Rep Hovey Named Assistant Republican Minority Leader

State Representative DebraLee Hovey, R-112, who represents one local voting district in the southern part of Newtown, has been appointed an assistant minority leader in the state House of Representatives by House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr, R-142.

In November, Rep Hovey was elected to her fourth term representing Monroe and Newtown in the General Assembly. As an assistant minority leader, Rep Hovey will help formulate caucus positions and policy.

“DebraLee has consistently proven herself a conscientious and dynamic legislator,” said Rep Cafero. “I am confident she will excel in her new leadership role and continue to serve her district and all the residents of Connecticut extremely well.”

Rep Hovey has also been appointed to serve on several legislative committees for the 2009-10 sessions. She will continue to serve on the Appropriations Committee, which has cognizance of all matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies.

Other issues under the committee’s jurisdiction include matters relating to state employees’ salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers’ retirement and veterans’ pensions and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees.

State Rep. Hovey noted that serving on the Appropriations Committee will be particularly challenging in 2009.

“Given the deficits the state is facing in the next two fiscal years, it’s going to be crucial to find savings in state spending,” said Rep Hovey, adding, “Connecticut has always provided some of the best services of any state to its citizens and we must strive to continue that distinction, while ensuring there is no waste in government.”

Rep Hovey will also continue to serve on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, which has cognizance of all matters relating to courts, judicial procedures, criminal law, probate courts, probation, parole, wills, estates, adoption, divorce, bankruptcy, escheat, law libraries, deeds, mortgages, conveyancing, preservation of land records and other public documents, the law of business organizations, uniform laws, validations, authorizations to sue and to appeal and claims against the state.

In addition, it has cognizance over the nominating of all Connecticut judges.

Finally, Rep Hovey has been appointed to serve as ranking member (House Republican leader) of the Legislature’s Select Committee on Children.

Rep Hovey said that serving in a leadership capacity on this committee will allow her to have a broader impact on children’s issues in the state.