Utah House Republicans announced Thursday a shift in their leadership team because of the recently announced resignation of Rep. Dean Sanpei, who is moving to Colorado to accept a new career position.
House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, appointed Rep. Brad Last, R-Hurricane, to replace Sanpei as the new House chairman of the powerful Executive Appropriations Committee. That also makes him a top member of House leadership.
Hughes also appointed Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, to replace Last as vice chairman of the committee.
“While we will greatly miss Rep. Sanpei, Rep. Last is ready, willing and able to lead our Executive Appropriations Committee,” Hughes said, “and I’m excited to work closely with him in this new position.”
He added, “Rep. Schultz has proven to be a natural leader with a strong understanding of the legislative process and will be a great addition to our leadership team.”
The Executive Appropriations Committee oversees all spending bills in the Legislature.