Senator Kissel Named Top Republican Senator To Three Legislative Committees

Senator Kissel Promoted to Deputy Minority Leader
Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, has been appointed to serve as the leading Republican Senator on the legislature’s Human Services Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Select Committee on Aging by Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca, R-Woodbury.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility for helping to lead the debate on the important issues handled by these committees. As everyone knows, Connecticut is facing a budget crisis and many of the public policy decisions awaiting us will be made on the committee level. I’ve served as ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee and Select Committee on Aging, but I’ve never served on the Human Services Committee and I’m very much looking forward to this new assignment. In particular, I’m looking forward to working with Senator Mary Ann Handley, the Senate co-chair of the Human Services Committee, as we’ve always gotten along quite well over the years,” said Senator Kissel.

The Human Services Committee is charged with overseeing legislation regarding the state Department of Social Services and the state Department of Children and Families, and the institutions under their jurisdiction. The Judiciary Committee, on which Senator Kissel has served as ranking Senator, oversees legislation regarding courts, the state Department of Corrections, and related issues. The Select Committee on Aging, on which Senator Kissel has served as ranking Senator since its creation six years ago, conducts public hearings, issues reports and initiates legislation on matters relating to senior citizens.
The Judiciary Committee is widely considered the third most powerful committee in the legislature behind the committees on Appropriations and Finance.

“Three of the communities I represent – Enfield, Somers and Suffield – are host to a total of six correctional facilities. Many people who live in my part of the state work for the state Department of Corrections, and most everyone here pays attention to what happens at the local prisons. We may not be able to stop prison expansion, but the legislature will be hearing the concerns of the communities that host these six correctional facilities. For that reason, among many others, I’m honored to have the support of Senator DeLuca, and the opportunity to continue as ranking Senator of the Judiciary Committee,” said Senator Kissel
Also, Senator DeLuca has promoted Senator Kissel to Deputy Minority Leader. Senator Kissel presently serves as an Assistant Minority Leader.

“I am especially pleased that Senator DeLuca has asked me to assume more leadership responsibilities in our caucus. I look forward to the challenge, and am thankful for the opportunity,” said Senator Kissel.
The new appointments take effect when the 2003 Legislative Session convenes January 8, 2003.