WESTPORT — State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) was named the new Senate chairman of the state Joint Committee on Revenue.

The appointment was made last week by Senate President Therese Murray.

With Governor Patrick proposing new revenues under his tax reform proposal in the FY2014 budget, Senator Rodrigues said he is excited to begin work with his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives in tackling these pressing issues.

“I’m truly honored that Senator President Murray has appointed me as the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue,” said Senator Rodrigues. “As we embark on a vigorous public debate about Governor Patrick’s FY14 budget proposal calling for new revenues and new tax reforms, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and begin our work on confronting the challenges before us as we consider what is in the best interests of our Commonwealth.”

The Joint Committee on Revenue is charged with the responsibility of considering all matters concerning federal financial assistance, state fees, the raising of revenue for the Commonwealth by means of taxation, certain matters relating to the local property tax and other related tax matters as they are referred throughout the legislative session.

In addition to the Revenue Committee, Senator Rodrigues was also appointed as the Senate vice-chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Service, along with appointments to the Joint Committees on Community and Business Development, Elder Affairs, Financial Services, Higher Education, and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.