State Rep. Drew Hansen has been named chairman of the House of Representatives Higher Education Committee for the 2015 Legislative Session by the Democratic majority.

“I’m very honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Higher Education chair,” said Hansen, a Bainbridge Island Democrat and 23rd District lawmaker.

“I’ve focused in the Legislature on helping people train for better jobs, and a college degree or apprenticeship is still the best way to do that,” he said.

Hansen is serving in his second full term as a member of the House. Since his appointment in 2011, Hansen has successfully passed legislation improving higher education in Washington by helping small businesses work with community colleges to train their employees, giving veterans the ability to enroll early in college classes, and expanding the Olympic College engineering program.

Hansen will also serve as a member on the Appropriations and Judiciary committees.