LANSING — State Representative Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak) received an appointment as the Democratic vice chairman of the House Oversight Committee last week. Townsend also serves on the House committees on Commerce, Tax Policy and Michigan Competitiveness.
“Oversight is a critically important, but not always well honored, responsibility of the state Legislature,” Townsend said. “I look forward to working with the chairman of the committee and members on both sides of the aisle to make sure that state government is held accountable for delivering on the promises it makes to the people.”
Recent legislation referred to the Oversight Committee includes proposals from Reps. Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge) and Tom Cochran (D-Mason) that would require the state and local governments to award contracts to Michigan-based companies when possible, and Townsend’s HB 4236, which requires a cost-benefit analysis of proposals to privatize government functions.
“I’m ready to get to work in the Oversight Committee to move forward legislation that will improve Michigan’s economy and create more high-paying jobs for our people,” Townsend said.