Submitted photo Sen. Ray S. Jones II, (D-Pikeville), took the oath of office when the Kentucky General Assembly convened Tuesday in Frankfort, Ky. Jones has represented the 31st senatorial district since 2001. He was re-elected to that seat in November. Shown with Jones is his son, Grayson.

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Chad Abshire

Staff Writer

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Sen. Ray S. Jones II, (D-Pikeville), was recently appointed to several key committees, including the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee.

The senator said that his assignments line up well for the 31st district which he has represented since 2001.

“I am in a position to deliver for my district,” Jones, who represents Johnson, Martin and Pike Counties, said. “During my tenure in Frankfort, I have focused on bringing money home to Eastern Kentucky for roads, bridges, water lines, sewer lines and new schools. These committee assignments will allow me to be an even greater force in selecting projects and allocating funds.”

In addition to Appropriations and Revenue, Jones was reappointed to Transportation; Natural Resources and Energy, Judiciary committees and the Energy Special Subcommittee. He was also appointed to the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. He will serve on these committees for the next two years.

“I have a seat at the table in mapping out the state’s road plan; working on the state’s spending plan; looking at legislation dealing with the drug problem; crafting legislation that effects energy and natural resources, and developing economic development strategies,” Jones said.

The legislature convened at noon Tuesday for a brief organizational session, which will conclude Friday. Legislators will return to Frankfort Tuesday, Feb. 5, to continue the 2013 Legislative Session.

“Though we will not be dealing with a budget, this session will still include some very important legislation,” Jones said. “During the weeks ahead, we will be looking at numerous issues that could have an impact on the lives of our Kentucky men, women and children. I encourage the citizens of my district to keep in touch with me because their input will be important as I make decisions that could influence new laws.”