HARTFORD — State Representative Richard A. Smith (R-108) has been appointed to Assistant Republican Leader for the 2015-16 legislative sessions, serving under newly-elected House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, and giving the towns of Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman a stronger voice at the legislative bargaining table.
Rep. Smith, who was elected to a third term in November, was also named the Ranking Member on the Government Administration and Elections Committee, which will put him in a position to help clean up our state election laws.
“It is an honor to be appointed to a leadership role and I am humbled by Leader Klarides’ trust in me,” Rep. Smith said. “There is a tremendous amount of work ahead of us to tackle. I will continue to fight for a smaller and less intrusive government that lives within its means.”
In addition to his two leadership posts, Rep. Smith will again serve on the Labor and Public Employees Committee and the powerful Judiciary Committee. The labor committee works closely with the Department of Labor and handles workers compensation law, minimum wage, union disputes, collective bargaining and work safety.
On the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Smith, a practicing attorney, will address issues like judicial procedures, criminal law, probate, probation, parole, estates and judicial nominations.
Rep. Smith represents the 108th General Assembly district communities of New Fairfield, Sherman, New Milford and Danbury.