Newsroom

Watson picks up new slots in shakeup

Wednesday, July 14, 2010
by Mike Ward and Ben Wear
Austin American-Statesman

Austin state Sen. Kirk Watson appears to have fared well in today’s shakeup on Texas Senate committee assignments.

Watson remained as vice chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, and joined the powerful Senate Higher Education Committee that oversees the University of Texas.

With that addition, he comes off the Senate jurisprudence Committee.

Watson said he has wanted the Higher Ed assignment for some time.

“I’ve wanted to be on Higher Ed since I came into the Senate,” he said. “That is a great place for me to be. In addition, Higher Ed has been on of my passions in the Senate. That’s a natural fit for both my personal passion and also for the district I represent.”

As for the departure of Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, from the chairmanship of the transportation panel to become chair of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, Watson noted that he a member of both committees so he will continue serving with Corona.

“One of the best parts of being in the Senate has been serving with John Carona,” Watson said. “I get to continue working with him.”