Rozic Appointed to Assembly Ways and Means Committee

Standing committee considered one of the most important in Albany

Assemblywoman pledges to use new role to fight for increased protections for Queens homeowners, strengthen STAR property tax program during time of economic uncertainty

Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (AD-25) announced today that she has been named to the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for the 240th Legislative Session. The Ways and Means Committee is the fiscal oversight and analysis committee in the State Assembly. Its jurisdiction also covers appropriation bills, state revenue, and benefits for families.

“I am excited to serve in this very important role during a time our communities need us more than ever to advance progressive policies, create good paying jobs and sustainable wages, and better lives in New York,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “I am proud of the Assembly’s work to improve the lives of working and middle class families under the first term of Speaker Heastie’s leadership and look forward to continuing the put families first.”

Rozic was first elected to the State Assembly in 2012. As the current Chair of the Assembly’s Emerging Workforce Committee, Rozic worked on legislation that now allows government agencies to request Department of Labor data to evaluate their existing workforce development programs.

The Queens legislator is using the new committee appointment to draw renewed attention to the issues facing homeowners in the borough with some of the highest homeownership rates in the city. Last year, Rozic pushed legislation repealing changes in the approved state budget to the School Tax Relief (STAR) Program that converted the program into a personal income tax credit. At the time, Rozic called the change a burden on new homeowners in Northeast Queens. Rozic has pledged to make the issue central to her work on Ways and Means, which would have oversight over any future changes to the popular program.

Most recently, Rozic has crafted legislation to improve the state transportation capital planning process, and provide equity among state reimbursement rates to municipalities and counties. As part of her efforts to tackle economic inequality, she is set to introduce legislation this year that would eliminate the “pink tax,” the pricing disparities that place an undue financial burden over time for women compared to men when purchasing similar goods. She also continues to work on legislation that would provide flexible working arrangements as a means to achieve work-life economic security.

Rozic added, “I will bring a determined focus to my new role so we can boost our economy and address the challenges our state faces.”