Rep. Haines (R-34) Appointed Ranking Member to the Higher Ed. Committee
HARTFORD – On Thursday, State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) was appointed Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee by House Republican Leader-elect State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-86). The role of a Ranking Member is to serve as the leader of the minority party in committee meetings and collaborate with Committee Leadership in proposing bills and legislation.
“I am honored to be reappointed to a leadership role in the Higher Education Committee,” commented Rep. Haines. “This committee is responsible for state education oversight as well as economic opportunities in state apprenticeship programs, all which deserve more attention following the pandemic. Supplying the resources to cultivate skilled employees for a wide variety of labor and career opportunities is the reputation I seek to maintain in our state.”
“Following an unprecedented Legislative Session, Irene undoubtedly proved to me that her leadership position on the Higher Education Committee was not only reliable but also driven by pragmatism and collaboration with the House Majority,” stated Rep. Candelora. “State apprenticeship programs are desperate to eliminate unnecessary hiring restrictions and Irene is prepared to listen and act upon the concerns of the Connecticut labor market. Being a mother who worked to send her children through higher education institutions, she is aware of the current challenges recent graduates face in finding careers and skilled labor opportunities. I am excited to appoint Irene for this position again and I am confident that she will once again be able to deliberate thoughtfully, acknowledging all perspectives and interests during these trying times,” Rep. Candelora added.
The responsibility of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee is to oversee the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Office of Higher Education in Connecticut. Additionally, the committee serves to discuss legislation related to private and public higher education institutions, apprenticeship and job training programs, post-secondary education, and occupational schools.
Rep. Haines was re-elected on November 8th, marking her third consecutive term with as a state representative. Aside from her service on the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, she has also served on the Transportation Committee, Education Committee, and the Planning & Development Committee.