Yes, the Democrats are still in the majority in the Senate. But it’s razor thin, and today,  Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson appointed two Republicans to key chairmanships. Rockland’s own Sen. Thomas P. Morahan takes back his longstanding leadership role as Chairman of the Committee on Mental Health and Hygiene, and Sen. George Maziarz, who’s been a critic of the Power Authority,  is named chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications. Benefits for Dems? “Bipartisanship” … and when Morahan bucked the GOP to support the Green Jobs bill, that went a long way to pursuading others to follow, so showing him respect can pay off. And, he really did some heavy lifting over the last year or two to launch a “Hudson Valley Delegation” among state senators who represent our region. Maybe the Albany games are getting wearing? Let’s hope. Benefits for Morahan? He’s a longtime advocate in mental health issues, and it’s a powerful role.

Here’s the full press release from Morahan’s office:

NEW YORK STATE SENATE                     Senator Thomas P. Morahan, 38^th District                                           Room 606 –  Legislative Office Building                                                                        Albany, New York  12247

                    SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP APPOINTS                                          TWO REPUBLICAN SENATORS TO  

MAJOR COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS

Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson, today appointed two Republican Senators to major committee chairmanships. Senator Thomas P. Morahan (R-New City) was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Mental Health and Hygiene, and Senator George Maziarz (R-Newfane) was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.

“Never before has it been more important for us to put partisanship aside and renew our commitment to putting the people first,” said Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson.  “These are thoughtful and principled senators who have worked with our members in the past to implement smart policies that benefit all New Yorkers. They are also dedicated and engaged members of this Chamber who can bridge the gap that crippled this body for too long. The steps we have taken today will make the Senate a more bipartisan, and effective institution for the people of New York.”

“I applaud the appointment of Senator Morahan to serve as Chair of the Senate Committee on Mental Health. He is a smart and effective public servant, committed to working in a bi-partisan fashion. Senator Morahan and I have served as co-chairs for the Hudson Valley Delegation these past several months and during that time I’ve witnessed first-hand the Senator’s interest in welcoming diverse dialogue in an effort to find sensible solutions to improve the quality of life of New Yorkers in our districts and across the state,” said Senator Jeff Klein, Senate Deputy Majority Leader (D-Bronx/Westchester)

Senator Morahan said, “My work in the area of mental health is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life and, as Chair of the Mental Health Committee, I look forward to partnering with the advocates and others who share this passion. Senator Sampson and Senator Klein are my friends, as well as public servants who understand that a good idea is not Republican or Democrat. I’m pleased to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to restore integrity to this great Chamber and focus on sensible public policy for the upcoming legislative session.”

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