PROVIDENCE — East Providence’s two freshmen state representatives received their committee assignments from Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Rep. Matt Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) and Rep. Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence), who each won their first terms respectively at the November 2022 election replacing the retiring Gregg Amore and Liana Cassar, were both appointed to a pair of groupings.

A 10-year incumbent from District 65, Amore, of course, stepped away from the assembly and was voted as Rhode Island’s latest Secretary of State last November. Cassar, an overwhelming winner in two previous runs, opted not to seek a third stint from District 66.

Shekarchi tapped Dawson, a lawyer by trade, to serve on the House Judiciary Committee as well as on the Municipal Government Committee. The Judiciary Committee considers all bills affecting the penal code, judicial system, ethics, open meetings, access to public records and election laws. The House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing considers all matters affecting municipal governments, transportation and housing issues.

“I’m very happy and honored to receive these appointments to two important Committees and I thank Speaker Shekarchi and his leadership team for the faith they have in me,” said Dawson, a practicing attorney at the firm Lynch & Pine. “Given my 30-plus years in the criminal justice system I feel like judiciary is a great fit. They will be taking up a variety some very serious bills this year regarding a host of significant issues.”

Of his second assignment, Dawson added, “The Municipal Government committee will give me an opportunity aid local cities and towns to meet their various needs. I expect my tenure on that committee to be a major benefit to the City of East Providence as well.”

Boylan, a resident of the majority Barrington district, was selected by the speaker to serve on the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources along with the House Committee on Innovation, Internet, & Technology.

The House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources hears all matters pertaining to environmental issues, such as conservation, pollution, renewable energy and the green economy. The House Committee on Innovation, Internet & Technology addresses issues relating to cybersecurity, data and internet privacy and emerging technology, including technological innovation in state government.

"I am thrilled to be appointed to serve on the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Innovation, Internet & Technology.  Protecting the environment is a top priority for me," Boylan said.

The director of operations for PacketLogix Inc., an Information Technology firm based in Warren, Boylan previously worked for many years as an environmental professional and has made “green” initiatives a key agenda item of her fledgling legislative tenure.

Boylan continued, "I devoted the first part of my career to environmental protection, and I am honored to be able to bring my expertise as a former environmental scientist to this committee as we hear bills on topics ranging from emissions reductions to composting to solid waste incineration.

"Innovation, Internet & Technology is also in my wheelhouse as an employee of a small IT business.”