OLYMPIA—Sen. Jan Angel, Port Orchard Republican and vice-chair of the Senate Majority Coalition, applauded the state legislature for dramatically increasing education funding, “holding firm” on a balanced budget and investing in transportation in her Jan. 11 response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s State of the State address.

Angel kicked off the 2016 state legislative session by saving most of her accolades for the Republican-led caucus.

“In 2015, we made a huge investment in our schools,” Angel said, “and I passed a personal record number of bills.”

“I hope to build on those results in 2016 by focusing on what matters most to regular people in our community: great education for every child, responsible use of your tax dollars and more good jobs here at home.”

Angel noted that the state budget passed last year added $1.3 billion to Washington schools “without requiring billion-dollar tax increases” proposed by the governor. The Port Orchard legislator also passed 11 bills that addressed issues such as securing warrant officers for the city of Bremerton to bringing the state insurance industry up to national standards.

Angel said she plans to continue her work helping fully disabled veterans to remain in their homes, restoring charter schools and making government more efficient.

“I’m always listening to what matters to you in your neighborhood,” Angel said. “Most of my bills come from people in the community bringing an issue to me for help.”

The 26th District legislative district senator said she encourages residents to contact her if they have a need or a suggestion about how government can serve its citizens better.

The 26th legislative district covers Bremerton to Gig Harbor and Blake Island to the Key Peninsula.

Correction: In the print version of this article, it stated Angel sponsored 11 bills in the legislature. In fact, 11 bills she sponsored  passed in the legislature. Angel sponsored 31 bills in total.