Assembly Minority Leader James N. Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) and his colleagues welcomed three new Minority Assemblymen at a swearing-in ceremony in Albany today. The Hon. Vito C. Caruso, Administrative Judge for the Fourth Judicial District, presided over the event.

The new legislators, Assemblymen Phil Boyle (R,I,C-8thA.D.), Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) and Tom McKevitt (R,C,I-East Meadow) were sworn in at the State Capitol this afternoon surrounded by friends and family members. Each was victorious in a special election last week.

"Today is a great day for the Assembly Minority Conference," Tedisco said. "I am proud to welcome these outstanding individuals into the fold. My colleagues and I are happy to have the opportunity to serve with them, and we appreciate all their hard work on the campaign trail."

"My top priority in Albany will be lowering the skyrocketing cost of property taxes," said Boyle. "People in Suffolk County and across the state are demanding relief from this crushing burden. I am eager to work toward a positive agenda of real reform."

"I am honored my neighbors have chosen me to serve as their Assemblyman, and I look forward to bringing the concerns of local families to the statehouse in Albany," Hawley said. "I will draw on my experience as a farmer, community volunteer and small business owner to represent the issues important to my constituents."

"Throughout my career, I have been involved with public service, which is what I love," McKevitt said. "As a member of the New York State Assembly, I'll be able to do even more for the residents of the 17th Assembly District. I'm excited to be here in Albany, and I look forward to facing all the challenges my new position will present."

Tedisco said the new members will assume their legislative duties when session begins today. Each will serve the remainder of his predecessor's current term, and then face re-election in November.

"Our conference is made up of the best and brightest men and women in the New York State Legislature," Tedisco said. "These new members bring a wealth of experience, talent and ideas to the table. I look forward to working with each of them as we strive to reform government, reduce taxes, and improve the quality of life for all New York State residents."