Jefferson City ?Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, is pleased to announce House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, has appointed her to three legislative committees for the 2005 session. Rep. Chappelle-Nadal will serve on the House Committee for Senior Citizen Advocacy, the House Committee for Small Business and the House Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Chappelle-Nadal will be the ranking Democrat on the House Committee for Senior Citizen Advocacy and is the only freshman legislator to serve as a ranking committee member.

"I am looking forward to using my experience in the Lieutenant Governors office as Missouri's Senior Advocate to work on legislation benefiting the seniors of this state," said Rep. Chappelle-Nadal.

As Missouri's Senior Advocate, Rep. Chappelle-Nadal successfully helped steward legislation such as the Senior Care and Protection Act of 2003 and the Missouri Senior Rx Generic Drug Rebate into law.

"I am excited to work with grassroots senior organizations and small business owners," Said Rep. Chappelle-Nadal. " These advocates do the yeoman's work and can help me be more effective in addressing the needs of my district."

The House Committee on Senior Citizen Advocacy considers and reports upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the security and health of the senior citizens of the State, including matters relating to their care and housing, and the providers of those services. The House Committee on Small Business considers and reports upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the establishment, growth, development, expansion, retention and operations of small businesses in the State. The House Committee on Ways and Means considers and reports upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the revenue and public debt of the state, and the interest and the administration of taxation and revenue laws.

Rep. Chappelle-Nadal was elected to her first term in November 2004. Rep. Chappelle-Nadal previously served as Director of Communications for Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell.

In addition to her committee assignments, Rep. Chappelle-Nadal was appointed Deputy Whip for the Democratic Caucus and Director of Social Engagement for the Freshman Legislative Caucus. She has also joined the Women Legislators Caucus, the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and the St. Louis Regional Caucus.