CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Senate President Randy Smith is making some leadership changes a week ahead of the beginning of the 60-day regular legislative session.
Smith has this week appointed Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, as Assistant Majority Leader and in a corresponding move, named Sen. Robbie Morris, R-Randolph, to replace Rucker as the chairman of the Senate Government Organization Committee.
“Going into a new session, I knew that I wanted a strong leadership team that would be able to guide us through whatever challenges come our way,” Smith said in a news release from his office. “Senator Rucker’s years of service and experience combined with her expertise in critical policy areas like education make her a natural fit for a role that gives her even more of an opportunity to be a leader.”
Rucker said she was honored to receive the appointment. She’ll also lead the Senate School Choice Committee.
Rucker will assist Senate Majority Leader Patrick Martin, R-Lewis.
Smith said he was thrilled to appoint Senator Morris to a new role.
“This committee plays a vital role in overseeing state agency operations, reviewing regulatory matters, and pursuing reforms to make government more efficient, accountable, and responsive to the needs of West Virginians. I look forward to the great work that Senator Morris will accomplish as Chairman,” Smith said.
Morris, who heads of the Corridor H Authority along with his Senate duties, said he was thankful for the trust shown in him by Smith.
“In this position, I am committed to advancing policies that streamline government functions, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, reduce wasteful spending, and ensure our state agencies deliver high-quality services to our citizens,” Morris said. “We will work diligently to support economic growth, protect taxpayers, and promote good governance that puts West Virginians first. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow committee members, Senate colleagues, and stakeholders across the state as we tackle these important issues in the upcoming session. Together, we can build a stronger, more efficient and effective government.”
The 60-day session will gavel in at noon Wednesday, Jan. 14.