Sen. Blake Tillery  (R – Vidalia) will succeed the late Sen. Jack Hill (R – Reidsville) as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Sen. Jack Hill was a mentor, teacher and friend,” said Sen. Tillery. “No one can fill the shoes he leaves behind. I’m humbled and proud his position as Chairman will remain in our region.”

“Sen. Tillery, in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, continually demonstrated an eagerness to understand the intricacies of the budget process,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Coupled with his thoughtful wisdom, he is perfectly poised to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee – especially as we prepare to tackle serious budgetary issues. I am confident that he will succeed in this new role, because of his dedication to thoroughly understanding fiscal issues and his unbridled care for the people of this state. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to craft budgets that allow our state’s businesses, programs and families to prosper.”

In addition to serving as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Tillery also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate State Institutions and Properties Committee, Secretary of the Judiciary Committee, as well as a member of the Assignments, Economic Development and Tourism, and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.