Lowell Republican named co-leader of joint budget

— Republican Rep. Duncan Baird of Lowell has been named the House co-chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee.

On Monday, members voted unanimously in favor of Baird, who will serve alongside Democratic Sen. Larry Teague of Nashville.

Teague had been the Democrats’ pick to lead the Senate before Republicans won control of the chamber in the November election.

The powerful committee handles dozens of appropriations bills and the state Revenue Stabilization Act, which outlines the spending priorities for the state.

Separately, House members of the Legislative Council picked Rep. John Edwards, a Little Rock Democrat, to co-chair that panel.

The House and Senate gathered Monday to begin the 2013 legislative session. Republicans control both chambers.

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Baird

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