It’s a good thing State Representative Ross Hunter (D-Medina) likes talking taxes and finance, because he’s going to be spending a lot of time on these issues in the coming months.

As chair of the House Finance Committee, Hunter devotes the bulk of his time examining ways to make the state’s tax and finance systems fair, equitable and sustainable. He was a leading voice for the state’s Rainy Day Fund and has worked tirelessly to implement a contentious streamlined sales tax policy that eliminated unfair sales tax advantages for internet sellers.

And he’ll soon be doing the same thing as the newest member of two national committees that look at similar issues. The non-partisan National Conference of State Legislatures has appointed Hunter to two of its key tax and commerce related committees.

“Commerce is no longer about just moving apples or cars to market,” said Hunter, who represents the 48th Legislative District, which includes Redmond. “States have an incredibly difficult time keeping up with the lightening-speed development of technology and financial service products that affect our economy. Lawmakers need resources to understand these changes and respond in a way that not only protects consumers, but keeps states competitive in rapidly-changing markets.”

One of the committees, the Task Force on State and Local Taxation of Telecommunications and Electronic Commerce, examines issues around state and local tax systems, including the streamlined sales tax system recently adopted in 22 states, including Washington.

Hunter will also serve as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce (CFI). This committee works to protect state’s interests in federal legislation regarding electronic commerce, banking, insurance, securities and other financial services issues, interstate commerce and taxation of electronic transactions, telecommunications and interstate business activity taxes.

“It’s an incredible honor to be asked to serve alongside legislators from around the country as we grapple with new challenges in our economy,” Hunter said.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.