SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the appointment of Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul) as the next chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Moran expressed gratitude for the opportunity to chair the committee, which has broad jurisdiction over state budget matters.
“I’m deeply honored to enter this next step of my time in the Legislature, and thank Speaker Hortman for the tremendous opportunity,” Rep. Moran said. “My goal in chairing this committee will be to ensure our state budget is a true reflection of our values, and recognizes what Minnesotans need to get through this crisis of COVID-19 and racial injustices. It’s no secret people all over the state are going through challenges as a result of both. No matter how difficult the job will be, I’m looking forward to the work ahead to help Minnesotans emerge stronger.”
Upon receiving the gavel when the Legislature convenes in January, Rep. Moran will become the first person of color to chair the committee as well as the first African American woman.
Rep. Moran takes over as Ways and Means chair from Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL – Crystal) who is retiring following 48 years in the House. Currently, she chairs the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee and is co-chair of the House Select Committee on Racial Justice. Additionally, she serves as chair of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and United Black Legislative Caucus.
The complete list of chairs and committees can be accessed here. Full membership of House committees will be announced in December. The 2021 legislative session convenes on January 5.