Senator Betty Little is serving her ninth term representing the residents of the 45th Senate District, which comprises Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties.
Prior to first winning election to the State Senate in November 2002, Senator Little served in the New York State Assembly for seven years.
Senator Little's ninth term builds on many legislative successes. These include: adoption of an initiative that encourages local governments to work cooperatively and share services to save tax dollars; reform of the adverse possession law to ensure greater fairness for property owners; a law to restrict the sale, possession and importation of invasive species; creation of the Adirondack Community Housing Trust; passage of the historic Timber Theft Law; expanding net metering to encourage investment in renewable power production including solar, wind and waste energy; and sponsored legislation and secured funding to help combat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
Senator Little also has sponsored several successful New York State Constitutional Amendments to help residents, the economy and the environment in the Adirondacks.
The mother of an active-duty combat veteran, Senator Little was honored to sponsor Patriot Plans I and II, which expanded benefits and services available to New York's military personnel and their families. Senator Little also proudly sponsored a law designating the Adirondack Northway, I-87, the "Adirondack Veterans' Memorial Highway" in honor of all New York veterans who have served our country.
A former teacher, Senator Little is pleased to serve as the ranking Minority member on the Senate’s Education Committee. She also serves on the following committees: Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Environmental Conservation; Finance; Health; Housing, Construction and Community Development; New York City Education; and Rules.
Senator Little first began public service as a member and later Chair of the Town of Queensbury Recreation Commission. In 1986, she was elected as an At-Large-Supervisor to the Warren County Board of Supervisors for the Town of Queensbury, where she served on various committees, including the Warren County Recycling Advisory Committee which she organized and chaired, and as County Budget Officer in 1990 and 1991.
Senator Little has earned numerous awards and distinctions during her years of public service. In 1992, she was the recipient of the prestigious Liberty Bell Award for Community Service and in 1997 she was awarded the Adirondack Girl Scouts' Women of Distinction Award. In 2000, Senator Little received the Public Service Sector Partnership Award from the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council. The Community Health Care Association of New York State presented Senator Little with their Legislative Leadership Award in February 2005. Also in 2005, she was recognized as Legislator of the Year by Families Together in New York State for her advocacy on behalf of families with children suffering from emotional and behavioral disabilities.
In May of 2006, the New York State Economic Development Council presented Senator Little with their Advance New York Leadership Award. In 2007, she was awarded the Charles Stewart Parnell Award by the American-Irish Legislators Society of New York State.
For her advocacy on behalf of armed services men and women she was presented the Mary G. Roebling Distinguished Service Award in 2011 by the Association of the United States Army First Region.
The New York State School Boards Association presented her with their State Leader of the Year Award for her exemplary advocacy on behalf of public education. She also has been honored by the New York State Farm Bureau as a member of their "Circle of Friends" throughout her years of service in the Legislature.
In December 2007, Senator Little was awarded an honorary doctorate by her alma mater, the College of Saint Rose.
Born in Glens Falls, Senator Little is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy and the College of Saint Rose with a degree in Elementary Education. A former teacher and realtor, she resides in Queensbury. Senator Little is the mother of six children, Elizabeth, David, Robert, Thomas, Carolyn and Luke, and the proud grandmother of eighteen.