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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gabriel J. Valenzuela
January 30, 2003 (512) 463-0690

Rep. Vicki Truitt Appointed to Power Committees

AUSTIN, TX -- State Rep. Vicki Truitt (R-Keller) fared well today as committee appointments were announced for the 78th Session of the Texas Legislature. House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) appointed Rep. Truitt to several key committees, including the important House Appropriations Committee, responsible for establishing the state’s budget; and the powerful House Calendars Committee that determines which bills are posted for debate before the full House.

Additionally, she was put in a leadership role on two other important committees. She was appointed Chair of Budget and Oversight (CBO) for the House Committee on Public Health. The House Committee on Public Health has jurisdiction over most state health related issues and 29 state agencies. Her position as CBO is to coordinate issues relating to finance between the Public Health Committee and the House Committee on Appropriations.

Rep. Truitt was also appointed to the House Select Committee on State Health Expenditures that will have oversight over all matters pertaining to the state expenditures of health care services, including Medicaid, state employee group insurance, teachers’ health insurance, and health care services for incarcerated offenders.

“I am thrilled with my appointments,” stated Truitt, “ I’m going to be putting in a lot of hours, but I am honored that Speaker Craddick chose to put me in a leadership role, especially in the area of health care. Health care is an important area of state service and the budget, and I am hopeful that my experience and knowledge of the field will prove to be beneficial for the people of Texas,” she said. Truitt concluded, “There is a lot of prestige associated with being on Appropriations and Calendars. Since I was elected, my goal has been to be strategically positioned to serve my constituents. With today’s appointments, I’m positioned well to serve.”

Much of the Legislature’s work is done in committees since no bill may become a law unless it is referred to and reported by a committee. A House member can serve on a committee if he or she is appointed by the Speaker of the House or through seniority appointments. To view the entire lists of committee assignments, interestedhttp://www.capitol.state.tx.us. individuals can visit the Texas House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx.us.

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