The Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce has hired an Olympia veteran, Jim Hedrick, to be Spokane's voice in the capitol.

Lobbying's not new for Hedrick, who was the "director of legislative affairs" -- essentially a lobbyist -- for the state's budget office.

Chamber priorities this session include advocating for business, health care, higher education, transportation and local construction projects.

Hedrick replaces Tom Mielke, the chamber's lobbyist for the past six years. Mielke, a former state lawmmaker, was recently elected as a Spokane County Commissioner.