Sen. Nielsen nominated

State Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) has been nominated to serve as chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, according to a press release sent from his office. “It is an honor to be the leading voice for the needs of our veterans, all of whom are deserving of our respect and gratitude for their service,” said Nielsen (pictured), who has no military experience.

As for serving on the budget committee, Nielsen said it was important that the governor and state Legislature refrain from spending to allow the economy to grow. “The governor described the budget surplus as ‘precarious.’ Therefore, it is necessary to confront and address the state’s long-term debts in the budget.”

Nielsen was nominated by Senate President Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and confirmation by the Senate Rules Committee was set for Jan. 7, past CN&R’s deadline.