Yesterday I released the following press release regarding the Senate Minority Party’s committee assignments. To view all committee assignments please click “here”.
Senator Tarr Announces 2011-2012 GOP Committee Assignments
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) has announced the following Republican committee assignments for the 2011-2012 legislative session:
Senate Assistant Minority Leader Robert L. Hedlund (R-Weymouth) has been named to the Senate Committee on Post Audit & Oversight and the Senate Committee on Global Warming & Climate Change. Hedlund will also serve as a member of the Joint Committees on Children, Families & Persons with Disabilities; Community Development & Small Business; Elder Affairs; Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture; Housing; Labor & Workforce Development; Public Health; and Transportation.
Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield), the ranking Republican member of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, will retain that position and will also serve as a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics & Rules and the Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures & State Assets. In addition, Knapik has been named as a member of the Joint Committees on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure; Election Laws; Financial Services; Public Service; Revenue; Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy; and Veterans & Federal Affairs.
Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) has been named to the Senate Committee on Ethics & Rules and the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. Ross will also serve as a member of the Joint Committees on Economic Development & Emerging Technology; Education; Higher Education; Judiciary; Mental Health & Substance Abuse; Municipalities & Regional Government; and Public Safety & Homeland Security.
Tarr, who is currently serving his first term as Minority Leader, will serve on the Senate Committee on Bills in Third Reading and the Senate Committee on Steering & Policy. His Joint Committee assignments include Health Care Financing; Redistricting; State Administration & Regulatory Oversight; and Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development.
“The challenges facing Massachusetts are considerable but not insurmountable,” said Senator Tarr. “We may not hold the majority of seats in the Senate, but the role of the Senate Republican Caucus is more important than ever as we look to lead the Commonwealth through the difficult times that lie ahead. Every Republican Senator will be energized and engaged in that role, and I look forward to working with Senators Hedlund, Knapik and Ross in the upcoming legislative session as we try to make Massachusetts more affordable and state government more responsive to the needs of its citizens.”
