McAuliffe continues as ranking member of State Senate K-12 education committee

Published 10:24 am Monday, January 5, 2015

State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe will remain the ranking Democrat on the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education committee when the 2015 Legislature convenes Jan. 12.

McAuliffe was committee chairwoman before two Democrats joined Republicans to take control of the Senate in 2013. She continues as ranking minority member now that Republicans have taken full control of the Senate.

“I am honored to continue working hard to ensure that we make a real commitment this session to our children by meeting our constitutional obligation to fully fund basic education,” McAuliffe said. “Our kids deserve a highly effective teacher in every classroom and a class size that guarantees our children get the personalized attention they need to learn. We must act this year by making a significant investment in our children’s future.”

When McAuliffe was committee chairwoman, the legislature passed a law that defined basic education. The State Supreme Court used the definitions in that law when it ordered the legislature to provide full state support for basic public education.

McAuliffe also will serve as a member of the Senate Natural Resources and Parks committee and act as the Democratic caucus vice chairwoman.

“It is a privilege to serve in a leadership position,” she added.

McAuliffe represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes most of Mountlake Terrace, all of Brier and Bothell, unincorporated areas of Snohomish County north and east of Bothell, part of Kirkland and unincorporated areas of King County between Bothell and Kirkland.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.