Helen Sommers: An Oral History

pg. 232 Biography
leGIslatIve BIoGraphY (1973-2009 – 36 years of service)
representative helen sommers
36 th legislative district
house of representatives state
Education:
K-12 Woodbury Heights, New Jersey
University of Washington – Seattle: B .A . and M .A . in Economics
Central Washington University Honorary Degree – Master of Human
Letters – 2009
Service in the Washington State House of Representatives (1973-2009)
• First elected to the House in November, 1972;
• Elected 18 times (36 years);
• Retired at the end of the 2008 session; term ended in January 2009 .
Leadership positions in the House throughout her 36-year career:
• Chair of House Appropriations Committee – 1994 and 2002–2008;
• Co-Chair of Appropriations Committee (second 49-49 tie) – 1999–2001;
• Ranking Democrat (Minority) of Appropriations – 1995–1998;
• Democratic Caucus Chair – 1993;
• Capital Budget Chair – 1989–1992;
• Higher Education Chair – 1986;
• Revenue Chair – 1977–1978; Co-Chair (first 49-49 tie) 1979-1980;
• State Government Chair – 1975–1976; again 1987–1988;
• Co-Chair Revenue Committee – 1973-74 .
Other Committees Helen served on:
• Joint Committee on Pension Policy – Chair
• Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee – Chair;
• Pension Funding Council
• Institute for Public Policy – Board
Former Employment:
• King County Office of Finance – 1984-1995;
• King County Council, Analyst – 1972-1984;