Mathis replacing Dandekar on three Senate committees

Newly elected Sen. Liz Mathis will replace her predecessor on the Senate Commerce, Ways and Means, and Economic Growth committees.

Mathis, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, won a special election earlier this month to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Marion Democrat Swati Dandekar.

In addition, Mathis, who is the chief information officer for Four Oaks, a child welfare and juvenile justice agency where she oversees legislative advocacy, public relations, marketing and development, was assigned to the Human Resources Committee. She will replace Sen. Bob Dvorsky, D-Coralville, who will replace Dandekar on the Transportation Committee.

Mathis will replace Dandekar on the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, too. Sen. Joe Seng, D-Davenport, will succeed Dandekar as vice chairman of the subcommittee.

Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, will replace Dandekar as chairman of the Commerce Committee.