On the first day of what most observers believe will be a very challenging Legislative session, House Democrats elected two Deputy Majority Leaders to coordinate and focus caucus action in two areas key to Washington’s future: education and opportunity, and jobs and economic development.

“The persistent recession is consuming much of the legislature’s time and focus, as it must,” said Majority Leader Pat Sullivan (D-Covington). “But we also must have a vision for what kind of state we want Washington to be coming out of the recession. A solid, seamless education system and a healthy economic climate are key to our recovery.”

Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) was selected to be Deputy Majority Leader for Education and Opportunity, and Rep. Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) was named Deputy Majority Leader for Jobs and Economic Development.

“Both Marcie and Larry bring unique talents and perspectives to the leadership team,” said Sullivan. “Marcie has an extensive background in education, both inside and outside the legislature. I observed her dedication to the children of our state firsthand when we served together on the Quality Education Council. And Larry is a long-time small business owner who has spent the last two decades working to bring jobs to east King County.”

Besides being a delegate to the QEC, Maxwell has served as Vice Chair of both Education, and Community & Economic Development & Trade, and as a member of Education Appropriations and Capital Budget. Before joining the House, she served as President of the Renton School Board and on its Budget, Audit, Facilities Bonds, and Diversity Committees; the Renton Area PTA Council President; and as a member of the WA State School Directors Legislative Steering Committee.

“I am thrilled by this new challenge,” said Maxwell. “In this uncertain time, we should be as focused as we can on education – it’s the solid foundation upon which our economic future will be built.”

Springer and his wife have owned and operated four businesses since 1981, including a wine store in Kirkland they’ve run for the last 25 years. He is a former board member of the Seattle/King County Economic Development Council and former president of the Kirkland Downtown Association. He currently serves as a member of three Chambers of Commerce working on business development and promotion.

“The only way to finally end this recession is to get people back to work,” said Springer. “Issues of economic development and job creation cross over the lines of several committees. My job is coordinating all those efforts toward one goal – a healthy economic climate that provides Washington residents satisfying, sustainable jobs.”