“I am honored to have the confidence of my colleagues and greatly appreciate their support as Minority Leader. This has been a year unlike any other. And I profoundly appreciate the efforts of our members, the dedication they show every day and their commitment to helping the people of this state. I will never be able to thank them enough.

As we approach the return to legislative session, I hope it coincides with the return of legislative authorities. The significant challenges in front of us will be best handled by a state Legislature that is active, engaged and working on behalf of 19.5 million New Yorkers. The state Assembly can’t be truly considered the ‘People’s House’ if the people’s elected representatives continue to operate under one-person rule.

Elections are over. Political agendas must be set aside. Our priorities must be laser-focused on helping those hit hardest by COVID-19 and fostering an environment that enables a full economic recovery. We can no longer adhere to the same practices that resulted in a toxic climate for job creators, oppressive taxes for families and sent more than a million New Yorkers to other states for a better quality of life. 

The members of the Assembly Minority Conference will continue to fight for policies to ensure the health and safety of our communities is maintained, to protect taxpayer dollars, preserve the resources for our schools and provide assistance to the small businesses on which we all rely. I look forward to a productive 2021 session and working collaboratively with Speaker Heastie and his conference to develop solutions to some of the most important challenges our state has ever faced.”