to the Senate.”
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