(BOSTON) — On Thursday, State Senator Diana DiZoglio, D-Methuen, was named the chair of the Community Development and Small Business, as well as the vice chair of the committees for Municipalities and Regional Government and Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
In addition, DiZoglio will sit on the committees for Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Financial Services, Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, and Transportation.
Committee assignments handed to members by Senate President Karen Spilka will help shape a legislator’s priorities for the next two years.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, as a freshman senator, to head a committee that will debate substantive policy and can help communities along the New Hampshire border,” said DiZoglio. “As a region, the Merrimack Valley will greatly benefit from policies that encourage redevelopment and help our small businesses thrive.”
On the same day that DiZoglio was tapped to lead the senate committee and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Lowell, was appointed its vice chair, Merrimack Valley Reps. Andy Vargas, D-Haverhill, and Christina Minicucci, D-North Andover, were given seats on the House Committee on Community Development and Small Business.
“I’m pleased so many local legislators will also serve on these committees to bring strong representation for our region,” said DiZoglio. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting right to work.”
In his second term representing the 3rd Essex District, Rep. Vargas is looking to apply his private sector experience assisting budding entrepreneurs to his work with the committee.
“In a time where small businesses struggle to compete in this new economy, I’m looking forward to doing all we can to support local entrepreneurs,” said Vargas. “We build stronger communities when we prioritize community development and boost our small businesses.”
Rep. Minicucci, who succeeded DiZoglio as representative for the 14th Essex District, said Thursday she is thrilled to bring her own small business experience to the table in her first term and join her regional colleagues to find innovative ways to support our small businesses.
“The Merrimack Valley has always been a hub of entrepreneurship,” said Minicucci. “Community development is a team effort and I look forward to working with community stakeholders to support our entrepreneurs, help existing companies innovate, and grow job training opportunities to ensure our economy continues to thrive.”