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 time on these issues in the coming months.

Hunter is chair of the House Finance Committee. The bulk of his time is working with the state’s tax and finance systems.

He’ll soon be doing the same thing as newest member of two national committees. 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,” Hunter said. “States have an incredibly difficult time keeping up with the lightening-speed development of technology and financial service products that affect our economy.”

Hunter said 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 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 also will 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,” says Hunter. “I look forward to sharing what we’re doing here in Washington, but just as importantly, learning what’s working in other states. This will be a real learning experience for me.”