Newly-elected Senator Sharon Runner was unanimously appointed by her colleagues to serve on the Appropriations, Veterans, Labor & Industrial Relations and Education Committees today.

A life-long proponent of education, Runner will serve as the lead Republican as Vice Chair on the Senate Education Committee.

“Preparing our children for the challenges of a global economy is vital,” Runner said. “During these tough budgetary times, the state must be creative in how we spend our current resources to provide students with the best education possible.”

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Prior to holding public office, Sen. Runner co-founded Desert Christian Schools (DCS) in 1977. Under her leadership, the necessary groundwork was laid to become one of the largest private schools in California. Today, DCS serves nearly 1,700 students of all ages at three campuses. Runner currently serves on DCS’s Board of Directors.

“With my appointment on the Appropriations Committee, I will bring an experienced voice of fiscal responsibility when dealing with legislative proposals,” Runner added. Runner previously served as Vice Chair during her tenure in the Assembly.

“The Legislature must comb through every legislative proposal and scale back state programs to align our spending with current revenue.”

Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) complimented Runner on her committee appointments.

“Senator Runner is a strong advocate for the issues that are important to all Californians, including private-sector job creation, reducing government spending and protecting taxpayers from further hikes.”