Senator Andrew Lanza Receives Key Appointment to Senate Finance Committee

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has appointed Senator Andrew Lanza to serve on the powerful Senate Finance Committee which is grappling with the state's budget challenges.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said: "New York is facing one of the most challenging times in its history and it is critically important that we have people who understand the need for fiscal responsibility, who know the real priorities of the people and who can get the job done.  That's why I named Senator Lanza to serve on the Senate Finance Committee.  He has the leadership ability to help steer the state in the right direction."

 “I am honored to receive this appointment to the influential Senate Finance Committee,” said Senator Lanza. “As a majority member of the committee I will work with my legislative colleagues and the Governor to quickly restore fiscal sanity to New York.”

 “This leadership position will better enable me to ensure that the best interests of New York, and in particular Staten Island, are reflected in this year’s $132 billion budget,” said Lanza.

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Lanza will play a significant role in reviewing the Governor’s proposed budget, conducting public hearings and developing the Senate’s priorities for a final spending plan. The Finance Committee examines appropriations and disbursements for each agency included in the state budget.

The Senate Finance Committee also reviews and considers bills and resolutions that provide for an appropriation of funds. In addition, the Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing nominations sent by the Governor for appointments to many boards, authorities, agencies and commissions, and moving the nominations to the full Senate.       

This appointment came at a particularly timely moment in that it allowed the Senator to participate in yesterdays critically important Joint Legislative Budget hearing on Education during which Schools Chancellor Cathie Black as well as educators from around the state testified.

            To view a video clip of Senator Lanza’s questions to Chancellor Black during the hearing, click here.

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