State Rep. Joy Hearn (D – Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence) has been re-appointed to the powerful House Committee on Finance and appointed to the Committee on Municipal Government.

Hearn, one of the representatives who nominated Gordon Fox to be re-elected Speaker of the House, also will serve as a deputy majority leader.

Fox made the appointments during the second week of the legislative session.

“I am honored to be chosen by Speaker Fox to sit on these two committees,” Hearn said in a press release. “Overseeing Rhode Island’s ever-changing financial picture is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I look forward to embarking upon the many challenges this legislative session will undoubtedly bring.”

Hearn also has been appointed as the chairwoman of the Finance Committee’s education subcommittee. A strong advocate for education, she was the co-sponsor of the state’s education funding formula enacted in 2010. She is the co-chair of the Special Legislative Commission to Study the Purchase and Use of Textbooks in Public Schools.

The House Committee on Finance handles all matters relating to revenue, appropriations and taxes, particularly the state budget.

The Committee on Municipal Government oversees all legislation relating to cities and towns, including transportation.

As a deputy majority leader, she will work closely with the House majority leader to ensure that party members are properly informed on measures and votes coming before the House.

Hearn is serving her third term in the House of Representatives. Click here to see Hearn's profile on the General Assembly website.