Brewer appointed as vice chairman on Ways and Means

Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced that newly elected Senate President Therese Murray has named him Assistant Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

In this position, Brewer will be intimately involved in preparing the Senate Budget for its release in May. In addition, he will be privy to closed door discussions with House and Senate Leadership concerning budgetary decisions, enabling him to advocate on behalf of his district's priorities. The annual budget process begins in January with the release of the Governor's budget, followed by the House budget in April and the Senate budget in May. A conference committee is appointed in June to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions and overrides of the Governor's vetoes occur in July.

"Senate President Murray has honored me by naming me to this position and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be included in the decision-making process. With this appointment comes great responsibility, as the Commonwealth is faced with a projected $1.3 billion deficit," Brewer said.

Brewer is also chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs, vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety & Homeland Security, and a member of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, & Agriculture.