Senator Andrew Lanza Named Chair of Both Cities and Ethics Committees

Lanza Also Renamed Co-chair of
Legislative Ethics Commission

Senator Andrew Lanza has been named Chairman of both the Senate Cities Committee and the Senate Ethics Committee and will also remain Co-Chair of the Legislative Ethics Commission. These key appointments will allow the Senator improve the quality of life in New York through policy initiatives, and take the lead in advancing important reform legislation in the Senate.

As Chairman of the Senate Cities Committee, Senator Lanza will shepherd legislation affecting large cities across the State.  In particular, “I will work with Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council to advance New York City’s legislative agenda and will be uniquely positioned to ensure that such legislation not only improves the quality of life in New York City, but also reflects the needs and best interests of Staten Island. I look forward to working with all of New York State’s great cities as we navigate the Empire State through difficult times.”

The Senate Cities committee has jurisdiction over:

- New York State’s 62 Cities

- City Home Rule

- New York City Administrative Code

- New York City Charter

- General Business Law that deals with New York City

- General Municipal Law that deals with New York City

- General City Law (Consolidated Law)

- Municipal Home Rule (certain sections)

- New York City land conveyance

- Real Property Tax in New York City

- Second Class City Law (Consolidated Law)

As Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee Senator Lanza can build on historic ethics reform legislation he advanced in 2007. Lanza said, “This important committee assignment will give me the opportunity to spearhead reform initiatives and make government more transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of Staten Islanders and all of the people of New York State.”

            As Co-Chairman of the State’s Legislative Ethics Commission, Lanza is charged with enforcing provisions of the Public Officers Law §§ 73, 73-a and 74 for members and employees of the legislature and candidates for state legislative office.  The Commission issues advisory opinions and adjudicates complaints on violations of these laws, and also maintains financial disclosure statements of those who serve or seek to serve in the Legislature. The Commission is comprised of nine members. Each of the four legislative leaders appoints one legislative and one non-legislative member. The fifth non-legislative member is appointed jointly by the Assembly Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader. The legislative members serve two-year terms concurrent with their legislative terms.

In addition to his chairmanships, Senator Lanza once again secured a position on the powerful Senate Transportation Committee which will allow him to continue his fight to address transportation and traffic problems affecting the people of Staten Island. Lanza also remains a member of the influential Codes Committee which deals with the State's criminal laws. This will allow the former prosecutor to continue his fight to keep our neighborhoods safe and keep sex offenders off our streets and away from our children.

            Senator Lanza is also a member following Senate Committees:

                        Civil Service & Pensions

                        Education

                        Insurance

Judiciary

“My position on these key committees will allow me to give voice to Staten Island’s priorities,” Senator Lanza concluded.

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