LANSING ? Michigan Senate Minority Leader-elect Jim Ananich on Wednesday named Democratic Sen. Vincent Gregory of Southfield the ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, as well as officially appointed other senators to other positions.
“Every member of our caucus will serve an important role shaping policy and strategy moving forward,” Mr. Ananich said in a statement. “These appointments help make sure Senate Democrats continue to be a strong voice advocating for Michigan families.”
Senate Democrats will have an even smaller caucus next term, losing one member and bringing their total count in the chamber to eleven.
Among the newly-appointed, Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor) will serve as Associate Senate President Pro Tempore and Sen.-elect David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) as the caucus chair, a role currently held by Sen. Coleman Young II (D-Detroit). Mr. Gregory will be the assistant Democratic caucus chair.
Sen.-elect Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing) will serve as the caucus whip, and Sen. Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) as assistant caucus whip.
Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren) retains his position as assistant Democratic leader.
The caucus had previously decided upon Sen. Morris Hood III (D-Detroit) to replace term-limited Senate Minority Floor Leader Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) in that position (See Gongwer Michigan Report, November 6, 2014), and on Wednesday Mr. Ananich appointed Mr. Young to be assistant Democratic floor leader.
