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CHARLESTON — The incoming president of the West Virginia Senate announced Tuesday the new chairman and vice chairman of the Finance Committee.

Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, will become chairman of the committee for the 87th Legislature on Jan. 8, Senate President-elect Randy Smith, R-Preston, said.

Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, will be vice chairman, Smith said. Roberts’ background and expertise will benefit the management of West Virginia’s budgeting and finance needs, Smith said.

“The Finance Committee does some of the hardest work and heaviest lifting in the Legislature, and it’s a tough job,” Smith said. “I knew I wanted a fresh set of eyes and a strong ability to work with all of our state agencies to take a hard look at our state’s revenues and expenses, and I am confident in Sen. Barrett’s ability to take on this task.”

Barrett’s experience as a job creator and small ÀÏ˾»úÖ±²¥ owner and manager gives him the experience needed to maintain the health of the the state budget and finances, Smith said.

“As a person who signs the front of a paycheck, Sen. Barrett knows that budgeting and operating within your means isn’t an option,” Smith said. “As a person who is deeply involved in his community, he’s also aware of the critical needs our state has, especially when it comes to infrastructure. He will be able to bring both of these skill sets to the table and ensure West Virginia’s tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.”

Barrett, 42, previously served in the House of Delegates. His Senate committee assignments in the previous session were Government Organization, of which he was the vice chairman, Banking and Insurance, Energy, Industry and Mining, Judiciary Pensions and Transportation and Infrastructure.

Tuesday’s announcement follows Monday’s when Smith said Sen. Mike Stuart, a former U.S. attorney in West Virginia, would become chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Barrett will succeed Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, who was one of three senators who ran for president of the Senate. Tarr in interviews after Smith was chosen said he declined to remain as chairman of the committee.

“Sen. Tarr did an outstanding job as our Finance Committee Chairman, and because of his vision, planning, and execution, we were able to secure record-breaking surpluses and provide historic personal income tax cuts to our citizens,” Smith said. “I am grateful to him for his service and thank him for his leadership.”