CHARLESTON – Senator Robert Karnes, R-Upshur, has been appointed Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.
Senator Karnes also serves as Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Vice Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee, and as a member of the Education, Health and Human Resources, Judiciary, and Labor committees.
“Senator Karnes proved his leadership during last year’s landmark session, and I am proud to place him into this critical role,” Senate President Bill Cole, R-Mercer, said. “Agriculture and rural development are a key part of our state’s economic development, and I am confident he’s the right person to take charge of this part of our agenda.”
“We have been given a great opportunity and I believe our hardworking farmers will help lead West Virginia out of the economic problems dogging West Virginia,” Senator Karnes said.
Karnes replaces Senator Daniel Hall, R-Wyoming, who resigned from the Senate January 3. The regular session of the West Virginia Legislature begins January 13.