
The House Appropriations Committee considers the operating budget bill and related legislation, budget process and fiscal issues such as pension policy and compensation
TJ Martinell
The Center Square Washington
Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, has been appointed the top Republican on the Washington State House Appropriations Committee.
Chaired by Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, the House Appropriations Committee considers the operating budget bill and related legislation, budget process and fiscal issues such as pension policy and compensation. The committee also considers bills that impact the operating budget.
“I am excited for the opportunity to represent my fellow Republicans on this important budget committee and to advocate for our vision of a fiscally responsible state budget that includes tax relief for the people of Washington state,” said Corry, who has served as assistant ranking member since 2021, in a Thursday news release. “I look forward to getting to work on that in the months ahead in a bipartisan way that considers all of the people of Washington state.”
During this year’s recently concluded 105-day legislative session, the nearly $70 billion operating budget passed the House on a mostly partisan 58-40 vote. In the Senate, eight Republicans joined Democrats in passing it by a 37-12 margin.
While the operating budget did not include any general tax increases, it also did not include broad-based tax relief such as a cut in the state’s portion of the sales or property tax.
Corry will continue to serve as the assistant House floor leader, in addition to continuing to serve on the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee.
His new role as ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee is not his only new gig, having started on May 1 as director of the Center for Government Reform at the free-market Washington Policy Center.
Corry is taking over for outgoing director Jason Mercier, who is leaving to take a management position with the Idaho-based Mountain States Policy Center that focuses on Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
Corry will continue to serve as a state representative and will divide his time with WPC.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- C-TRAN seeks public’s input on September 2025 Service Change ConceptsC-TRAN is gathering public input on 2025 service changes, including new routes and expanding its on-demand ride-share, The Current.
- Bill amending parents’ rights initiative passes another hurdle in the WA HouseESSB 5181, a bill modifying Washington’s parents’ rights initiative, advances amid sharp debate over student autonomy and parental access to information.
- Opinion: Bill limiting notifications for parents passes committeeA Washington Policy Center column critiques SB 5181, which would reduce parental notification rights in Washington public schools.
- Seattle City Council approves resolution recognizing failure of ‘defund the police’Seattle City Council passes resolution reversing defund-the-police stance and recommits to supporting public safety and law enforcement reforms.
- Sidewalk and ramp construction work in unincorporated Clark County begins in early AprilClark County Public Works to begin sidewalk and ramp upgrades in Vancouver to meet ADA standards, enhancing pedestrian safety.
- Letter: ‘Public safety is the backbone of a thriving community’Zach Goodman urges Camas and Washougal voters to support the RFA.
- Letter: Blood on their hands — A call for real leadership in VancouverVancouver resident Justin Forsman calls for bold new leadership in a public letter.