Rep. Alex Ybarra begins work in Olympia, receives committee assignments
CONTACT: Kelley Payne, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7761
Rep. Alex Ybarra begins work in Olympia, receives committee assignments
Today on the House floor, Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, was ceremonially sworn into office by Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson. The newest representative for the 13th legislative district was selected by commissioners from Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln and Yakima counties to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Cle Elum.
“It's a tremendous honor and responsibility to do this kind of work. I was born and raised in Quincy. I love the people and the district,” said Ybarra. “It's incredible to realize I have the opportunity to make a real difference for them in Olympia. My focus will always be on them and how the state government can do a better job providing solutions and outcomes on issues they care about the most.”
House Republican leadership appointed the freshman legislator to sit on the House Appropriations Committee. Along with considering bills with large budget impacts, the committee is tasked with the critical responsibility of reviewing and approving the state's 2019-21 operating budget.
House Republican Caucus Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox says Ybarra's appointment will help strengthen the work of Republicans this session.
“I am very happy to have such a highly qualified person joining our caucus. After reviewing Alex's biography and meeting with him, I decided to add him to the most demanding committee in the House, Appropriations. Ybarra's talents will make an immediate impact,” said Wilcox, R-Yelm.
Ybarra will also serve on the House Civil Rights and Judiciary, and Consumer Protection and Business committees. The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee oversees a broad range of legal issues including anti-discrimination measures, constitutional law, torts, probate, commercial law and civil commitments. And, along with several other responsibilities, the Consumer Protection and Business Committee reviews financial service matters, insurance, and consumer protection service issues.
“I'm humbled to have been selected for each of these committees. Now, the real work begins. Today was my first full day. I'm looking forward to digging into the issues and being an effective voice for the people I represent,” continued Ybarra.
Currently employed by the Grant County Public Utility District as a reliability and compliance internal auditor, Ybarra has also worked for the Rocket Research Company as a scientist developing space shuttle hardware, cruise missiles and Mars lander equipment.
For more than seven years, Ybarra has served as a member of the Quincy School Board. Recently, he was also asked to be the vice president for the board of directors of the Washington State School Directors Association. The new lawmaker has worked on several legislative task forces and state commissions, including his 2016 appointment by the governor to the state Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
Ybarra's office location is 469 John L. O'Brien Building on the Capitol Campus. His email address is Alex.Ybarra@leg.wa.gov and his phone number is (360) 786-7808.
The 105-day legislative session began Monday and is scheduled to end April 28.
