Senator Bonacic Named Chairman of Two Senate Committees

Will serve as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Wagering and Gaming  

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I – Mt. Hope) has been named Chairman of two Senate Committees.   He will serve as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and also Chairman of the Senate Racing, Wagering and Gaming Committee. 

            Both posts were sought by Bonacic from new Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.  “I appreciate Senator Skelos’ confidence in naming me Chairman of two Senate Committees.  Judiciary, in particular, is a tremendous responsibility as it involves considering the confirmation and re-confirmation of appointed Judges in the Court of Claims, Supreme Court, Family Court, and the Court of Appeals.  In addition, it has jurisdiction over numerous areas of law relating to the rights of all New Yorkers.”

            The Racing, Wagering, and Gaming Committee also comes at a time of substantial responsibility and numerous issues in the State.  The recent closure of the NYC OTB system, and the potential re-alignment of other OTB regions around the State, along with efforts to develop a better racing fan presence, and of course the potential Stockbridge-Munsee casino in our region, all make the Racing Committee an important part of economic development and tourism in the Catskills and Hudson Valley areas.   

            In addition to serving as Chairman of those Committees, Senator Bonacic will serve as a Member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Banks Committee, and the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development.

            The most recent Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee was former Democratic Majority Leader John Sampson.  Senator Eric Adams of New York City formally Chaired the Senate Racing, Wagering, and Gaming Committee.  Bonacic served on both Committees as a member prior to being named Chairman. 

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