HARTFORD—State Rep. Janice Giegler and Representative-elect Richard Smith have received their committee assignments from House Republican Leader Larry Cafero.
Giegler, who represents the 138th district covering parts of Danbury and New Fairfield, will be an Assistant Republican Leader during the 2011 legislative session and will serve as the Ranking Member of both the Public Safety Committee and the Committee on Legislative Internships. She’ll also serve on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.
“I am pleased to have been selected to serve as a member of the House leadership team,” Giegler said. “With the challenging session before us, I look forward to having the opportunity to work with leadership in addressing issues affecting the well-being of our state along with enhancing the strength of our caucus in mentoring our new members.”
Smith, an attorney, will be sworn in Jan. 5 as representative for the 108th General Assembly District representing New Fairfield, Sherman, Kent and New Milford.
Among the assignments for New Fairfield resident Smith is a seat on the Judiciary Committee, which oversees issues such as judicial procedures, criminal law, probate, probation, parole, estates, and judicial nominations. He’ll also serve on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee as well as the Planning and Development Committee.
“I’m fortunate to have been appointed to two committees where I can offer substantial personal experience—Judiciary and Planning,” Smith said. “I’ll be able to hit the ground running there, and I’m looking forward to serving on the Finance Committee, where I’ll be in a position to get our state’s finances back on track and people back to work.”
Giegler’s role on the Public Safety and Security Committee will see her consider matters relating to homeland security and the Department of Public Safety—including state police.
Giegler was re-appointed to the Transportation Committee where she can continue to address issues relating to I-84, and Routes 37, 39 and Route 6—all of which run through her district. Her first term on the Higher Education Committee is significant, as the western campus of Western Connecticut State University sits in her district.
