Senator David Carlucci Takes Oath Of Office

New City, NY – Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester), the newly appointed Chairman of the New York State Senate’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee was sworn in on Tuesday at Jawonio in New City. 

Jawonio is a non-profit in the Senator’s district, which services people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

Diana Hess, Jawonio Foundation’s Chief Development Officer welcomed participants, staff, and families in the audience.

“We are delighted and honored that Senator Carlucci chose Jawonio for his swearing-in. Jawonio has been a part of Senator Carlucci’s portfolio since he took office. Senator Carlucci has taken on the Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health services, he has been there on both sides, and he has been there for us locally, in Rockland and Westchester,” said Diana Hess, Jawonio Foundation’s Chief Development Officer. “We are fortunate also to have Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the first woman to lead the Senate. Just know that when we talk about advocacy, whether it is Mental Health or Developmental Disabilities, I would say both legislators here on the Senate side and Assemblymembers Zebrowski and Jaffee on the other side, are always on our side.”

“Senator Carlucci has been a fighter for this community, and his work in the Senate will help him to be a direct conduit for the good things that need to happen here,” said incoming state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. I was so pleased to have appointed him as the Chair of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee so his responsibility will be all of you, and all that happens here. With Senator Carlucci at the helm and with our state legislature, we will make sure the needs of this community and all communities are met.”

Carlucci gave brief remarks and said he chose to have his ceremony at Jawonio to address the people, families, and staff who much of his legislation will affect directly. He focused on moving New York State forward under the leadership of incoming Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins.  

“It’s very exciting to have Leader Stewart-Cousins here in Rockland and to have her support as the next Chairman of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee. Like myself, she is a tireless crusader for all New Yorkers. She will make history tomorrow as the first woman sworn in to lead the Senate, and I know the history will not stop there in our state under her leadership. We will work together to help the state’s most vulnerable populations. We will create a more-accepting and inclusive New York for all people,” said Senator David Carlucci.

Carlucci added he wanted to focus on legislation that brings more awareness to intellectual and developmental disabilities, work to eliminate stigmas, and create more affordable and accessible services.

“Whether it’s working to help veterans suffering from PTSD or getting our children more mental health services earlier, we are committed to improving mental health treatment and access here in New York State,” said Senator David Carlucci.

Rockland County Clerk, Paul Piperato administered the Senator’s oath of office.

Senator Carlucci is now in his 5th term representing the 38th Senate District.