Things they are a changing in Washington. Long-time serving Chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, Senator  Margarita Prentice, is expected to leave her current position to become president pro tempore of the Senate.

The president pro tempore is the backup to the Senate president, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. Owen presides over the Senate, and in his absence the pro-tem takes the gavel. Former state Sen. Rosa Franklin held the post before she retired last session.

Speculation suggests that Senator Ed Murray will likely take her position as Chair of the Senate appropriations committee.

The Senate Democratic caucus Committee on Committees — which decides committee assignments — was scheduled to meet Monday. Their recommendations will go to the caucus as a whole for consideration in December.