SACRAMENTO –Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) will assume her responsibilities today as an officer in the leadership of newly-elected California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles). Bass is the first African-American woman in the nation to lead a legislative body.

Saldaña, who currently serves as Assistant Majority Whip, has been appointed by Speaker Bass to serve as Assistant Speaker pro Tempore. Saldaña will assist Assemblywoman Sally Lieber in presiding over the Assembly floor. She will assume duties as Speaker pro Tempore at the beginning of the next legislative session.

Saldaña said she was looking forward to giving San Diego a voice in the deliberations of the Assembly leadership.

“I am excited to be a part of this historic leadership team,” Saldaña said. “We have a lot of important work ahead of us, and I look forward to joining Speaker Bass and facilitating the smooth functioning of business on the Assembly floor.”

Other leadership appointments include Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), who was named Chairperson-designee of the Assembly Budget Committee; and Assemblymember Kevin De León (D-Los Angeles) who was named Chairperson-designee of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“This experienced team has the respect of colleagues from both sides of the aisle,” said Speaker Bass. “They will provide the stability, energy, and leadership to guide the Assembly.”