On Wednesday, February 15th Senate President Stanley Rosenberg announced committee assignments for the 2017-2018 legislative session. Senator Julian Cyr (D-Cape and Islands) has been appointed as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business.

Senator Cyr expressed his enthusiasm to work on issues both familiar to him and vital to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

“Having grown up in a small family-owned business, I am eager to sink my teeth into the work of the Community Development and Small Business committee. In leading this committee, I will have a front row seat to issues vitally important to Cape and Islands communities, particularly surrounding housing affordability, economic development, and meeting the needs of small businesses.”

Senator Cyr will also serve as Vice Chair for two committees: the Joint Committee for Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development and the Joint Committee for Elder Affairs. He cited the critical importance of these two issues to the Cape and Islands.

“The Cape and Islands district is the oldest district in the Commonwealth; over half of our residents are over the age of 65. I am glad to have a seat at the table, in thinking about how we meet the needs of older adults. Similarly, I am pleased to be a member of the Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development committee. Cape and Islands families depend on tourism to survive and state support for tourism has long been inadequate. I am eager to move the ball forward.”

Senator Cyr will sit on four additional committees, including: the Joint Committee for Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities; the Joint Committee for Public Health; the Joint Committee for Housing; and the Joint Committee for Municipalities and Regional Government.

“I am ready to start the work that comes along with committee assignments, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure that the Commonwealth remains an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous place to live.”