(AUSTIN) – Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released committee assignments for the 88th Legislative Session, appointing Senator Phil King to serve as Vice Chair of the Business & Commerce Committee and to serve as a member of the Border Security, Criminal Justice, Transportation and Education committees.  King will also serve on the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Education Committee.

Senator King said, “I want to thank Lt. Gov. Patrick for his trust and confidence in naming me to these vitally important committees. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Business and Commerce Committee. For Texas to continue leading as an economic powerhouse, we must ensure an environment of limited, streamlined regulations and low taxes that promotes commerce, innovation and opportunity.  This committee is also charged with correcting critical problems facing Texas’ electric power grid, a topic I spent a great deal of time on in the Texas House.”

The Education Committee and Higher Education Subcommittee will have jurisdiction over top legislative priorities. Senator King said, “Addressing school security, parental rights and educational freedom deserves serious attention by the Legislature and I look forward to these challenging discussions.”

As a member of the Border Security and Criminal Jurisprudence committees, Senator King will be able to draw upon his background as a police officer for 15 years and as a former justice of the peace. A strong proponent of border security, King previously served as Chair of Homeland Security in the Texas House.

On the Senate Transportation Committee, King will be an important voice for Senate District 10 during a time of unprecedented pressure on the region’s infrastructure. SD 10 is home to some of the fastest growing counties in the country as well as numerous rural counties where transportation connectivity is essential.

Senator King said, “It’s an honor to serve Texas, and these committee assignments provide an opportunity to pursue conservative, fiscally responsible public policy for our state and district. I’m ready to get to work.”