State Senator Anthony Cannella, R-Ceres, has been selected by his colleagues to serve as vice chairman of the powerful Joint Committee on Rules. Previous to Cannella's appointment on June 21, the position of vice-chair was vacant.

"I am honored that my colleagues have the confidence in my abilities as their Senate leader on this Committee," said Cannella. "We have a historic project before us, and I am excited to move forward in an efficient manner."

Broadly, the Joint Rules Committee jurisdiction deals with the entire business of both houses of the Legislature, and its membership includes 14 senators and 14 Assembly members.

One of the largest projects being undertaken by the Legislature within the Capitol Complex is the replacement of its aging Capitol Annex building, which was built over 60 years ago. The committee is tasked with how to modernize the Capitol that includes offices for all 120 legislators and executive branch.

As an engineer, Cannella is ideally suited to lead his colleagues in the Senate on this monumental undertaking.