Vargas to Serve on House Ways and Means Committee

State Rep. Andy X. Vargas. (Courtesy photograph.)

Haverhill’s legacy on the House Ways and Means Committee lives on. Two years after longtime state Rep. Brian S. Dempsey retired from legislative leadership, his successor Andy Vargas has been appointed to the prestigious Beacon Hill committee that authors and approves the state budget.

“I’ve always believed that what we fund is what we value,” Vargas told WHAV in a statement Thursday. “I’m honored to have been named to the Ways and Means Committee, where I can help drive the conversation on fiscal prudence and smart investments that will build a stronger Commonwealth.”

Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo of Winthrop appointed Boston’s Rep. Aaron Michlewitz as the group’s new chair.

In his new role, Vargas vows to prioritize spending for schools and small businesses, he said.

“Time and time again, residents of Haverhill tell me that their top priorities are improving our schools, supporting our small business, and ensuring the health of all in our community. I look forward to being a voice on these issues and supporting legislation that helps Haverhill move forward.”

Elected as the 3rd Essex District representative in 2017, Vargas has also been appointed to Joint Committee on Education, the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses and the Joint Committee on Public Health.

Haverhill and Methuen Rep. Linda Dean Campbell Thursday was named chairwoman of the Veterans and Federal Affairs Joint Committee. North Andover freshman Rep. Christina Minicucci was named to the Joint Committees on Community Development and Small Businesses, Municipalities and Regional Government and Public Safety and Homeland Security. On the Senate side, Diana DiZoglio was appointed to the Senate Chair of Community Development and Small Business.

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