Cory Mason appointed to state's budget-writing committee

Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, is making a name for himself in Madison. Now, he has a powerful committee appointment to match his growing reputation.

The Democratic leadership in the Assembly appointed Mason to the powerful Joint-Finance Committee. The appointment places Mason in the middle of a budget process that sets the state's priorities for the next two years.

He'll likely be the second local legislator to serve on the committee. Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, served on the last Joint Finance Committee and is a good bet to be reappointed.

Here's the announcement on Mason's appointment:

Speaker designate Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) announced today that he has appointed Representative Cory Mason to the Joint Committee on Finance. The Joint Committee is responsible for setting the state’s biennial budget.

"Cory Mason has proven to be a tremendously hard worker, has a good policy head on his shoulders, and always advocates for the concerns of working families. That's why I am so pleased to appoint Rep. Mason to the Joint Committee on Finance," said Rep. Mike Sheridan. Sheridan was elected to be the Speaker of the state Assembly yesterday by his Democratic colleagues.

"I am deeply honored to be appointed to Finance," said Mason. "I hope to be a strong advocate for the middle class in Racine and across the state. I am also humbled by the appointment, because the work ahead of us—addressing the deficit—will be a challenge." The state is facing an estimated $5 billion deficit for the next biennium.

Speaker designate Sheridan has six appointments to make to the Joint Committee on Finance. The other appointees are Rep. Pocan (chair), Rep. Colon (vice chair), Rep. Shilling, Rep. Sherman, and Rep. Grigsby.