Albany – On Wednesday, June 10, members of the New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus elected Assemblywoman Michele R. Titus (D-31, Queens) as the new Chair. A bi-partisan organization, the Caucus is comprised of 52 women from the New York State Assembly and Senate who represent urban, suburban and rural districts across the State.

“Throughout history women have played a vital role in government. My work in government and as a member of the Women’s Caucus has enabled me to promote women’s issues and improve the participation of women in all areas of government and life,” said Assemblywoman Titus. “Being elected Chair gives me greater opportunity to continue working with my colleagues in the Caucus as well as women leaders throughout the State of New York.”

Assemblywoman Titus was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2002. After graduating law school, she served as Chief of Staff to a State Senator. She later went on to become the Executive Director of the New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus. Prior to her election, Assemblywoman Titus was an attorney for the New York City Board of Education where she specialized in special education law. Other Legal experience includes the Consumer Frauds Bureau at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.

Since its beginning in 1983, the Legislative Women’s Caucus has worked closely with women’s organizations and concerned individuals throughout New York, the Governor, state agencies and other legislators advocating for programs and services that benefit women. During the legislative session the Caucus meets regularly, monitoring federal, executive policies, court decisions as well as legislation from both the Assembly and Senate that focus on a wide range of issues relating to women. Among which are violence against women, sexual harassment, pay equity, women’s health care, education, child and elderly care. In addition, the Caucus reports each year on the impact of state budget proposals on women's health, families, jobs and businesses.