New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) announced today that she has been appointed as Chair of the Legislative Commission on Science and Technology.

“I am honored by the appointment and eager to begin working with state, city and local partners to guarantee that today’s students are prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders, to pursue advances in biomedical research and technology and to help boost this state’s economy and create jobs by investing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines, which are the road to the future,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal.

In the past, the Commission has focused on issues ranging from attracting investment to New York State and creating tax incentives that enable small start up companies to thrive to ensuring that students have access to cutting edge technology in classrooms so that they are able to complete and lead in the global marketplace.

“New York State is poised to be the next Silicon Valley, but only if our students are well-prepared to lead in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines. To that end, I intend to work closely with my colleagues in government and teachers and parents across the state to develop a statewide model that is scalable on the local level,” Rosenthal concluded.

Assemblymember Rosenthal has worked closely with John Jay College of Criminal Justice in her district, which just opened a new state-of-the-art science wing to prepare undergraduates for careers in the cutting edge STEM fields. In addition, she helped the American Museum of Natural History secure funding to open its new Kathryn W. Davis Science Teaching Classroom. “New York State is fortunate to be home to so many excellent universities and centers of higher learning, we must better utilize those great resources to build stronger community partnerships,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.

“We stand at a unique moment in the history of this state; venture capital investment in New York State is growing, and we must continue and accelerate that growth by fostering an environment that is welcoming to science and technology firms looking for a home,” Rosenthal explained. “I intend to build strong connections among stakeholders so together we can explore opportunities to help buoy New York’s economy, and also to create jobs and economic opportunity. This committee will also provide a great forum to explore the emerging fields in science and technology.”

“We face daunting challenges as we search for strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change,” Assemblymember Rosenthal stated. “Innovation in science and technology is needed to usher in a new energy economy where we rely on alternative energy sources that are clean and renewable and create stable, long-term jobs.”

The Legislative Commission on Science and Technology was created in 1979 and is dedicated to providing the Legislature and the public with up-to-date information on the complex technological and scientific issues facing society today. The Commission carries out its work by conducting in depth and short term studies, providing quick answers to specific inquiries, holding hearings, conferences and roundtable discussion and developing legislation.