State Senator George Latimer has been named the Ranking Minority Member on the State Senate’s Education Committee, his office announced today.  Latimer will now be the leading advocate for the Democrats on educational issues in the New York State Senate.  Senator John Flanagan of Long Island is currently the Chairman of the Education Committee.
 
“All of the school districts in Westchester accurately represent a cross section of the rest of New York in my opinion.  Every school district has unique needs and deserves an advocate that will keep the best interests of our children in mind and I am confident that my background, experience and knowledge of the needs of Westchester students has appropriately prepared me for this assignment.  I am very grateful to our Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for giving me this appointment and I look forward to working with Senator Flanagan, school districts and other education advocates as we fight for the true next generation of our State,” stated Senator George Latimer
 
Latimer also received assignments to other committees including Environmental Conservation and Local Government.  During Latimer’s time in the Assembly he served on these two committees and has extensive background and familiarity with the subject matter involved with these committees and intends to help shape those public policy areas.  Latimer was also assigned to the Consumer Protection, Mental Health and Racing, Gaming and Wagering committees, the latter of which will be critical as the State is in the process of legalizing full-fledged casino gambling. 
 
Latimer stated, “Serving at different levels of government has given me unique opportunities to advocate for my constituents on a wide range of issues and individual concerns.  Moving from the Assembly to the Senate, gives me an opportunity to continue working on some issues and also gives me a chance to grow as a public official expand my own base of knowledge to be the best supporter for my constituents that I could possibly be.”