When the 2011 legislative session began Jan. 10, the gavel for the House committee that oversees the budgets of many state agencies and programs was handed over to State Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila), beginning his fifth term in the House of Representatives. Hudgins steps down from his previous role as the Majority Floor Leader in the Democratic caucus to take on his new role.

The House General Government Appropriations & Oversight Committee manages the funding and oversight of general government, natural resources, and corrections programs and agencies, and makes funding recommendations to the final fiscal committee, the Ways and Means Committee.

As a veteran member of the committee, Hudgins championed several government-efficiency improvements, including a new print management system for several state agencies. The change will ultimately save taxpayers millions of dollars, according to Hudgins.

As the chairman, he is now in charge of leading reform efforts through one of the most serious economic downturns in state history.

With a bleak revenue forecast facing legislators, the Tukwila legislator said he knows how much is riding on these efforts this coming biennium.

"This budget is going to be one that you either love or hate," said Hudgins. "If you want to protect the services the state provides you are going to hate it, if you want to see a smaller state budget again, you will love it."

Hudgins also noted it will take a concerted effort by all to build a budget with enough support to pass, and said he welcomes the opportunity for collaboration with anyone focused on good, effective, and efficient governance.

"I hope to make these tough choices with as much input as possible, and with an eye on doing government services differently," Hudgins added.