CHARLESTON W.Va. (WVDN) – Senate President Randy E. Smith (R-Preston) today announced that Senator Patricia Puertas Rucker (R-Jefferson) has been named Assistant Majority Leader.
“Going into a new session, I knew that I wanted a strong leadership team that would be able to guide us through whatever challenges come our way,” Senate President Smith said. “Senator Rucker’s years of service and experience combined with her expertise in critical policy areas like education make her a natural fit for a role that gives her even more of an opportunity to be a leader.”
As Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Rucker will work with Senate leadership and individual members to prepare and execute their legislative agenda and will assist Senate Majority Leader Patrick Martin (R-Lewis) with floor activities when needed.
“I am honored and happy to do what I can to ensure the West Virginia Senate represents and serves the great people of West Virginia,” Senator Rucker said.
In addition to her new role, Senator Rucker also has been named Chairman of the Committee on School Choice. This committee will focus on the needs of children and families in West Virginia who are pursing educational options outside of the traditional public school environment, including homeschools, microschools, public charter schools, and private and parochial schools.
Senator Rucker also serves on the Agriculture, Government Organization, Health and Human Resources, Judiciary, Rules, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. She previously served as the Chairman of the Committee on Government Organization and the Committee on Education.
