1/22/2009: Senator Shirley L. Huntley Appointed Chair of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

Senator Shirley L. Huntley Appointed to Chair of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee

Position first in several decades for Democrats in the State Senate

(D#10, Jamaica) Following this week’s historical victory in the State Senator, Shirley L. Huntley has been tapped to lead the State Senate’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee.

The objective of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities committee aims to ensure quality care, treatment, and services to persons with mental illness, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, as well as, persons suffering from substance abuse and dependence.

“A new era has dawned upon Albany,” said Senator Huntley, referring to this week’s democratic victory in securing the State Senate majority. “For the first time in over forty years, Democratic Senators will have the opportunity to present innovative legislation that has been blocked due to partisan politics.”

The newly appointed committee chair will be responsible for reviewing, developing, and recommending key legislation affecting some of the state’s most vulnerable population. In addition Senator Huntley will work with the Senate Finance committee to consider proposed appropriations and re-appropriations for a number of state agencies under the auspices of the committee.

The second-term Senator will also serve as a member of the Senate Committees on Children and Family Services, Codes, Civil Service and Pensions, Consumer Protection, Education and Higher Education.

Senator Huntley, a Queens Democrat, will have the opportunity to partner with the Assemblyman William Scarborough, Chair of the Assembly’s Children and Families Committee, another Queens legislator. The partnership will ensure passage of legislation that will benefit those in the 10th Senatorial District.

Senator Huntley concluded: “Once again, I would like to thank my community for their support of me and I look forward to providing equitable resources to the area. I look forward to convening hearings throughout the state and continuing to hear the concerns of the residents.”