Biography

PERSONAL:
Jim was born and raised in the Midwest. After starting his career working for Senator Hubert Humphrey and other Democratic members of Congress, he moved to Seattle in 1981. He has three children.

EDUCATION:
B.A. Urban and Regional Affairs, Macalester College
M.P.P. Public Policy, University of Michigan
Ph.D. Economics, University of Washington

EMPLOYMENT:

• Financial Consultant, Navigant Inc.
• Senior Lecturer, Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, since 1987.
• Director, Fiscal Policy Center, University of Washington, 1993-98.
• Special Assistant for Fiscal Policy, Governor Booth Gardner, 1985-87.
• Research Scientist, Battelle Human Affairs Research Centers, 1983-85.
• Lecturer, Graduate School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, 1983-85.
• Special Legislative Assistant, Congressman Augustus Hawkins, 1981.
  Professional Staff, Labor and Human Resources Committee, U.S. Senate, 1980-81.
• Economist, Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Congress, 1977-80.
  Senior Vice President, Chambers Associates Inc., 2001-Present
  
  COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
• Finance
• Appropriations
• Forecast Council-Chair
• Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee (LEAP) - Chair
  
  YEARS IN THE HOUSE:
  1998 - Present
  
  LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
• Improved funding for K-12 and higher education.
• Make health and child care affordable to all working families.
• Protect our environment
• Provide shelter for the homeless and affordable housing.
• Develop an equitable tax structure.
  
  CIVIC ACTIVITIES:
• Chair, Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board, 1994-98.
• Steering Committee, Partnership for Washington's Future, Children's Alliance, 1996-98.
• Board of Directors, Common Ground (non-profit housing development), 1990-96 (chair 1995).
• Ruling Elder, Wedgwood Presbyterian Church 1982-85 and 1996-1998.
• Strategic planning consultant to nonprofit and local government agencies.