State Rep. Sylvester Turner Will Serve On Powerful Committee

Committee assignments have been handed out in the Texas House of  Representatives.

Republicans hold a majority and the number of  Democratic chairman was reduced from 16 to 11.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston) was named  Vice Chair of  the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

That will be important to the people in his district and the entire city because lawmakers are struggling with a big budget deficit and proposed program cuts that will be  painful.

Rep. Turner has a history of  fighting to maintain or increase funding in education, social services and other areas important to Texans.

 Turner was also named as a member of the State Affairs Committee by House Speaker Joe Straus.

According to a news release,  As Appropriations Vice Chair, Turner will be tasked with deliberating over the state’s budget and the challenging decisions regarding its current $27 billion debt.  On State Affairs, Turner will be overseeing numerous pieces of legislation that will thoroughly review the state’s oversight of the electric and telecommunications industry.

 “I am eager to begin work,” said Turner.  “The task ahead of us is daunting and Texas has never faced such an extraordinary budget crisis. I am committed to doing all I can in the appropriations process and I am ready to give this process my very best.” 

The Appropriations Committee holds its first meeting tomorrow. (Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011)