Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) was appointed to the position of deputy majority leader Wednesday by House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello.

Rep. Canario was also appointed first vice-chairman of the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare and was appointed to the House Committee on Judiciary and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“I am truly honored … to join the House leadership team,” said Rep. Canario. “I am also eager to begin working on solving the problems all Rhode Islanders face every day within the committee setting. Our state faces some tough issues and I pledge to always work for the best interests of my constituents, and all of Rhode Island, on the committees I have been appointed to.”