Whelan will chair State Government Committee

State Sen. James Whelan (D-Atlantic City) is slated to become the new chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, according to sources familiar with the legislative transition process.  Whelan will succeed Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden), who will be Judiciary Chairman after Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge) moves to Appropriations to replace Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen), the new Senate Majority Leader.  Incoming Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford) will eliminate the Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee now chaired by Whelan and fold the gaming and tourism industries into the State Government panel.