November 21, 2023
JEION WARD AND MARK SICKLES NAMED HOUSE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN, COMMITTEES RENAMED
Ward to Chair Labor and Commerce; Sickles to Chair Health and Human Services
RICHMOND, VA – Today, Speaker-designee Don Scott announced he has selected Delegate Jeion Ward to chair the House Committee on Labor and Commerce, formerly known as the Commerce and Energy Committee. Del. Ward became the first Black person and Black woman to chair a Commerce committee in the Virginia House of Delegates in the 2020 and 2021 Legislative Sessions.
Speaker-designee Scott has also selected Delegate Mark Sickles to chair the Health and Human Services Committee, formerly known as the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee. He previously served as chairman of the committee in the 2020 and 2021 Legislative Sessions. Del. Sickles is the second openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the House of Delegates.
Speaker-designee Don Scott said, “Today, I am proud to name Delegates Ward and Sickles as chairmen of these two crucial committees. These are two devoted public servants who have always championed the needs of hardworking Virginia families throughout their almost two decades of service. I am excited to see the work of these committees next session with these two delegates at their helm.”
“I am so proud that working people will have a voice in the General Assembly. Too often, only those who already held power were listened to, but together we can lift up everyone,” said Delegate Jeion Ward. “Back in 2020, we were in a place where Virginia was the worst place for workers – but when we held the majority, we moved Virginia forward. I know we can return Virginia to a place that is great for business and for workers. I look forward to doing that work again.”
Delegate Mark Sickles said, “I thank the Speaker-designee for his confidence as we continue to work to lower Virginia’s uninsured rate, address the behavioral health crisis in our communities, provide services for our intellectually disabled, and end the opioid epidemic in the Commonwealth. We are ready for the challenge.”
Ward and Sickles’ positions as Committee Chairmen will become effective upon Scott’s election as Speaker by the House of Delegates, after the members take their oaths of office on the first day of Session, January 10, 2024.
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