FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 4, 2015

Assembly Majority Welcomes New Members


Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) welcomed Alicia Hyndman (D-Queens), Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island) and Pamela Hunter (D-Syracuse) to the Majority Conference following the close of Tuesday's special election.

"The Assembly Majority has always fought for measures that put the needs of working families first, and I'm pleased that voters continue to recognize and support our dedicated efforts," said Speaker Heastie. "In order to continue building on the progress that we have made to uplift families and women across the state, it is critical that we have a Legislature that is as diverse as the communities we serve, so I am very pleased to welcome these talented women to our chamber. The Majority Conference is thankful for these new perspectives and we look forward to working with our new members to build on our progress and continue the fight to do what's right for New York's families."

"I congratulate our three incoming Assembly members for their hard fought victories last night, and welcome them to the Majority Conference," said Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle. "I look forward to working with each, as we continue our fight in the 'People's House' for social and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers."

"I'd like to congratulate my new colleagues on their victories. We now have 55 women serving in the Legislature - the highest number ever," said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus. "So many of the issues facing our families - including unemployment, child care and poverty - resonate particularly with the women who help make our state great. I look forward to working with Ms. Hyndman, Ms. Harris and Ms. Hunter to make the concerns of women better heard in Albany."

Alicia Hyndman will represent constituents of the 29th Assembly District, including parts of Queens County. A long-time resident of southeast Queens, Hyndman has a unique understanding of the issues facing area families and has long fought to promote a high-quality educational system that prepares children for future success. She has more than 19 years of experience in higher education and for the past four years she has served her community as president of the New York City Department of Education Community District Education Council 29.

Pamela Harris will represent constituents of the 46th Assembly District, including Coney Island and Bay Ridge. A lifelong resident of Coney Island, Harris has remained committed to promoting safety, growth and affordability in her community. She founded and serves as executive director of Coney Island Generation Gap, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for youth, families and seniors to become more engaged in the community through education, arts and technology. In addition, Harris served as a corrections officer with the New York City Department of Corrections for nearly 25 years.

Pamela Hunter will represent constituents of the 128th Assembly District, including the city of Syracuse. Hunter has served as a Common Councilor for the city of Syracuse since 2011, during which time she has used practical and progressive legislation to address issues facing the region's families, including unemployment, education, as well as failing infrastructure and health care systems. Hunter served in the United States Army and has been active in her community through her work with the Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton.