State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, has been re-appointed by Sen. Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairield, to serve as the leading Republican on the legislature’s Judiciary Committee. In addition, Sen. Kissel has also been named Chief Deputy Minority Leader. He will also serve as chairman of the legislature’s Program Review and Investigations Committee (PRI), Ranking Member of the Select Committee on Aging and a member of the General Law Committee.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of being Ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee,” said Sen. Kissel, who has served in this position since 2001. “We have done a lot of good things over the past two years in a bi-partisan manner to ensure the safety and well being of the citizens of Connecticut. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to continue with that effort.”

Over the past two years Sen. Kissel has played a key role in crafting legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s criminal justice system. In 2007, he was one of the main architects of legislation creating Connecticut’s Jessica’s Law. This past year Sen. Kissel worked to reform the state’s criminal justice system, which included strengthening the state’s persistent offender law and parole system.

“John has done an outstanding job leading our caucus on the Judiciary Committee,” said Sen. McKinney. “He is known throughout the legislature and the judicial community as a thoughtful and eloquent public servant who is responsive to the concerns of his constituents. He is a great asset to our caucus and I am proud to reappoint him to the Judiciary Committee.”

Sen. Kissel said he is excited about the opportunity to serve as chairman or the PRI Committee. By law, the committee is charged with the duty of examining state government programs and their administration to ascertain whether such programs are effective, continue to serve their intended purposes, or require modification or elimination. The General Law committee has cognizance of all matters relating to fair trade and sales practices, consumer protection and occupational licensing.

Sen. Kissel said he is particularly looking forward to serving as Ranking Member on the Select Committee on Aging. “This will enable me to work with advocates to meet the needs of our growing senior population,” said Sen. Kissel.

The new appointments will take effect when the legislative session convenes on January 7th, 2009. Senator Kissel was re-elected in November to his ninth term representing the 7th District communities of East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.