ALBANY–Senator Steve Saland (R-41st) has been appointed to serve as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries. This 19-member bipartisan body was established by the Senate this year and a release from the senator’s office says the committee signifies the importance of libraries in the state’s education system.
The release says the goal of the committee is to give voice to New York’s hundreds of libraries by conducting meetings, conferences and public hearings to gather information regarding the needs of these organizations. Committee members plan to use what they learn to assist the Senate Education Committee and make recommendations on library-related legislative proposals.
“Libraries represent a cost-effective way to increase community access to vital services and information. These institutions provide New Yorkers with essential tools that are particularly important in these challenging times,” Senator Saland said in the release. “I am proud to have been a long-time advocate for libraries, as they are an invaluable asset to our communities and I look forward to working with the committee members to adequately address the needs of New York’s library systems.”
In addition to his new role on the Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Saland chairs the Senate Codes Committee, and serves on the Senate Rules, Finance, Education, Judiciary, Insurance, and the Children and Families Committees, and holds a leadership position in the state Senate.