Senator Kissel Named Top Republican Senator To Three Legislative Committees

Senator Kissel Retains Deputy Minority Leader Position

Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, has been re-appointed to serve as the leading Republican Senator on the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, Human Services Committee and Select Committee on Aging by Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca, R-Woodbury. In addition, Sen. Kissel will serve as a member of the legislature’s Regulation Review Committee.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility for helping to lead the debate on the important issues handled by these committees,” said Sen. Kissel. “As everyone knows, Connecticut is facing a tough budget cycle and many of the public policy decisions awaiting us will be made on the committee level.”

The Judiciary Committee oversees legislation regarding courts, the state Department of Corrections, and related issues. 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 Select Committee on Aging, on which Senator Kissel has served as ranking Senator since its creation eight years ago, conducts public hearings, issues reports and initiates legislation on matters relating to senior citizens. The Regulation Review Committee examines regulations proposed by state agencies and approves them before regulations are implemented

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 who will continue to serve as Deputy Minority Leader.

The new appointments take effect when the 2005 Legislative Session convenes January 5, 2005.