New Assemblyman Chris Brown assigned to Veterans' Affairs committee
TRENTON Burlington County's large population of veterans will continue to have a local voice on a legislative committee dedicated to their services and benefits.
New Republican Assemblyman Chris Brown of Evesham was picked to serve on the Assembly's Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee as well as its State Government Committee.
The former committee holds hearings and reviews legislation on matters related to state veterans, their services and benefits, the New Jersey National Guard and other military issues.
The latter committee reviews legislation that affects state governments and their operations.
Both assignments were announced Wednesday by Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick.
Brown, who was elected in November to represent the 8th Legislative District after spending three years on the Burlington County Board of Freeholders, is one of two Republicans serving on the five-member Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
He is the only Republican on the four-member State Government Committee.
About 50,000 veterans live in Burlington County, which is host to a large portion of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, so representation on the Assembly and Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs committees has traditionally been a priority for local lawmakers.
Former Assemblyman Jack Conners, D-7th of Pennsauken, served on the veterans committee for 14 years, including 10 as chairman, before he resigned last summer to accept a post as Camden County's director of veterans' affairs.
Conners' exit leaves Brown as the county's primary representative on the Assembly committee, which also includes Democrats Cleopatra Tucker of Newark, Matthew Milam of Vineland and Gilbert Wilson of Camden, and Republican DiAnne C. Gove of Beach Haven.
"The 8th District is home to so many veterans and active military men and women and their families. It is more important than ever to help our veterans and their loved ones, and I am honored to represent their ! interest s on this committee," Brown said about his assignment.
He said the State Government Committee would afford him the chance to fight for government reforms.
"This committee is crucial for the reforms necessary to make New Jersey more affordable," Brown said.
The county also has representation on the Senate's veterans committee from Sen. Diane Allen, R-7th of Edgewater Park, who has served since November 2010. The committee's chairman, Sen. James Beach, D-6th of Voorhees, represents Maple Shade as part of his legislative district.
Also serving on the Senate committee is Sen. Chris Connors, R-9th of Forked River, whose district includes the Burlington County towns of Bass River, Tabernacle and Washington.
Besides Brown's assignments, the GOP leader also announced that Assemblyman Scott Rudder, R-8th of Medford, will continue to serve on the Environment and Solid Waste Committee and the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.
Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-7th of Delanco, was returned by his party's leadership to his post as chairman of the Health Committee. He will also serve as vice chairman of the State Government Committee and as a member of the Appropriations Committee.
Conaway's 7th District colleague, Troy Singleton, also a Democrat, will serve on the Assembly's Budget Committee,Education Committee, and Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, D-6th of Cherry Hill, was appointed to chair the newly created Children and Families Committee. Lampitt will serve with Conaway on the Appropriations Committee.
Gove also will serve on the Higher Education Committee and the Tourism and Arts Committee. Her Republican colleague in the 9th District, Brian Rumpf, will join the Regulated Professions Committee and the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, R-12th of Plumsted, will serve on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Labor Com! mittee, and Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee. His 12th District colleague, Robert Clifton, will serve on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Housing and Local Government Committee.
In the Senate, Allen will serve on Military and Veterans' Affairs as well as the Education Committee and the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
Sen. Dawn Marie Addiego, R-8th of Evesham, will serve with Allen on the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. Addiego will also be on the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
Connors will serve on the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Sen. Samuel Thompson, R-12th of Old Bridge, will serve with Connors on Community and Urban Affairs. He was also appointed to the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
David Levinsky: 609-871-8154; email: dlevinsky@phillyBurbs.com; Twitter: @davidlevinsky
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