JEFFERSON CITY—Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, yesterday announced Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, will serve as the new chairman of the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee during the 98th General Assembly. Senate Dempsey said the chairmen of each committee will act as leaders to find solutions to move Missouri forward in a prudent, positive manner.

“I’m honored to be chosen as the new chairman of the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee,” said Sen. Libla. “For years, our state has been struggling with ways to fund our highways and bridges. It’s a pressing issue. We also have a number of outstanding infrastructure projects that need to be done in this state. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues as we examine legislation to address these critical problems.”

The Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee is charged with considering legislation concerning roads, highways, bridges, airports and aviation, railroads, port authorities and all other means of transportation; motor vehicles, motor vehicle registration and drivers’ licenses, infrastructure across the state of Missouri, and matters relating to the safety of the general public.

“I’m happy to put my support behind Sen. Libla as Chairman of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. He brings with him decades of business experience and leadership,” said Sen. Dempsey. “The work done in committees is no small undertaking and carries many responsibilities."

In addition to his new duties as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Sen. Libla will serve as vice-chairman of the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee. The committee shall consider and report upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the ownership and operation of small businesses; and life, accident, indemnity and other forms of insurance. The committee shall also take into consideration and report on bills relating to labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation and employment security within the state and shall examine bills referred to it relating to industrial development.

“Missouri faces a number of economic challenges, with job creation and retention being at the top of the list. We need high-quality and high-paying jobs that empower workers to have a positive impact on the communities where they live, both economically and as leaders contributing to the overall quality of life,” said Sen. Libla.

Senator Libla will also continue as vice-chair of the Senate Agricultural, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee.

To view a full list of Sen. Libla’s committee assignments, visit his official Senate website at ww.senate.mo.gov/libla.