Caucus peers elect Orwall Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore
OLYMPIA – What promises to be a very difficult legislative session will also be very different for state Rep. Tina Orwall, a Des Moines Democrat, who is serving her second term in the Legislature.
Orwall was elected by her House Democratic Caucus colleagues today as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to preside over this sacred institution, to ensure that all voices are heard and that the work of the people moves forward,” said Orwall, who almost two years ago, in a rare occurrence, was asked to preside as Speaker.
On that occasion, Rep. Zack Hudgins, who was the Majority Floor Leader last biennium, said of Orwall that in all the time he had been running the House Floor he had never seen anyone step up to the job of presiding officer so quickly.
Hudgins then added that, as Speaker, Orwall had been even-handed and fair, and that she even had a sense of humor when members were slow to vote on a few measures to see how she would react.
“It is very moving and humbling to see that my colleagues, who I respect and admire, are putting their trust in me once again by putting this gavel back in my hand,” said a visibly enthusiastic Orwall. “It is both challenging and rewarding to take on this honorable responsibility, and I will do my best to preserve the dignity of this office by working in a manner that is both fair and respectful of all members and the people they represent.”
The Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore, or active Speaker, is called upon to preside over sessions of the House when the Speaker Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House are unable to attend.
“Rep. Orwall will be a great asset to the team at the rostrum. I think it is obvious that in this legislature, the job is bigger than any one person. I feel it is important to encourage the development opportunities of new and diverse presiding officers – it’s part of who we are,” said Rep. Jim Moeller, who currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore.
Since being elected to the Legislature, Orwall has focused her efforts primarily in the areas of education and housing. In 2010 she received the South King Council of Human Services Kathy Keolker Leadership Award, and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance Legislator of the Year.
For the 2011-2013 biennium, Rep. Tina Orwall’s committee assignments are Early Learning and Human Services, Education Appropriations and Oversight, Judiciary and Rules.
Orwall’s 33rd Legislative District includes Normandy Park, Des Moines and parts of Kent, Burien and SeaTac.