Sciortino,
a third-term representative and long-time public transportation
advocate, told The Somerville News that he will use his new position to
"help advocate for the needs of our community, as well as for
improvements in public transportation across the state."

Gaining
support for the proposed Green Line Extension, which would extend the
Green Line from Lechmere Station in Cambridge into Somerville and
Medford, is one of Sciortino's major goals.

"I have been a
strong supporter of the Green Line Extension since day one in office,"
Sciortino explained. "I was proud to be a part of getting the Governor
to commit the state's bond money towards the project, which we passed
in a transportation bond bill last spring."

"I will continue to
closely monitor the progress of the Green Line Extension, to do what I
can to ensure the funding needs of this project are met, and that the
project is delivered on time."

Sciortino also cited his belief in the need for increased reliability of MBTA buses and trains in Somerville.

"A
large portion of Somerville residents rely on the MBTA for their daily
commute to and from work. Every time a bus is late, or a train gets
taken out of service for mechanical reasons, we are reminded that the
T's finances are a mess. I will be using my role on the committee to
make sure a comprehensive transportation reform package includes the
needs of the MBTA."

The appointment, made by House Speaker
Robert DeLeo, comes as Sciortino begins his third term as a
Representative in the House. He was a member of the committee during
both of his previous terms.

"Carl has been a hard-working
legislator, and I know that he will continue to serve the Commonwealth
and his communities well in these posts," DeLeo explained. "I look
forward to working with him as we face the challenging issues
confronting us, such as transportation reform."

In addition to
his appointment to Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee,
Sciortino was appointed to the House Committee on Ways and Means and
the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The Committee on Ways and
Means handles the budget process for the House and reviews all
legislation that involves state finances. The Committee on Health Care
Financing crafted the state's health care reform legislation and
continues to address issues such as health care affordability and
access.