AUSTIN — State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) was named to four standing committees of the Texas Senate today by first term Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Senator West was appointed to serve on the Senate Finance, Education, Higher Education and Administration Committees. He will serve as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education.

The appointments were announced Friday as the second week of the 140-day legislative session concluded. Senator West was sworn in last Tuesday, January 13, to begin his 12th Regular Legislative Session and seventh term since being elected in November 1992 to represent Dallas County, Texas Senate District 23.

"This 84th Session brings with it new challenges, including the events of earlier this week when time-honored traditions were swept aside that will change the way the people's business will be conducted in the Texas Senate," said Senator West. "Nevertheless, the voters of Dallas County and the people of Texas expect nothing less in terms of service and results and I will continue to do all that is within my abilities to meet their needs, even though reaching those objectives just became more challenging.

"My remaining on the Finance Committee allows me input on how state resources are expended. It is more important than ever to be good and prudent stewards when it comes to our decisions on how we spend taxpayer dollars. And being appointed again to the Education and Higher Education Committees is consistent with my priorities of providing the best educational opportunities possible for Texas school-kids and those interested in pursuing their studies after high school," Senator West said. "I will serve on Senate Administration for the first time, but look to have a voice on the hundreds of pieces of legislation that will be monitored by that panel over the next several months.

As vice-chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, Senator West will continue his advocacy for accessibility to affordable institutions of higher learning that stress excellence in academics and advances in research that will continue to propel Texas forward in the 21st Century global economy.

###