December 12, 2008

REP. WALKER TO CHAIR HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

State Representative Toni Walker has been appointed by incoming Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan to serve in the position of Chair of the legislature's Human Services Committee.

"I am honored to be appointed as House Chair of the Human Services Committee. I look forward to working side-by-side with my Senate Co-Chair Jonathan Harris. In the past, Jonathan and I have worked together on several major issues such as juvenile justice, health care and welfare reform. This is a time where we need to maintain the human services infrastructure in Connecticut that helps families in this major time of need. These are challenging times and require both vision and determination. I am prepared to address these and other important issues, and thank incoming Speaker Christopher Donovan for having the confidence in me to help move this agenda forward," Rep Walker said.

"A struggling economy will mean more demand for our safety net programs," Speaker Donovan said. "Toni's experience and knowledge made her the perfect choice to lead the Human Services Committee."

The Human Services Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Children and Families, including institutions under their jurisdiction.

The committee also has cognizance over the Office of Child Day Care, Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, Commission on the Deaf and the Hearing Impaired, the Board of Education and Services for the Blind.

Representative Walker represents New Haven's 93rd Assembly District in New Haven.