Smith continues Senate leadership changes; Jason Barrett to serve as Finance Committee chair

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Senate President-elect Randy Smith continues to make key changes in leadership.

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Smith, R-Preston, announced Tuesday that he’s chosen Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, to chair the Senate Finance Committee replacing Senator Eric Tarr.

“The Finance Committee does some of the hardest work and heaviest lifting in the Legislature, and it’s a tough job,” Smith said in a Tuesday morning news release. “I knew I wanted a fresh set of eyes and a strong ability to work with all of our state agencies to take a hard look at our state’s revenues and expenses, and I am confident in Senator Barrett’s ability to take on this task.”

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Smith said Barrett has a necessary experience as a small business owner and job creator.

“As a person who signs the front of a paycheck, Senator Barrett knows that budgeting and operating within your means isn’t an option,” Smith said. “As a person who is deeply involved in his community, he’s also aware of the critical needs our state has, especially when it comes to infrastructure. He will be able to bring both of these skill sets to the table and ensure West Virginia’s tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.”

Smith previously announced Senator Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, would be his judiciary committee chairman and Senator Patrick Martin, R-Lewis, would serve as majority leader. Barrett said he’s honored to be part leadership.

“I’m excited to be a part of the leadership team that Senate President Smith is building, and I think West Virginians are really going to see the kind of meaningful financial stewardship that this state expects,” Barrett said. “We look forward to working with Governor-elect Morrisey to make sure that our state’s budget is fiscally responsible and financially sound.”

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Meanwhile, Smith said Tarr, R-Putnam, deserves a lot of credit for where the state is financially.

“Senator Tarr did an outstanding job as our Finance Committee Chairman, and because of his vision, planning, and execution, we were able to secure record-breaking surpluses and provide historic personal income tax cuts to our citizens,” Smith said. “I am grateful to him for his service and thank him for his leadership.”

Tarr and outgoing Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, also campaigned for Senate president. The GOP supermajority caucus chose Smith.

The votes and appointments will become final next Wednesday, Jan. 8. The 60-day regular session begins Feb. 12.