Malcolm A. Smith Named Senate Majority Leader

The Senate Democratic Conference emerged from their meeting tonight with the announcement that Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith will serve as Senate Majority Leader, securing a Democratic Majority for the first time in 43 years.

Under the leadership of Senator Smith, the Senate will move New York in a new direction, taking steps to create a more open, accountable and inclusive legislative process.

“We are one Senate, united behind the common purpose of getting New York back on track and creating a government that operates in a more efficient and transparent manner to meet the needs of all New Yorkers,” said Senator Smith.

At the meeting, the Democratic Conference solidified its commitment to reform the Senate into a more functional legislative body that allows good ideas to be openly debated by all members.

“Through the appointment of committee chairs with real standing and duties and a comprehensive review of the Senate’s rules of procedure, we will restore the Senate’s ability to achieve the peoples’ agenda,” said Senator Smith.

“In the face of the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression, the new Democratic Majority will work with the Governor and all of our legislative colleagues to revive the economy through job creation and economic development,” said Senator Smith.