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September 8, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Tyler Clark Named to National Committee on Budgets and Revenue

AUGUSTA – Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree has named State Rep. Tyler Clark to an influential committee on government finances at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The two-year appointment to the Budgets and Revenue Committee, which takes effect immediately, will bring Rep. Clark into contact with state legislators from around the nation to share approaches and solutions to financial problems.

“The NCSL is an outstanding and very effective organization, and I’m honored by this appointment,” said Rep. Clark (R-Easton), a first-term legislator. “The Budgets and Revenue Committee provides a forum for legislators to share information. In this era of revenue shortfalls and very tight state budgets, I’m looking forward to discussing financial strategies with legislators from other states.”

The Budgets and Revenue Committee is one of NCSL’s 11 standing committees. It is responsible for protecting the states’ interests in federal decisions regarding fiscal matters, including annual action on the federal budget. It also examines federal and state policies with fiscal implications, including: funding for services and programs; budget processes; tax and revenue systems; legislative oversight; and unfunded mandates.

In the Maine Legislature, Rep. Clark serves on the State and Local Government Committee, which has jurisdiction over the budget process at the county level. It also exercises oversight of state contracts and fiscal procedures; state employees and property; boards and commissions; municipal and local government; and the Legislature itself.

The NCSL, based in Denver, is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues; and it advocates for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

Rep. Clark said one of the strengths of the NCSL is its firm support for state sovereignty. “At a time of growing federal encroachment on states’ rights, we’re fortunate to have this strong advocate for federalism,” he said.

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