Senator William H. Nickerson (R-Greenwich) announced that today Senate Minority Leader Lou DeLuca appointed Senator Nickerson to the following positions:

Chief Deputy Minority Leader - third ranking Senate Republican leader
Finance Committee - Ranking Member
Transportation Committee
Commerce Committee

Nickerson said, "I am very pleased to continue as a top Senate Republican leader. This will allow me to help shape the Senate Republican Caucus agenda."

"I am also pleased to be continuing my work on the two Committees covering the areas of most interest to my constituents. As Ranking Member of the Finance Committee I will be active not only in committee work but also as a member of the informal but crucial so-called "college of cardinals" which has negotiated the terms of the state budget. Included in this group are the Republican and Democrat caucus leaders for the Senate and House together with the Chairmen and Ranking Members for the Finance and Appropriations Committees." The position also includes membership on the Bond Commission.

"By continuing on the Transportation Committee I will be able to move forward plans for a much needed systematic improvement of the transportation picture in Fairfield County."

"Finally, I have also agreed to serve on the Commerce Committee, which is concerned with promoting economic development. This a new assignment for me but one which is a logical extension of my work on the Finance and Transportation Committees which significantly impact economic development policy."

"I particularly look forward to working with Governor Jodi Rell as she approaches her first legislative session as Governor. I met with her in her office this morning and we discussed issues of concern to Fairfield County, particularly transportation and finance. She assumed the job under very difficult circumstances and has performed superbly, as indicated by her strong popularity and the high regard for her shared by members of both parties in the legislature."