Freshman state Rep. Jon Thorup may be new in the Iowa House, but he’s already been assigned a leadership position.
Rep. Thorup has been named the Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Committee; the newly-elected Representative from Knoxville will serve under Chairman Jarad Klein of Keota.
Thorup’s background may serve him in this post, as he remains an active member of the Iowa State Patrol; he will take a leave of absence from the force while the House is in session, but intends to stay on the job the rest of the time.
Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer has so far only named the chairs and vice chairs for the various committees and subcommittees; the remaining members will be announced later.
In the Senate, Amy Sinclair of Allerton will retain her position as chair of the Education Committee, and will be the vice chair of its Appropriations subcommittee.
Majority Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny says the other committee assignments have been handed out; Sinclair will also chair the Government Oversight Committee, and serve on Commerce, Judiciary and Rules.
Sinclair will continue to serve as Majority Whip.
