 The 2017 committee assignments have been announced for the upcoming legislative session and this is the first time Republicans have held a majority in both the House and the Senate. Our Taylor Archer spoke with Senator Kerry Rood and has more on this story. With the approach of the new year comes along a new legislative session for political officials across Minnesota. For Senator Kerry Rood, this isn't her first time holding her position and she is prepared to work. I'm really excited to be the chair of the Natural Environment and Resources Committee. I have a great committee selection. I'm really excited to work with all of them. Senator Rood was also assigned as the vice chair for the Environment and Natural Resources Finance, as well as the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. But she is especially eager to work with the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee. The Long-Term and Aging Committee. We have not had this in the Senate before. We are really looking forward to doing a good job in that committee. And since this is the first time Republicans have occupied both the House and the Senate, Senator Rood finds it important to maintain an agenda that works for everyone. We've been really focused on making that we're family friendly. We're not starting the session until 11 o'clock on Monday, so they have travel time to be with their family. And then we're done early on Thursdays so that people can go home in their districts and get their constituent services done. For the House, Representative Josh Heinzman was appointed to four positions, and Representative Elect John Poston was selected for five. I think that we have the opportunity to show that we can lead and that we can do a good job at it, and I'm really hoping that my colleagues will agree with me on that. Senator Rood also hopes that the leadership for this upcoming session will get the job done. In Brainerd, Taylor Archer, Lakeland News. This past week, area Republican lawmakers were given their committee assignments. The 2017 legislative session is set to begin January 3rd. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.