State legislators have been assigned to committees for the four-year term, and St. Mary’s legislators picked up some plum assignments.

Bret Allain, a sugarcane farmer just elected to his first term, received one of the highest committee positions among area legislators with his appointment as vice chair of the Agriculture Committee.

He will also sit on the powerful Finance Committee; the Natural Resources Committee, which deals with oil and gas issues, among others; and the Health and Welfare Committee. He was also named to the Select Committee on Coastal Restoration and Flood Control.

Allain, of Adeline, represents all of St. Mary Parish. The Republican replaces D.A. “Butch” Gautreaux, a Democrat from Morgan City, who was term-limited.

Area House members also picked up influential assignments. Joe Harrison, R-Napoleonville, will hold a seat on the Appropriations Committee, as well as the Natural Resources and Environment and Judiciary committees.

Sam Jones, D-Franklin, will join Harrison on the Natural Resources and Environment Committee and also sit on the Retirement Committee and the Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.

Karen St. Germain, D-Pierre Part, was appointed to chair the transportation committee.