Speaker Designee McNulty Names GOP Committee Chairs

Speaker Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today named his picks to head the committees of reference for the Colorado State House of Representatives.

“In these appointments, you will see a wide range of experience and leadership skills and a recognition of Colorado’s geographic diversity,” McNulty said. “These appointments send a strong message that the House Republican Caucus is committed to strengthening Colorado’s economy, reinventing government, and putting Coloradans back to work.”

“The House Majority leadership team and committee chairs represent all regions of Colorado and more than half of Colorado’s counties,” McNulty added. “As we take the reins of the House, Coloradans will notice that this is not time for business as usual at the Capitol and that will be reflected in our decisions on the important issues facing our state.”

The following is a list of State House of Representatives committees of reference with the newly appointed Chair:

House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee
State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling
Vice Chair, State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs

“Yes, I did appoint a real farmer as chairman of the Ag committee, there is no one better suited to head it up,” McNulty said. “As Ag Committee chairman, Jerry will be a tireless advocate for Colorado’s agricultural community and will capably navigate the complex natural resource issues Colorado faces.”

House Appropriations Committee
State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen

“Cheri will bring respect and concern for taxpayer dollars to her role as chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee,” McNulty said. “She will be a leader on the Joint Budget Committee and in the Appropriations hearings.”

House Economic and Business Development Committee
State Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs
Vice Chair, State Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial

“As a successful businessman and one of the more experienced legislators in the House of Representatives, Larry brings extensive experience and knowledge to the table,” McNulty said. “Colorado’s current economic climate has made the House Economic and Business Development Committee an important piece of our economic recovery. I am certain that Larry will bring the same skills and leadership that served him well as a businessman to the decisions that will ultimately be of great importance to our economic recovery.”

House Education Committee
State Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs

“Tom has earned a reputation at the capitol for being a strong advocate for education and also as someone who has a proven ability to bring together diverse groups in order to make great policy,” McNulty said. “Tom will be a strong advocate for Colorado’s education system as Chairman of the House Education Committee.”

House Finance Committee
State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland

“As a small businessman and entrepreneur, Brian has the experience and knowledge to evaluate complex financial issues and promote sound fiscal policy on behalf of Colorado families,” McNulty said. “Brian has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective legislator who has always been concerned about the importance of the people’s role in our legislative process. He will bring that same passion to his work as chairman.”

House Health and Environment Committee
State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood

“With his experience as a leader in the non-profit community, Ken will be a strong voice as we find solutions to Colorado’s health care challenges,” McNulty said. “Ken’s experience will be a great help in shepherding Colorado through what will be some of the most complex health care issues of our time.”

House Judiciary Committee
State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs

“Bob is a successful attorney and is known for his understanding of the law and his deep compassion for our fellow Coloradans,” McNulty said. “His background and experience will make him a remarkable leader of the House Judiciary Committee.”

House Local Government Committee
State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran

“Hailing from Western Colorado, Laura understands the importance of local issues and the consequences state level decisions have on local economies,” McNulty said. “Armed with that knowledge, Laura will serve as a strong voice for Colorado communities that make up the backbone of our state.”

House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee
State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton

“Jim has spent his time in the legislature cleaning up government, reducing waste, and promoting efficiency,” McNulty said. “This focus is exactly why I have appointed him to head up the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. He’ll bring that same focus and tenacity to his new post.”

House Transportation Committee
State Rep. Glenn Vaad, R-Mead
Vice Chair, State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan

“With more than 30 years working on transportation issues on behalf of Coloradans, Glenn is eminently qualified to head up our Transportation Committee,” McNulty said. “Glenn has always been willing to propose creative solutions to transportation issues and I am certain that he will bring that same creativity to his work as chairman.”

House Republican Majority Elects New Leadership

The House Republican Majority today elected a new leadership team for the State House of Representatives. Heading up the new House Majority will be Speaker-Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.

“I want to thank my colleagues for putting their trust in me to serve as Speaker of the House,” McNulty said. “The House Republican Majority is ready to take the reins and do our part to get Colorado’s economy moving again.”

Serving as Majority Leader will be state Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument. Stephens says that jobs and the economy will be the number one priority for the House Republican Majority when the session kicks off this January.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us and some tough decisions to make, but I am confident that the House Republicans are ready to meet these challenges head-on,” Stephens said. “The House Majority is made up of Coloradans from across the state who each bring a diverse set of backgrounds and skill sets. We have farmers, ranchers, small business owners who all share the same goal of kick-starting Colorado’s economy.”

Also selected for leadership positions in the new House Majority are House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, House Majority Whip, Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, and House Majority Caucus Chair, Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.

“This leadership team is ready to get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado,” added McNulty. “With jobs and the economy as our top priorities, Colorado families can expect a House Majority that is ready to listen to Colorado’s working families and small businesses, reinvent state government, and protect services people care about.”