Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, was officially sworn in today as the newest state representative for the 8th Legislative District.

Boehnke, a 21-year Army veteran with an extensive background in cybersecurity issues, has been appointed to three House committees. He will serve as the assistant ranking member of the House Innovation, Technology and Economic Development Committee. Since 2015, Boehnke has been the director and lead professor of the cybersecurity division at Columbia Basin College. He also owns a cybersecurity consulting business.

Boehnke will also serve on the House Transportation and Environment and Energy committees.

Prior to joining the House, Boehnke served for three years on the Kennewick City Council. He resigned from the council in December, citing the need to devote his full attention to his new legislative duties.

“I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to continue serving the people of the 8th District in this new role,” said Boehnke. “I look forward to working across the aisle with my colleagues, and to bringing my knowledge and expertise to every aspect of the legislative process. My goal in each of the committees I’ve been assigned to is to be as helpful as possible in developing long-term solutions to the many complex challenges we face. I can’t wait to get started.”

In Olympia, Boehnke can be reached at his legislative office at (360) 786-7986 or via email at matt.boehnke@leg.wa.gov. Constituents who would like to meet with him are encouraged to call ahead and make an appointment with his legislative assistant, Jennifer Palmer.

The 2019 legislative session began today, Jan. 14, and is scheduled to run 105 consecutive days.