Nealey appointed to state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council

Rep. Terry Nealey – (360) 786-7828
Nealey appointed to state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council
Rep. Terry Nealey, R-Dayton, has been appointed as a voting member of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The announcement was made today by House Republican Leader Rep. Richard DeBolt, who nominated Nealey for the position. “Representative Nealey is doing an outstanding job as our new ranking Republican on the House Finance Committee. Appointing him to the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council was the next step and an easy decision,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. The council was created by the Legislature in 1984 to oversee the preparation of, and approve, the official optimistic and pessimistic state economic and revenue forecasts. It consists of two members appointed by the governor and four members from the Legislature. The council produces 17 publications a year, which includes a monthly update on the economy and revenue collections, a quarterly forecast publication and an annual study of Washington's economic climate. The reports are used as a baseline by the Legislature to determine revenue when crafting the state's biennial operating budget. “It is an honor and a great responsibility to be entrusted to serve on this very important state council. Industry leaders, state officials and lawmakers turn to the council each time it issues a report, because people want certainty. These reports give us a glimpse into our state's economic future,” said Nealey. “The best way to obtain a positive revenue outlook is for the Legislature to foster productivity, keep taxes low and give employers the opportunity to create more jobs.” Nealey replaces Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, who served on the council since 2005, but was recently appointed as the ranking Republican to the House Transportation Committee. Nealey is a former Columbia County prosecuting attorney and a partner in a private law practice in Dayton. He has served the 16th District in the House of Representatives since December 2009.