Senate Pro Tem Jerry Twiggs, (R-Blackfoot)

"Going through life I had lots of questions about property taxes, how schools were funded and other aspects of government. As I shared my opinions on these issues with people, many said I should run for office. But I was running the family farming business as well as staying busy raising five kids with my wife, Sandra.

I remained very involved in the community and served on various boards and committees. When my youngest child graduated from high school I was fifty two years old and it was only then I decided to run for the state legislature.

When I was elected to the State Senate, I didn't have any plans for becoming a committee chair or serving in leadership. I just tried to do the best I could and found myself moving up through the leadership ranks. I was elected by the Senators to serve as the President Pro Tem of the Senate, which is the chief administrator of the body.

The Pro Tem appoints committee chairs and members to committees with the consent of the Senate. The management and flow of legislation is also the responsibility of the Pro Tem. In that position I am responsible for all Senate employees and approve all expenditures.

It is a large responsibility, but one which I enjoy. It is an honor to serve my district as an elected office and to serve the Senate as their Pro Tem."