Senator Rob Kane (R-32) has been appointed by Senate Republican Leader John McKinney (R-28) to serve as a member of four legislative committees and as a Deputy Minority Leader for the next two years.

Senator Kane will continue to serve as the leading Republican Senator, or Ranking Member, of the General Assembly’s Banks Committee and will serve for the first time as Senate Ranking Member of the Human Services Committee. In addition, Senator Kane will continue to serve as a member of the Appropriations and Commerce committees.

“I am grateful to Senator McKinney for the opportunity to serve on legislative committees that deal with issues that are so important to the citizens of our state. I am looking forward to the upcoming legislative session and the work ahead of us, as well as the chance to assume a leadership role in our caucus,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane, a long-time resident of Watertown, was first elected to represent the 32nd Senatorial District in a special election on January 15, 2008. In January 2009, he will begin his first full two-year term as the State Senator representing the 32nd District. Senator McKinney said that Senator Kane has proven himself to be a dedicated, effective legislator.

“Senator Kane has done a terrific job during his first year as a State Senator, and I am certain that his common sense approach to state government twill continue to serve his district well in the coming legislative session,” said Senator McKinney. “The Banks Committee will take on even greater importance in the coming legislative session as the state and federal government work to address the current financial and lending crisis. Senator Kane will continue to play a vital leadership role on this committee.”

The Banks Committee oversees legislation relating to the state Department of Banking, banks, savings banks, banks and trust companies, savings and loan associations, credit unions, the supervision of the sale of securities, fraternal benefit societies, as well as secured and unsecured lending.

The Human Services Committee oversees legislation relating to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Children and Families, including institutions under their jurisdiction; the Office of Child Day Care; the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities; the Commission on the Deaf and the Hearing Impaired; and the Board of Education and Services for the Blind.

The Appropriations Committee oversees legislation regarding the spending side of the state budget.

The Commerce Committee oversees legislation relating to the state Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority, Connecticut Innovations, Inc., and the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.