Job Descriptions

Here are the job descriptions for state senator and state representative taken from the government web page for Spokane County:

State Senator
The State Constitution prescribes that a Senator must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the legislative district from which he or she was chosen. A Senator's term of office is four years; the Senate is made up of 49 members, one from each legislative district in the state. One-half of the membership of the Senate is elected at the General Election held in November of each even-numbered year.

During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The Senate also has the exclusive power to confirm certain gubernatorial appointments. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees.

State Representative
The State Constitution prescribes that a Representative must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the legislative district from which he or she was chosen. A Representative's term of office is two years; the House is made up of 98 members, two from each legislative district in the state. The total membership of the House is elected at the General Election held in November of each even-numbered year.
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees.