Statement From Senator Kevin Parker At The Start Of The 2009 Legislative Session

Malcolm Smith elected Majority Leader, Parker accepts committee appointment 

Brooklyn, NY- State Senator Kevin Parker congratulated Sen. Malcolm A. Smith upon his election as Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, praised Governor Paterson for his sober assessment of the state, and accepted his appointment by Leader Smith as the Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee. 

"I congratulate my colleague and friend, Malcolm Smith on his election as Majority Leader and to my colleagues who took their oaths of office yesterday”, said Sen. Parker.  “I look forward to working with Majority Leader Smith and Senators in both parties to meet the challenges of our time and to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.” 

“Yesterday, Governor Paterson delivered a sobering message about the state of our economy, but he pointed with optimism and hope to a path back to fiscal stability, economic recovery, and a more just New York.  The Democratic Majority in the Senate is prepared to support his agenda, and will work across the aisle and with the Assembly and the Governor to deliver the change we need. 

“I also gratefully accept Majority Leader Smith’s appointment to Chair the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.  We agree with the Governor that New York must become more energy independent and more energy efficient, and that New York must continue to invest in the new economy to protect and create jobs and increase revenues for the state. 

“We must also continue to aggressively protect consumers and in this difficult economy  seek the most efficient solutions for those trying to get by on limited or fixed incomes.  I look forward to managing a committee agenda that offers a full and open debate on the challenges before us, and will work with my colleagues, our partners in government, the private sector, advocates, and with regular citizens to bring the best solutions to the floor of the Senate and then into law.”