January 8, 2013
State Rep. Juan Candelaria has been appointed Deputy Majority Leader by Democratic leaders, Speaker of the House-designate Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) and Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin).
Candelaria, who was re-elected to his sixth term in November, is the only Latino lawmaker appointed to this leadership position.
"It is an honor to be appointed to serve in this new capacity with our leadership in the upcoming session," Candelaria said. "I am eager to work with all my colleagues in moving our priorities forward for a better Connecticut."
"Juan is one of the long-serving Latino legislators in our caucus whom I had the opportunity to work with closely in moving important legislation forward, including the Dream Act law," Rep. Sharkey said. "I'm confident he will be a great addition to our leadership team as we get ready to face the challenges of this upcoming legislative session."
"Juan is a respected leader at the legislature. With his expertise, passion and commitment, he will be a valued member of my team and I'm looking forward to working with him as we move Connecticut forward," said Rep. Aresimowicz.
The entire membership of the General Assembly will be sworn into office on January 9th at the State Capitol in Hartford during the opening day ceremony of the 2013 session.
Rep. Candelaria will also serve on the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, the Joint Committee on Legislative Management, as well as the Children and Appropriations Committees.