Assemblywoman Olsen’s whip appointment adds to clout

Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, whose district includes Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, was appointed Wednesday as Chief Republican Whip in the lower house of the state Legislature.

Her selection by Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare, tasks Olsen with helping devise strategy and providing direction and guidance to GOP caucus members during Assembly floor sessions.

“I am honored to serve as Chief Whip,” Olsen said. “I came to Sacramento to solve problems and work on reforms, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to set priorities and develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our state.”

Olsen also serves as vice chairwoman of the Assembly Higher Education Committee and is a member of the Insurance, Agriculture and Joint Sunset Review committees. 

“In her first term, Kristin Olsen has been a true champion for taxpayers, fighting to make the budget process more open and hold state government accountable to taxpayers,” Conway said.  

“As Chief Republican Whip, Kristin will continue to play an integral role as we work together to protect students from trigger cuts and refocus the Legislature’s budget priorities on what matters most — education and public safety.”