Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of State Senator Betsy Wergin to the Rural Health Advisory Committee (RHAC).

Sen. Wergin, of Princeton, is State Senator for District 16, which includes all of Mille Lacs County and parts of Benton, Morrison, and Sherburne Counties. Wergin was first elected to the State Senate in 2002, and is serving in her first term.

Prior to her election to the Senate, Wergin spent six years as a Baldwin Township Officer and eight years as a Sherburne County Commissioner. While a County Commissioner, Wergin served on the Central Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Council. Additionally, she was appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board by Governor Ventura. Wergin served on this board for one approximately one year before her election to the State Senate. Wergin's career includes employment with Elim Nursing Homes Inc.

Wergin is appointed to a four-year term ending January 7, 2008. She will serve as the RHAC member who is in the minority party in the Minnesota Senate. Sen. Wergin will fill the seat formerly held by Sen. Michelle Fischbach.

The Rural Health Advisory Committee advises the Commissioner of Health and other state agencies on rural health issues. It consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor.