New York state Assemblyman Phil Palmesano has been appointed to serve as the new ranking member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, replacing Ed Ra, who was elected Monday to be the new minority leader.
“In his new role, Palmesano will play a key role in leading fiscal analysis, review and advancing the Minority Conference’s priorities during the state budget process,” Ra said in a statement Tuesday.
Palmesano, a Republican, represents New York’s 132nd state Assembly District, which is made up of Schuyler and Yates counties, and portions of Steuben, Chemung and Seneca counties.
“I am honored to be appointed as the ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee,” Palmesano said in a statement. “At a time when New York faces serious fiscal challenges and while the Legislature debates the governor’s proposed $260 billion budget, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I want to thank Leader Ra for the trust and confidence he has placed in me to serve in this important role at this critical time.”
He has been in the state Assembly since 2011, most recently serving as the top Republican on the Energy Committee. He has also served on the Rules, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, Correction, Insurance and Ways and Means committees.
He was appointed assistant minority leader in 2020.