Assemblyman Bob Oaks (R, C-Macedon) has been appointed to the position of Ranking Member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) announced the appointment September 7.
The Assemblyman, who previously served as Deputy Minority Leader, replaces Assemblyman Jim Hayes, who resigned September 6 to take a job in the private sector. A lifelong resident of the 128th Assembly District that encompasses all of Wayne and parts of Cayuga and Oswego counties, Assemblyman Oaks is in his 10th term as its Albany representative. Prior to his election, he was a 15-year veteran in county government.
“He has been a dedicated advocate of improving New York State’s economic environment and agriculture industry as well as strengthening local government service,” Leader Kolb said about Assemblyman Oaks. “As owner of a small business, Assemblyman Oaks has first hand knowledge of the issues affecting small business owners and has been on the front lines advocating for policies that promote business growth and job creation throughout the state.”
“I believe Mr. Oaks will do a tremendous job as he takes on this new responsibility and will lead our Ways and Means Committee through the continuing fiscal challenges ahead,” Leader Kolb concluded.
The Ways and Means Committee is the state Assembly’s Fiscal Committee where New York ’s $132.5 billion budget must first be considered. The Committee’s primary responsibility is analysis of the State Budget process, which includes the Executive Budget; Revenue Forecasting; Budget Hearings; One-House Budgets; Budget Conference Committees; and the Final Enacted Budget.
“I am truly honored to have been named the ranking member of the Ways and Means committee,” said Oaks. “My top priorities are to push for greater fiscal responsibility by our state, provide real relief for taxpayers and reduce the unfunded mandates on schools and local governments that drive up the costs for homeowners and businesses. As the representative of the Assembly Republican Conference, I want the Governor and the legislative majorities to know we stand ready to build on the successes of the 2011-12 state budget and provide ideas and options to put our state on a positive fiscal path.”
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