Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) has been elected by her colleagues to serve as the new First Vice-Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. This is Barrett’s first time serving in the leadership of the caucus; previously she served as a member.

“It is humbling and a privilege to be selected for this position by my colleagues. The Legislative Women’s Caucus brings together women from both sides of the aisle and both chambers of the Legislature in order to address the concerns of all the women in New York,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “I have been a lifetime advocate for empowering both women and girls and as First Vice-Chair I will work with my colleagues to provide tangible solutions to the myriad of issues facing the diverse women in New York.”

The Legislative Women’s Caucus started in 1983 and is comprised of the 52 women elected to both houses of the Legislature. The group has worked closely with women’s organizations, state agencies and representatives, and other concerned stakeholders to advocate for programs and services that benefit women. In addition to supporting issues important to New York women, the Caucus works to improve the participation of women in all areas of government and provides a network of support for women in the Legislature.

Other officers elected to the Caucus include Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton) as Chair, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru) as Second Vice-Chair, Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Queens) as Secretary, and Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) as Treasurer.