Gallivan Selected to Chair Social Services and Children and Families Committees

Patrick M. Gallivan (R, C, I  – Elma), announced today that he was selected as chair of two very important State Senate committees; Social Services, and Children and Families.

“New York State faces serious challenges, first among them are the out-of-control government spending and the spiraling costs of Medicaid. I am honored that Senator Skelos has demonstrated his faith in my abilities by granting me the opportunity to chair the committee that will lead the fight to reform Medicaid and combat the system’s instances of waste, fraud and abuse, while at the same time ensuring that services are available for those who depend on them,” said Gallivan.

Gallivan also noted his specific intention to immediately introduce legislation that will reinstate anti-fraud measures like face-to-face interviews,  need-based background checks, and finger printing for Medicaid applicants.

Commenting on Senator Gallivan’s appointment, new Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Nassau) stated, “New York spends $1 billion a week on Medicaid and it’s breaking the backs of taxpayers. The Senate Social Services Committee is going to have significant input as we reform the Medicaid system to make it more efficient, crack down on Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, and to make sure that the money goes to pay for health care for those who need it most. Senator Patrick Gallivan has the experience and background needed to get our Medicaid system under control and he is going to do an outstanding job as Chairman of that committee.”

Senator Gallivan, representing Western and Central New York, was also chosen as a member for several committees uniquely critical to the residents and economy of the 59th Senate District. “The lifeblood of Upstate New York’s economy is agriculture.  The protection, promotion and advancement of New York’s agri-business and dairy industries are among my highest priorities and while serving on the Senate’s Agriculture Committee I will ensure that the voices of New York farming communities are heard loud and clear in the State Senate,” said Gallivan.
 
The first-term legislator was named to eleven committees in total, including the influential Codes Committee and the Environmental Conservation Committee. “I am particularly excited to work within the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, where I will be able to ensure any development of New York’s Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves is done safely,” said Gallivan.

The Senator’s remaining committee assignments include Banks, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Elections, Insurance, Investigations and Governmental Operations, Labor, and Mental Health. 

The 59th State Senate District includes parts of Erie, Wyoming, Livingston and Ontario Counties.