Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) announces he has been appointed by Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) to serve on the Legislative Commission on the Development of Rural Resources for the 2025-2026 legislative term. This commission was established to:

• Examine the impact of rural resources on the state's economy;
• Review existing laws and regulations as they pertain to rural resources;
• Assess the effect of state policies generally on rural areas;
• Reassess the effectiveness of programs specifically designed to address rural resource needs and problems such as agricultural districting, agricultural product promotion, maintenance of agricultural land, forest management, tax exemptions for agricultural and forest land, oil and gas regulation and tourism and recreation; and
• Make such recommendations to the legislature for action as it determines necessary for the enhancement and protection of the state's rural resources.

“I am very excited to serve on this legislative commission to help develop resources in rural regions of our state and promote rural equity statewide,” said Smullen. “Upstate New Yorkers deserve a strong voice in Albany to advocate for their needs and act in their best interest. As one of those advocates, I will continue to fight for the revitalization of rural areas and ensure we have the backs of hardworking New York families, students, teachers, business owners and first responders.

“Special thanks to Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay for this incredible opportunity. It is my honor to serve on this legislative commission—I am eager to get started.”