FRANKFORT — Senate Majority Leadership announced Monday that Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, will serve as the new chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee.

The committee’s jurisdiction encompasses a broad range of issues, including commerce, industry, workforce development, tourism, economic planning, labor laws, and the promotion of state parks, historic sites and arts facilities.

As chair, Wheeler will oversee issues such as workforce training, business recruitment, collective bargaining, unemployment compensation and workers’ compensation, as well as policies to boost tourism and preserve Kentucky’s cultural and historical assets.

“I am honored to be named chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee,” Wheeler said in a press release.

“I especially want to promote a growing tourism economy throughout our beautiful Commonwealth,” he added. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure Kentucky remains a competitive and thriving state for its residents and visitors alike.”

In addition to his chairmanship, Wheeler will continue to serve as vice chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary and as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. He is also a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Transportation and Natural Resources and Energy, as well as the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

Wheeler represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, which includes Elliott, Lawrence, Martin, Morgan and Pike counties.