Newman gains seat on Finance Committee

Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, gained a seat on the budget-shaping Finance Committee during the Republican-controlled reorganization of the state Senate Wednesday.

Newman's assignment gives the Lynchburg region two legislators with a voice in writing the state budget. 

Del. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford, will continue to chair the Appropriations Committee in the House of Delegates.

"I think the opportunity to serve on Finance could be helpful to Lynchburg and areas to the west," Newman said, alluding to the redistricting plan that extends his 23rd District to Craig County and the West Virginia border.

"We are going to have a lot of important matters that come before the finance committee the next couple of years, not the least of which is the Virginia Retirement System, and I'm going to try to do the right thing on education funding," Newman said.

The retirement system is underfunded by about $17 billion, and Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposed budget seeks to increase state and local-government contributions to the VRS.  

Also Wednesday, two brand-new legislators from the Lynchburg area received their committee assignments.

Del. Matt Fariss, R-Campbell County, was appointed to two committees in the House of Delegates: Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources; and Militia and Police.

State Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Louisa, whose 22nd District includes northern Lynchburg, was named to four committees in the Senate: Education and Health, Privileges and Elections, General Laws, and Courts of Justice.

Garrett said his experience as commonwealth's attorney of Louisa County will allow him to contribute to the General Laws and Courts committees "sooner rather than later."  

Other Lynchburg-area delegates retained the committee assignments they've had in the past, with Del. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford, serving in a key post as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also is a senior member of the House Rules Committee.

Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, will serve on four committees, including the Finance, Courts of Justice, Militia and Commerce committees. Cline's district includes much of Amherst County.

Del. Kathy Byron, R-Campbell County, will be chairwoman of the Science and Technology Committee and will serve on the Finance and Commerce committees.

Del. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg, will serve on the Finance, Transportation, and Health, Welfare and Institutions committees.