With the 204^th legislative session commencing soon, Assemblymember Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) announced today that he will serve on five committees, including the Standing Committees on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Aging, Housing, and Higher Education. He was also selected to serve as Ranking Minority Member of the Standing Committee on Cities, the committee which reviews legislation affecting the state’s 62 cities – including New York City.

“I am fortunate to have been assigned committees where, utilizing my experience in law enforcement and education, I can best serve my South Shore constituency as we discuss issues very relevant to their lives,” said Reilly. “It is an honor to fight for and defend their values in Albany during what I anticipate will be a very busy legislative session.”

Reilly’s nine years of experience on the Community Education Council – the education policy advisory board to the New York City Department of Education – where he most recently served as President, combined with twelve years of law enforcement experience in the New York City Police Department will aid him as he contributes to debates held in the Standing Committee on Higher Education and the Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

His appointment to the Standing Committee on Aging promises that Staten Island’s senior population – which is at its highest point ever – will have someone fighting for them. Reilly’s district, which encompasses the South Shore of Staten Island, has the most seniors per capita citywide.

As one of only three Minority members representing Staten Island – and, effectively, all of New York City – in the State Legislature, Reilly’s appointment as Ranking Minority Member of the Standing Committee on Cities ensures a voice of reason representing downstate New Yorkers. The State Legislature remains dominated by the Majority willing to stop at nothing to pass an overly progressive agenda that will legalize marijuana, provide free college tuition to many of our state’s undocumented residents, and the continued violation of the second amendment vis-à-vis stricter gun control regulations.