Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, the newly appointed co-chair of the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee said Monday, “It’s a wonderful appointment – I’m very honored.” Keough, who long served as vice-chair to then-Senate Finance Chair Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said, “I feel like I have some pretty big shoes to fill.”

“At this point I don’t have an agenda,” she said. “I’m anxious to continue to try to guide the committee in a responsible manner. I look forward to working with Co-Chair (Rep. Maxine) Bell. I think the committee has been well-run, with the leadership of Sen. Cameron and Rep. Bell.”

 Keough said her aim is for the panel to “continue to be a responsible steward of the taxpayer dollars, and also a recognition that our state government is expected to provide some services, and to fund those appropriations in a prudent manner.”