McKnight to chair Assembly Homeland Security, Chaparro, Jimenez to vice chair other panels

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19) has selected Angela McKnight (D-31) to chair the lower house’s Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee, with Annette Chaparro (D-33) and Angelica Jimenez (D-32) to serve as vice chairs on other panels.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“I thank Speaker Coughlin for instilling his faith and trust in me with this charge. Last month in my hometown of Jersey City, I saw what happens when terror strikes a community. I mourned with my neighbors,” McKnight said in a statement.

“I worried about the future. It pains me to know that similar acts of hate-induced terror are on the rise in New Jersey and nationwide, claiming innocent lives and spreading fear. We cannot prevent every tragedy, but this committee strives to ensure our state is safe, secure, and prepared for emergencies.”

McKnight, the founder and CEO of the Jersey City based non-profit AngelaCARES, Inc., also sits on the Senior Services Committee.

Jimenez, who works as an MRI, CT and Mammography Radiographer Specialist, will now vice chair the Assembly Health Committee.

“Because of my experiences as a radiographer and member of the Health and Senior Services Committee, I understand many of the healthcare challenges facing the residents of our state,” Jimenez explained.

“I’m pleased I will have the opportunity to work with my colleague Dr. Herb Conaway, who chairs this committee, to help effectuate change on behalf of New Jersey patients and providers alike.”

Additionally, Chaparro will be the vice chair of the Law and Public Safety Committee, where she has been a member since 2016.

“Public safety is integral to the safety and security of our communities, from our cities to our suburban neighborhoods,” she began.

“To be entrusted with this position and tremendous responsibility is both an honor and a privilege, and I promise to work diligently with the Chairman focusing on policies that strengthen the capacity for law enforcement agencies to respond to crises and that put residents’ safety first.”

Chaparro has also been named to the committees for the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities and the Assembly Community Development.