Senator Finney on important committee

State Senator Raymond Finney (R-Blount and Sevier Counties) has received his committee assignments for the One-hundred and Fifth General Assembly (2007 and 2008). His committee assignments are: ** Chairman of the Calendar Committee; ** Secretary of the General Welfare, Health and Human Resources Committee; ** Member of the Finance, Ways and Means Committee; and ** Member of the Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee. Senator Finney states: \"I cannot be more pleased with my committee assignments. I want on the General Welfare Committee to be able to use my experience of thirty-five years of medical practice. I want on the Environment Committee because the environment and tourism are so important to my district. I am assigned to both of these committees.\" Finney adds: \"I was very surprised to be appointed to the Finance Committee, which is probably the most important committee because it works with its counterpart in the House to set the state government\'s budget. This committee is usually reserved for senators with much more seniority. I did not even request to be on this committee. Speaker Ron Ramsey told me he wants me on this committee because I have consistently shown interest in fiscal responsibility in government. \"I was also offered one of the three Republican slots on the Fiscal Review Committee. This committee meets twice monthly during the recess. I declined the appointment because of my wife\'s health problems. I did not want to add stress to her life by traveling with me that many extra times to Nashville, and I did not want to leave her alone. I am very pleased with and honored by the confidence shown in me by the Senate leadership, that I would receive these appointments.\" Senator Finney is beginning his third year in office.