Rep. Travis Couture gets promotion on key budget committee

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, was recently promoted to assistant ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. The influential, 31-member committee creates the state’s operating budget and works on budget-related bills.

Besides his new role, Couture continues to serve as the assistant ranking Republican on the House Human Services, Youth, and Early Learning Committee and as a member of the House Education Committee.

“I am delighted Representative Couture is taking on this position,” said House Republican Leader Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “He hit the ground running in his first session, providing an important voice on critical issues. Even as a freshman member, Travis had a tremendous impact on the legislative process. I have no doubt his passionate advocacy for children, education, and public safety will serve both the 35th District and the entire state well as he moves into this new role.”

During his swift rise – just months after taking his oath of office – Couture saw unanimous passage of his first bill in both the House and Senate.

House Bill 1274, inspired by 15-year-old Karreon Franks who died of starvation just six days after a CPS agent visited his Vancouver home, directs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), to create a child malnutrition field guide for their staff.

Couture is also a leader in the legislative fight on behalf of communities pushing back against state plans to place dangerous sexually violent predators (SVPs) into low-security homes in their neighborhoods.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a leader on this important committee,” said Couture. “I look forward to working to get us to a common-sense budget that ensures our children get a quality education, our communities are protected, and that provides much-needed tax relief for the people of Washington state.”

The 2023 regular legislative session adjourned on April 23, 2023.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov