As I head back to Albany for the 2011 legislative session, I'm happy to report that I've taken on two new leadership posts in the New York State Senate.

I've been tapped to serve as the Minority Whip of the Senate Democratic Conference. The role of the Whip is to unify my fellow Senators in support or opposition of key pieces of legislation.

I have been named the Ranking Member of the Senate Labor Committee. I will also serve on the following Senate committees:

• Finance
• Insurance
• Investigations and Government Operations
• Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

I will also serve as Co-Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC). As you know, this was a tough year for Democrats. My role as Co-Chair is to win back the Democrats' majority in the State Senate.

After decades of dysfunction, late budgets, and members behaving badly, I hope that the new year brings fiscal discipline, greater ethical standards and a political system which serves and meets the needs of our community. As your Senator, I am committed to working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to get the job done.