By a unanimous vote of the Democratic caucus, Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) has been named Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. Senator Joyce was also named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading, the committee that must review and approve all legislation before it may proceed to the Senate floor. In these positions, Joyce will play an integral role in shaping the new Senate’s agenda. Additionally, Senator Joyce has been asked to serve as Chairman of the newly formed Senate Special Committee on Government Expenditures, Performance, and Accountability, which will examine government spending and performance across all public agencies, quasi-public agencies, and municipalities to ensure effectiveness and fiscal discipline.

Joyce’s positions place him squarely in the policy and fiscal debates looming in the new legislative session, according to Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg.

“Brian will play a crucial role in crafting our agenda this session,” said Rosenberg. “His leadership, intellect, work ethic, and consensus-building skills are invaluable assets, and I’m excited to have him on our leadership team.”

“I am pleased to have a major voice in the Senate and will continue to commit myself to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent carefully and to maximum effect,” said Sen. Joyce.

Joyce will also serve as Vice-Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, and as a member of the Health Care Financing and the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy committees. Joyce was also named Chair of the Democratic Senate Political Action Committee.