December 29, 2010

REP. WALKER TO CHAIR APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Representative Toni Walker has been appointed by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan to serve as House Chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee.

“I’m honored Speaker Donovan has put his faith in me as we solve the difficult challenges facing our state budget. We’ll have to make some difficult choices, but we also need to protect funding for vital services even in bad economic times,” Rep. Walker said.

“As chair of the budget-writing committee, Toni has accepted a very challenging assignment and with her experience in the state legislature, I am confident she is up to the task,” Speaker Donovan said.

The Appropriations Committee is composed of 58 members - 13 Senators and 45 Representatives. The committee has cognizance of all matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies.

Other issues under the committee's jurisdiction include matters relating to state employees' salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers' retirement and veterans' pensions and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees.

Rep. Walker represents New Haven’s 93rd Assembly District. In addition to serving as Chair of Appropriations, she will serve on the Human Services and Judiciary Committees.