Senator Flanagan Named to Key Education Role

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District), who has long been regarded as an expert on the state budget and a fighter for Long Island education, was recently selected to serve as the Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Education.

The selection, which was announced by Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos, will expand Senator Flanagan’s ability to fight for Long Island’s fair share of education aid.  In his new role, Senator Flanagan will lead the Republican members of the committee and work to protect Long Island children and taxpayers.

"Senator Flanagan has shown throughout his career that he is a tireless advocate for Long Island Schools," said Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos. "In his new leadership role on the Senate Education Committee Senator Flanagan will fight to ensure fair and equitable distribution of state aid to schools on Long Island and throughout the rest of the state."

Last year, Senator Flanagan fought alongside his Senate colleagues to make sure that schools in the suburban areas of our state were provided with the state funding they deserved.  Those efforts led to record school aid for area schools and helped protect residents from overwhelming tax increases.

Those efforts included his constant vigilance with the former administration and his efforts to organize the fair share rally which allowed Long Islanders an opportunity to voice their collective support for Long Island's fair share of the state budget.

This year, Senator Flanagan is working to build on those efforts and his new post will give him a more visible platform to speak from.  That includes an expanded role in the upcoming budget negotiations and a continued ability to help shape the future of education in the state.

“There is no finer advocate for Long Island’s educational system than Senator Flanagan.  His in-depth knowledge of the state budget process and his dedication to fighting for Long Island’s fair share of state aid will provide us all with a strong voice in Albany,” stated Northport-East Northport Superintendent Mary Lou McDermott.

Edward L. Ehmann, Superintendent of the Smithtown Central School District, applauded the appointment: “As Superintendent of Smithtown Schools, I have witnessed firsthand the superior levels of knowledge, passion and dedication John Flanagan brings to the debate for the Long Island educational community.  We are fortunate to have John assume this position of leadership on a committee of such great importance to our local area.  Our entire Long Island region is united in its goal to speak with one voice to Albany and I can think of no better voice to articulate our views than John Flanagan’s.”

“Senator Flanagan has been an ardent supporter of public education.  He has always taken the time to listen carefully to the Boards of Education and superintendents he represents, and he has acted on their recommendations and suggestions with dispatch and enthusiasm,” added Dr. James A. Feltman, Superintendent of the Commack School District.  “We are extremely pleased that Senator Flanagan has been appointed to this position and look forward to working with him collaboratively in the upcoming legislative session.”

“We are pleased to learn that Senator John Flanagan will serve as the Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Education.  A proponent of education, Senator Flanagan has fought to develop solutions to the various fiscal issues Long Island School districts, and our communities, are facing today,” stated Hauppauge Public School Superintendent Patricia Sullivan-Kriss.  “We are certain that Senator Flanagan will be a strong leader of the Education Committee and represent our district well.

“This post presents a tremendous opportunity to fight for our students and taxpayers and I am ready to make sure that our needs are respected,” stated Senator Flanagan.  “Our educational system is strong because our parents care and our children and teachers work extremely hard.  They deserve to continue receiving their fair share of state education funding and I look forward to making sure that their voice is heard loud and clear.”

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