NATCHEZ — Rep. Angela Cockerham said Wednesday she is pleased to be serving on two of the state’s most influential legislative committees.

On Monday, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn announced his appointment of Cockerham (D-Magnolia) to the House Appropriations Committee and the Legislative Budget Committee.

“I am blessed and thankful to Speaker Gunn for appointing me to these committees,” Cockerham said Wednesday in Natchez, while attending the Rotary Club of Natchez meeting.

“I am happy to be serving not only the people in my own district but also the people of the entire state,” Cockerham said.

Cockerham replaces Rep. George Flaggs (D-Vicksburg) who was sworn in as Mayor of Vicksburg on June 30.

“Through her work as Chairman of the House Energy Committee, Rep. Cockerham has been invaluable to the House leadership team,” Speaker Gunn said. “I know she will be an effective member of these committees as they address state budget issues.”

The Legislative Budget Committee is a starting point for the budget crafting process. Once a year, members meet with representatives from all the state agencies who present their estimated budget needs for the next fiscal year. For fiscal year 2014, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees agreed to adopt $5.8 billion budget.

“I am mindful of the many cost issues we are faced with like education, healthcare, and corrections to name a few,” Cockerham said. “As House Energy Chair, I am excited about our country and state’s energy future and the impact it is having on my district in Southwest Mississippi.  I will approach my new assignments with God at the center of my thought process and the humbleness that my parents remind me of daily.”