(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Longtime State Senator Johnny Nugent has been appointed to a key committee at the Indiana Statehouse.

Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg)

The Lawrenceburg Republican representing Senate District 43 will serve as a ranking member of the Committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions.

Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) appointed Nugent.

“As a business owner, Senator Nugent has the experience needed when examining legislation affecting Hoosier employers,” Long said. “I appreciate his knowledge and sensible judgment when helping formulate bills that ensure the integrity of the state’s financial sector.  Johnny Nugent is the most experienced senator we have, and we value his judgment greatly.”

Nugent, entering his 33^rd year in the Senate, had previously been tapped as Senate Majority Floor Leader Emeritus for the upcoming 2011 Legislative Session which begins Jan. 5.

Long said Senate leaders worked once again in bipartisan fashion to “combine lawmakers’ talents and passions” to help Indiana move forward on a variety of key issues, including passing a balanced budget, avoiding tax hikes, promoting economic development and job creation, improving education and developing a fair redistricting plan for legislative and congressional districts.