The region’s state senator has been given a powerful committee position in Jefferson City.

State Sen. Brad Hudson (R-33) has been named the new Vice-Chair for the Senate Appropriations Committee according to an announcement by Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin. He will serve as the assistant leader to State Sen. Rusty Black of the Chillicothe area.

“Every good business has a succession plan, and the Missouri Senate should be no different,” Sen. O’Laughlin said. “Leadership on the budget requires not only planning expenditures but being accountable for results. With one-third of our caucus set to term out next year, it is vital to ensure continuity and stability in this critical role.”

The full article is available at bransontrilakesnews.com.

(Story by Jason Wert, bransontrilakesnews.com)

NOTE: A full release from Senator Brad Hudson's Office is below:

Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, released the following statement after being named Vice Chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee:

“It’s an honor to be chosen to serve in the important role of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair. I want to thank Pro Tem O’Laughlin for her faith in me, and Sen. Black for his leadership as he takes on the chairmanship. It is rare for a freshman senator to be chosen as Vice Chair of Appropriations, an honor I do not take lightly. As a Legislature, one of our most important duties is creating and passing a balanced state budget. It is my goal to work with the other members of the committee to utilize this process to address the needs of our citizens, while also finding ways to decrease spending and live within our means as a state. We will be meticulous as we analyze every area of state spending, transparent in our communications with the citizens and accountable to those who have elected us to serve them. I’m excited for this new role and ready to get to work.”

Hudson, elected in 2024, took office earlier this year. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Education and Government Efficiency committees and as a member of the Families, Seniors and Health Committee.