RALEIGH, N.C. – Senator Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) announced today his appointments to the following Senate committees, three (3) of which he will serve as Chairman for the 2021-22 legislative biennium.
Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) has appointed Sen. Edwards to the following committees: Agriculture, Energy, and Environment (Chair), Commerce and Insurance (Chair), Appropriations on Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources (Chair), Finance, Judiciary, Redistricting, and Rules & Operations of the Senate.
"The driving force to get real work done in government, and to gain influence is through a legislator's committee assignments-particularly one's chairmanships," said Senator Edwards. "I'm gratified that the hard work in my first two terms has been recognized to the point that I've received such a critical and meaningful role in the NC Senate. From this new vantage point, I look forward to helping improve the lives of our citizens, protect our freedoms, and ensure sound futures for our grandchildren."
Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore, said, "From these significant committee assignments, Chuck's business acumen, work ethic, and reputation in the Senate align him to make an even more substantial difference in North Carolinians' lives. We are fortunate that the citizens of District 48 have sent him back to Raleigh to help us solve the problems we are facing today."
About the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee: Charged with the legislative responsibility to consider, review, and oversight all matters relating to the state's industries in agriculture, energy, forestry, natural resources, conservation, game and fish, mines and minerals. Additionally, the Committee is also responsible for legislation regarding issues relating to farming and nutrition programs; rural development; conservation and protection of air, water and land; state parks and recreation; energy and mineral resources of public lands, geological surveys, soil and watershed conservation, construction, improvement and maintenance of waterways, lakes and streams; forestry and logging; tourism; and environment.
About the Commerce and Insurance Committee: Charged with the legislative responsibility to consider, review, and oversight all matters relating to the state's business, economic, technology, and insurance industries to ensure future prosperity. Additionally, the Committee is also responsible for legislation regarding issues relating to consumer affairs, overall economic competitiveness, broadband connectivity, business and workforce development, infrastructure, tourism and marketing, product safety, occupational licensing, and promote a competitive insurance infrastructure, tourism and marketing, product safety, occupational licensing, and promote a competitive insurance market.
About the Appropriations on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee: As a subcommittee of the Base Budget, the Committee is tasked with drafting legislation to allocate funds to government agencies and programs within their jurisdiction. The Committee is responsible for reviewing the Governor's budget request, hearing testimony from state agency officials, and drafting the coming fiscal year's spending plans. Their work is presented to the full Senate Base Budget Committee, which may review and modify the bills and approve them for consideration by the full Senate. The Committee is also responsible for supplemental spending bills, which are sometimes needed in the middle of a fiscal year to compensate for emergency responses.
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