Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua County) was recently appointed by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb as the ranking Minority member of the Committee on Social Services. He also will be a member of the committees on Health; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Governmental Operations; and Housing.

“Assemblyman Goodell has a proven track record of dedicated public service in Chautauqua County government, and I firmly believe that has prepared him to tackle the responsibilities of his committee posts,” said Kolb. “Western New Yorkers need a strong advocate to represent them in state government, and I know that Assemblyman Goodell will be unwavering in his commitment to making sure that his constituents’ voices are heard loud and clear.”

“I am honored to be appointed as the ranking Minority member on the Committee on Social Services. State welfare programs desperately need to be redesigned to make it easier for people to leave welfare and become self-sufficient. We need a new focus on job creation and economic development to create opportunities for people to succeed in the private sector, rather than continue a program that traps people in welfare for years,” said Goodell.

“The work accomplished by individual committees is extremely influential on the overall agenda of state government,” said Goodell. “As a member of these critical committees, I will serve as a tireless advocate for Chautauqua County and will fight for the needs of my constituents at every opportunity.”

Goodell also credited a number of other elected officials from Chautauqua County that are assisting in the effort to change the direction of New York State.

“Chautauqua County is incredibly fortunate to be represented by someone with the caliber of Assemblyman Joe Giglio, who was recently selected to join Governor Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team,” Goodell said. “Senator Cathy Young is playing a key role in the New York State Senate and is a tremendous asset to our county. Mayor Sam Teresi was recently appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Mandate Relief, and County Executive Greg Edwards continues to assert an important influence in Albany.”