January 10, 2013
The Tennessean

Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, has been reappointed chairman of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

The announcement was made Thursday by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey as the General Assembly wrapped up a week of organization duties.

The Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over legislation concerning banking and lending institutions; communications; regulation and licensing of occupations; protections of trade and commerce; corporations; labor and industrial relations; consumer affairs and consumer protection; and unemployment compensation.

Due to the scope of legislation this committee considers, it is viewed as one of the most powerful in the General Assembly.

“I am very honored to have been selected again as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee,” Johnson said. “It is important that Tennessee has a pro-business climate that is attractive for bringing new jobs to the state. I look forward to the challenges we face in a very competitive environment.”

Johnson also was appointed vice chairman of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, which is responsible for all general matters pertaining to state and local government and its entities, as well as election laws.

Now that the organization is complete, the General Assembly has adjourned until Jan. 28 when Gov. Bill Haslam is scheduled to deliver his budget.