State Sen. Jim Gaughran has been reappointed as chair of the Committee on Local Government for the 2021-22 legislative session.
Gaughran, D-Huntington, also announced he has been reappointed to serve on the Committee on Higher Education, and the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. In addition, he has been newly appointed to serve on the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, and the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.
Gaughran said, “I am honored to be re-appointed as Chair of the Committee on Local Government, as local governments have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic providing vital health and public safety services. I look forward to continuing to work with them to secure the resources they need to successfully serve the public. I am thrilled with my other Committee appointments, some old and some new. In particular, I am humbled to have the great responsibility of serving on the committees which oversee the Long Island Power Authority as we enter this new legislative session laser-focused on reigning in Long Island’s rogue utility companies. Thank you Leader Stewart-Cousins for this opportunity.”
Republican Mario Mattera of St. James was sworn in to serve his first term representing the State Senate 2nd district. His wife Terry, who administered the oath of office, and his two daughters, Jessica and Jayme, joined him in the Senate Chamber.
“It is an honor to have been entrusted with this responsibility by the residents of the 2nd Senate District. I am grateful to all of those who have supported me – especially my family who have been so supportive,” he said. “I look forward to working with everyone in our community and throughout the state to bring common sense government back to New York.”
“My hope is that our community will reach out to our office whenever we can be of assistance or when they want to provide their input on a state issue. It is only by working together that our state will recover from the current crisis and I invite everyone in our community to let me know what is on their minds so I can bring their voice to Albany,” Mattera said.
He will serve as the chief Republican member on both the Consumer Protection and Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions standing committees.
Assemblyman Steve Stern, D-Dix Hills is serving his term and is a member of the Aging, Banks, Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry Energy, Insurance and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
Assemblyman Keith Brown, R,C- Northport, has officially been sworn in as the new assembly member for the 12th Assembly District in Long Island and one of the newest members of the State Assembly. Brown is proud to announce that he has been named the ranking member on the Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Committee and will also be on the Environmental Conservation, Judiciary, Housing and Social Services committees.
“I am excited and looking forward to getting to work and bringing proper balance back to our state government,” said Brown.
“This past year has been a tough one, but I am confident that brighter days are on the horizon. Getting there is going to require us to work together. I intend to bring balance back to Albany and provide a strong voice for our families and businesses struggling because of the pandemic. It is our duty to find the best way to help people safely get back to normal. In bringing balance back to Albany, we can and will make sure that New Yorkers can be optimistic about what the future has in store.”