Albany, NY – As state legislators were sworn in for the new term Wednesday, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo was also given a new leadership position in the New York State Assembly. Entering her seventh term representing the 123rd Assembly District, Lupardo will now Chair the Assembly Committee on Aging.

“It is an honor to be given the responsibility of leading such an important committee in the State Assembly,” said Lupardo. “We have a large population of older adults across our region, with nearly 42 thousand over the age of 60 in Broome County alone. As more older adults are remaining active and engaged in our community, this new assignment is a great opportunity to enhance services and opportunities for them locally and throughout the state.”

The Assembly Aging Committee works closely with the State Office for Aging (OFA) and has oversight of the agency and the programs it provides. In addition to overseeing OFA programming, the committee is also responsible for programs and service such as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Social Adult Day Programs, and Meals on Wheels, among others.

After Wednesday’s committee announcement, AARP of New York praised Lupardo’s selection as Aging Committee Chair.

“AARP is enthusiastic about Assemblywoman Lupardo’s appointment as Chair of the Aging Committee,” said Beth Finkel, Director of AARP New York. “She has been very supportive of older New Yorkers during her career in the legislature, working with AARP to enact a law that helps prepare family caregivers to care for their loved ones at home after hospital discharge, supporting a bill to give more New Yorkers workplace retirement savings options, backing laws to help grandparents raise their grandchildren, and helping residents of the Southern Tier fight identity theft through document shredding events.”

During her previous two terms, Lupardo served as the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families. She will continue to serve as Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and Co-Chair of the Legislative Aviation Caucus.