House Republican Press Release

December 24, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Mike Alberts Named Leader of Commerce Committee

Also will serve on Higher Education, Insurance and Childrens’ Committees

State Rep. Mike Alberts, R-50^th District, Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret, Woodstock, has been appointed Ranking Member of the state legislature’s Commerce Committee, as well as a member of the Higher Education, Insurance and Childrens’ Committees.

“These are committees that deal with jobs, education and other vital concerns for northeastern Connecticut,” said Rep. Alberts. “We will be working on to help ensure that young people have the education, training and jobs that are crucial to the future of our small towns.

“New England lags the rest of the nation in encouraging job creation,” said Rep. Alberts. “This is something that should concern the entire legislature. We have to improve our competitive position with the rest of the nation and the world. Toward that end, I will be devoting much of my energy toward finding ways that we can attract more jobs to our region, operate government more effectively and lower expenses to the taxpayers of the region.”

The Committee on Commerce has cognizance of matters relating to job creation, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated.

The Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement has responsibility over matters relating to public and independent colleges and universities, the Department of Higher Education including private occupational schools, the Board of Governors of Higher Education, post-secondary education and job training institutions and programs, apprenticeship training programs, adult job training programs offered to the public by any state agency or funded in whole or in part by the state, and the Office of Workforce Competitiveness.

The Select Committee on Children conducts hearings and issues reports of its findings and may originate any bill it deems necessary concerning children.

The Committee on Insurance and Real Estate has responsibility for matters relating to insurance law and real estate law.

Rep. Alberts serves the 50^th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock in the state House of Representatives.