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Rep. Jim Hackworth - House District 33
IMMEDIATE RELEASE March
20, 2007
Rep. Hackworth Appointed to Commerce,
Consumer & Employee Affairs
Committees
Lawmaker Also Serves on
Industrial Impact Subcommittee
NASHVILLE (Mar. 20) –
Rep. Jim Hackworth, D-Clinton, has been appointed to the
powerful Commerce Committee in the state House of Representatives.
He also serves on the committee’s Industrial Impact Subcommittee.
The veteran lawmaker’s other major legislative assignment in the 105th
General Assembly is with the Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee.
In addition to his
duties on these standing committees, Hackworth is assisting
Majority Leader Gary Odom, D-Nashville, in evaluating and assigning
sponsors to more than 200 bills included in Gov. Phil Bredesen’s
legislative package. The Clinton resident is also responsible for
notifying the majority leader about issues in the governor’s plans that
affect East Tennessee, and for soliciting the most effective sponsors
for such bills.
“The House relies upon
committees for much of the actual work of lawmaking. Committees
originate and revise bills, and allow individuals or groups to testify
on pending measures. All proposed legislation introduced on the
floor and passed on first and second hearings is then referred to the
appropriate committees for study and hearings,” explained Hackworth.
There are 13 standing
committees in the lower chamber. The Commerce Committee primarily
oversees legislation that affects the state Department of Commerce and
Insurance.
Bills related to the
Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, insurance companies, TennCare
contractors, fire and safety codes, industrial boards and commissions,
and fee and premium tax collections on professional services are
evaluated by this committee, according to Hackworth.
The Industrial Impact
Subcommittee specifically considers bills on medical and accident
insurance providers, fire prevention, real estate sales, contractor
licenses, small manufacturers, workforce development and other such
concerns.
“I’m very pleased with
my appointments to the Commerce Committee and Industrial Impact
Subcommittee. I enjoy working closely with other lawmakers and
local officials from Anderson County to improve economic development
opportunities in my district,” said Hackworth.
On the Consumer and
Employee Affairs Committee, the three-term legislator serves as
secretary. This committee is focused on bills primarily targeting
individual consumers and private sector employees. Worker’s compensation
plans, insurance rate filings, consumer credit reports, professional
license qualifications, telemarketing practices and illegal immigration
bills are among the important issues debated by the committee.
Because of his
participation in these far-reaching committees, Hackworth
recently accepted a two-year term on the Board and Executive Committee
of the East Tennessee Development District (ETDD). This voluntary
association of city and county governments exists as a forum for public
officials to solve common problems related to the region’s economic
growth and development.
The ETDD Executive
Committee includes two state legislators. Hackworth’s
colleagues in the House selected him for the seat in a bipartisan vote.
“These important positions in public service allow me to put my ideas
forward on such issues as creating jobs, raising incomes, diversifying
the economy and protecting the environment,” concluded the 56-year-old
lawmaker.
Rep. Hackworth’s
legislative telephone number is 615-741-4400 or email
rep.jim.hackworth@legislature.state.tn.us.
CONTACT:
Kenneth Townsend, Press Secretary, House Democratic Caucus,
615-741-6620 or
kenneth.townsend@legislature.state.tn.us
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