Coughlin Selects Vainieri Huttle to Helm Assembly Homeland Security & State Preparedness Committee

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin has selected Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle to serve as Chair of the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee for the new legislative session, which officially began on Tuesday.

“Valerie brings a wealth of experience as one of the senior members of our caucus,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex).  “Throughout her distinguished career in public service she has exhibited a tremendous dedication to improving the lives of her constituents and I have no doubt she will carry that passion with her in this new role.”

Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) will helm the committee that is responsible for monitoring the protection of New Jersey residents and overseeing issues affecting counter-terrorism, risk assessments, infrastructure protections, emergency communications, border security and cyber security.

“I thank the Speaker for this opportunity and look forward to this new challenge and continuing my service to the people of this state,” said Vainieri Huttle.  “With all of the major policy upheavals taking place at the federal level, I intend to focus a sharp eye on the impact they may have on New Jersey and how we can continue to best protect our residents and safeguard their well-being.”

Vainieri Huttle, who is beginning her seventh term in the General Assembly, previously chaired the Assembly Human Services Committee.  She will also be serving as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee and remain a member of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.

The first meeting of the Homeland Security Committee is scheduled to take place on February 1.