“Yesterday was a historic moment as we voted for our first African American Speaker of the New York State Assembly. I look forward to welcoming Speaker Heastie to Central New York in the near future to discuss issues affecting our families that are unique to the upstate region. I’m eager to get back to work and continue fighting for an on-time budget that cuts taxes, focuses on job growth and puts our children’s education at the forefront of any issue.

“I’m hopeful that this new chapter will also bring greater transparency in our government. I have long supported tougher ethics reforms and will continue fighting for measures that restore the public’s trust by passing common-sense laws.”