When the 2015 legislative session convenes in January, Sen. Ann Rivers’ list of Senate-committee assignments will climb to four: Early Learning and K-12 Education, Rules, Health Care and Transportation.

“I’m so honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with such important committee assignments,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “This will put me front and center on the biggest issues facing Washington residents and my neighbors.

“Southwest Washington’s transportation needs are even more significant now than they were when I served on the transportation committee in the House of Representatives. I asked to be appointed to the Senate Transportation Committee to make sure there is a constructive voice speaking for Clark County,” said Rivers.

Serving on the Senate Health Care Committee also will be a new experience for Rivers, although she is already accomplished at working on health-care issues as a lawmaker.

“Last session my grace-period bill, Senate Bill 6016, was seen as key legislation by physicians around Washington. The passage of the Affordable Care Act and development of the health-care exchange in our state has presented lawmakers with a unique set of challenges. I want to make sure that the real people who are affected by these sweeping reforms are taken care of. Being a member of this committee will put me in the perfect place to do just that,” said Rivers.

Rivers has been a member of the Early Leaning and K-12 Education and Rules Committees for two years, and will retain those assignments.

The upcoming legislative session will begin Jan. 12 and is scheduled to last 105 days.