Senator Montgomery to Chair Senate Committee on Children and Families

Albany, NY (January 7, 2009): As the reigns of leadership passed to New York’s 32-member Senate Democratic Conference during the official start of the 2009 Legislative Session, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) proudly accepted her assignment as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Children and Families.

Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens), who secured a Democratic Majority for the first time in 43 years, will serve as the Senate’s Majority Leader.

"I am honored and enthusiastic to be chosen to oversee legislative issues and policy decisions affecting New York’s children and families," said Senator Montgomery about her new role as Committee Chair.

"In the face of a $15 billion 2009-10 State Budget deficit, I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help preserve programs and services that will help secure a brighter and prosperous future for New York’s children and their families.

The Senator has pledged to create a pipeline that will achieve positive outcomes for youth through reform of the State’s juvenile justice and foster care systems. "To this end, she said, "I look forward to working with state agencies, advocates for children and families," Montgomery said.