OLYMPIA — Reps. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, and Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, recently received committee assignments for the 2021 legislative session, which is set to begin Jan. 11.

Both state legislators represent Washington’s 12th District, which includes parts of northern Grant County, in the House.

Steele has been appointed to serve as the lead Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee, which considers funding for the construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and transfers, according to a press release from Washington State House Republicans.

“It’s an honor to take on this leadership role for one of our state’s budgets,” Steele said in the press release. “The long-term infrastructure investments made by this committee, especially during these challenging times, will help our communities to recover, grow, and thrive. I look forward to working with the other committee members to create an effective plan for our state.”

Steele will serve also as a member of the House Education and Appropriations committees.

“Our state has experienced devastating losses due to the pandemic. We’re approaching more than 10 months of no in-person instruction for students, and the coronavirus continues to pose serious economic risks and uncertainty, both nationally and in our state. I welcome the opportunity to work with my fellow legislators to navigate our way through these critical issues,” Steele said in a press release.

Goehner has been selected as the lead Republican on the House Local Government Committee, which considers issues relating to the operations and financing of counties, cities and some special purpose districts, according to a press release. The committee also considers proposals related to local government open meeting and public records obligations, and the administration of local land use, zoning, building, energy and health codes.

“Spending 16 years as a Chelan County commissioner gives me a strong perspective on how our local entities view issues such as state agency rulemaking, performance audits and elections at the local level. I am pleased to be the Republican lead as these issues come before us,” Goehner said in a press release. “I look forward to bringing more attention to the challenges of our local governments including unfunded mandates, such as indigent defense, and rules and regulations imposed by state agencies.”

Goehner will serve also on the House Environment and Energy Committee.

“I was appointed to this committee last year and am excited to be selected for this committee assignment again. With the importance of the abundant, low-cost power in our region, it is great opportunity to be involved in energy and environmental policy coming out of the Legislature,” Goehner said in a press release.

The committee considers issues relating to the Growth Management Act, Shoreline Management Act, air quality, climate change, renewable energy standards and energy availability.

Goehner will also serve on the Transportation Committee.

“Our region continues to grow and transportation and traffic relief are a high priority for North Central Washington and Washington state. Maintaining our roadways allows the safe and efficient delivery of goods and services we use daily. I look forward to being part of the committee as we discuss solutions and policy issues to improve our transportation system,” Goehner said in a press release.