ST. PAUL – Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville, has been named vice chairman of the House State Government Finance Committee.
Howe accepted the position as Republicans craft a new committee structure in anticipation of taking office as a new Minnesota House majority Jan. 6 in St. Paul.
“Especially in an upcoming budget year, as we look at the state government finance piece, we need to prioritize where our state spending occurs and emphasize good customer service to make agencies more of a resource for citizens,” Howe said. “The challenge comes down to finding ways government can deliver better service more efficiently while putting taxpayers first.”
Howe has served on the State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs Committee his first two years in office. One key difference this time around is Republicans separated veterans issues from that committee’s official title by creating a new Veterans Affairs Division. But Howe, a military veteran himself, said not much will change in the big picture.
“Under the revamped committee structure, legislation from of the new veterans committee will come to the State Government Finance Committee, so I’ll still have an opportunity to influence veterans issues,” Howe said. “I will remain involved in the process, serving as an advocate for veterans and calling attention to improvements we should make.”
Howe received the committee leadership position after being re-elected to his second term in the House last November. Rep. Sarah Anderson, R-Plymouth, will chair the panel. Both were appointed by Speaker-elect Kurt Daudt, R-Crown.
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