A Georgia State Representative from Gainesville has been named the next chairman of the State House Health Committee.
Republican Lee Hawkins was appointed to the role by State House Speaker Jon Burns and the House Committee on Assignments Friday. Hawkins spoke on WDUN's "Newsroom" Friday and said the role is important to him.
"In 16 years, I've been on health committees of the senate and the house. That's been my life's work with dentistry," Hawkins said. "It's been very close to my heart and I was very pleased and proud that (Burns) named me chairman of the committee."
Hawkins represents State House District 27, which is made up, mostly, of the northern and eastern parts of Hall County. He was first elected to the seat in 2012 and previously served in the state senate from 2006 to 2010.
The Health Committee works on healthcare policy with an emphasis on regulatory and market issues.
