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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted March 3, 2006 Press release © 2006 State Rep. Rich Brown (D-Bessemer)

Rich Brown appointed ranking Democrat on Appropriations Committee

Brown succeeds State Representative Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing), who is running in a special election in March to fill a vacant State Senate seat. The 23rd District seat was recently vacated by Virg Bernero (D-Lansing), after he was sworn in as the City of Lansing’s mayor in January.

"I am very glad to have the opportunity to serve as the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. The next few months will be very challenging as we deal with a shortfall of revenues to the state budget," said Brown. “I look forward to working with members of both parties and Governor Granholm to fix our budget problems while preserving essential services for the people of Michigan and the Western U.P.”

As well as serving in his new capacity as Minority Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Brown will serve as Minority Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee. He is also a member of both the Higher Education Subcommittee and the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee.

"Rep. Brown brings to the committee a track record of long-term commitment to fiscal responsibility and common-sense solutions from his experience on the Appropriations Committee,” said Rep. Dianne Byrum (D- Onondaga), the House Democratic Leader. “We are glad to have him provide leadership to our party on this important committee."

Brown’s appointment as Minority Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee was made by the Speaker of the House, Rep. Craig DeRoche (R-Novi), after Brown was recommended for the position by House Democratic Leader Byrum.

Editor's Note: Rich Brown, is also a guest columnist for Keweenaw Now. You can learn more about Rep. Rich Brown by visiting his Web site.

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