BOSTON, MA – State Representative John D. Keenan was named today as chairman of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. Speaker Robert DeLeo appointed Keenan chairman of the Committee on Tourism. Keenan’s responsibilities encompass all matters concerning tourism, arts and cultural development in the Commonwealth and such other matters as may be referred to the committee.
“I am grateful for Speaker DeLeo’s confidence and honored to serve in this new role in the House of Representatives, which will allow me to continue to work to ensure that tourism remains an economic engine,” said Representative Keenan. “ There is important work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in crafting legislation, policies and programs which will assist in the Commonwealth’s economic recovery and our quality of life.
Rep Keenan is serving his third term as the state representative for Salem. In addition to serving on the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, Rep. Keenan has served on the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development was established in 2005 by then Senate President Robert Travaglini and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi. Tourism is the third largest industry in the Commonwealth. More than 20 million people visited Massachusetts in 2006 and spent approximately $14.2 billion. The industry generated $887.2 million in state tax revenues and supported 125,800 jobs in 2006.