State Senator Keenan Appointed to New Leadership Roles

From the office of State Senator John Keenan:

Leadership positions have been announced for the next session of the Massachusetts State Legislature, and Braintree Senator John F. Keenan says he is prepared for the challenge of additional leadership assignments. Keenan, who last session chaired the Committee on Public Health, will now helm the Senate Committee on Bonding and Capital Expenditures, serve as vice-chair for three additional standing committees, and help to lead a newly formed special committee on opioid abuse. The Bonding Committee oversees the Commonwealth’s bonds, notes and other debt obligations, and shapes long-term development strategy by reviewing any proposals for new loans or investment by the State.

Keenan, a lead sponsor on substance abuse treatment and prevention laws passed in 2012 and 2014, has also been appointed as vice-chair for the Senate Special Committee on Opioid Addiction. “We know that with such a complex issue we can’t just pass a law and move on to the next item,” he said of the special committee assignment. “I’m committed to this, and pleased to know that it remains a priority.”

Also selected as vice-chair for the Judiciary Committee, the Housing Committee, and the Transportation Committee, the Braintree senator now holds leadership positions on five different legislative committees, saying the broad scope of assignments is a challenge that he welcomes. “Clearly there is much work to be done on short-term and long-term investment into our transportation resources, for example, so this combination of assignments presents an opportunity to take on some really important issues from multiple perspectives.”

Committee leadership positions for House members are expected to be announced this month, after which approximately 5,300 newly filed bills will be referred to the various committees for review.