McLachlan Appointed Ranking Senator on GAE Will also serve on Finance, Judiciary, Legislative Management and Transportation committees

Hartford, CT – State Senator-elect Michael McLachlan (R-24) has been appointed Ranking Member on the General Assembly’s Government Administration & Elections Committee (GAE). The appointment was announced Thursday by Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-28), who also assigned McLachlan to serve on the Finance, Judiciary, Legislative Management and Transportation committees.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on committees where I can make a real difference for the 24th District and the State of Connecticut,” said Senator-elect McLachlan. “During my campaign we talked about putting the state’s fiscal house in order by eliminating government waste, reducing unfunded mandates and finally implementing the constitutional spending cap Connecticut voters approved in 1992; we talked about strengthening public safety by enacting a true three-strikes and you’re out law; and we talked about relieving traffic gridlock in Western Connecticut by improving the I-84 corridor through Danbury, including interchanges and local state roads. These assignments put me in position to directly influence those issues.”

As ranking member of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, McLachlan will play a leading oversight role in matters pertaining to the organization and operation of state government including the Department of Public Works, the Ethics Commission and matters relating to elections and election law.

“Senator-elect McLachlan ran a strong campaign this fall on a message that resonated with voters – government must learn to live within its means,” said Senator McKinney. “Mike has devoted most of his life to public service and has trained eye for public policy, especially when it comes to issues affecting the greater-Danbury area. The legislature and the state of Connecticut are fortunate to have him on these important committees.”

As a member of the Finance Committee, McLachlan will be at the forefront of efforts to balance the state’s growing budget deficit. The committee is charged with addressing all legislative matters pertaining to state revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation. In addition, the committee oversees matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the Division of Special Revenue.

McLachlan has also been appointed to the Judiciary, Transportation and Legislative Management committees.

The new appointments take effect when the legislative session convenes January 7th, 2009. Senator-elect McLachlan serves the 24th District communities of Danbury, Bethel, New Fairfield and Sherman.