Home » Steele to chair House budget panel that oversees tourism, economic development, environmental protection

Steele to chair House budget panel that oversees tourism, economic development, environmental protection

Replaces former Rep. John Arnold, who resigned amid harassment claims

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2013) — House leaders late last week announced that state Rep. Fitz Steele, D-Hazard, will serve as chairman of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and, in turn, will also be appointed to serve on the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee.

State Rep. Fitz Steele, D-Hazard
State Rep. Fitz Steele, D-Hazard

Steele, who is current chair of the General Assembly’s Program Review and Investigations Committee, was “a natural choice to take on this responsibility,” said House Speaker Greg Stumbo.

“He has a deep understanding of this portion of the budget, having served as its vice chair for the past five years,” the speaker said. “This committee is in good hands.”

Steele said the appointment “is a true honor, and I appreciate the confidence House leaders have put in me.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading the Program Review and Investigations Committee, but this move will give me a better chance to be more involved in crafting the state’s budget,” Steele said. “It also gives me a stronger voice in areas especially important to our state, such as increasing our economic development opportunities and boosting our tourism and the use of our natural resources.”

Steele was appointed to fill the vacancy left by former state Rep. John Arnold, D-Sturgis, who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.

The budget review subcommittees will craft the House’s version of the two-year state budget that will be considered during the 2014 Regular Session, which begins in January.