State Representative Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) was appointed by incoming Speaker of the House J. Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) to the position of Deputy Speaker of the House.
“I am excited to have Rep. Berger join my leadership team as we begin work on the many challenges facing our state,” said incoming Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). “Encouraging economic growth and job creation will continue to be a top priority and Jeff’s previous role as chair of the commerce committee will be particularly helpful in this area.”
Berger said, “I am honored and privileged to be appointed Deputy Speaker of the House. In this position of leadership I will be able to promulgate important legislation to keep our state on healthy financial footing. As we head into the 2013 legislative session, we will be facing unprecedented fiscal issues, but I am prepared to continuing the work toward a robust Connecticut.”
When the Speaker of the House is absent from the chamber, the Deputy Speaker presides over the House of Representatives, recognizes all members wishing to speak to the chamber, puts all questions to vote and directs legislation to the proper committees.
Rep. Berger will also serve on the Finance, Judiciary and Executive Nominations Committees. The entire membership of the General Assembly will be sworn into office on January 9th at the State Capitol in Hartford during the opening day ceremony of the 2013 session. Berger represents the 73rd Assembly District in Waterbury.