During an unprecedented joint session of the state Legislature, Assemblyman Tom McKevitt voted for fellow Long Island Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck) to fill the vacancy of state comptroller.

DiNapoli received 151 votes in the joint session of the State Assembly and State Senate making him the new state comptroller.

"Today's vote marks the end of a lengthy process to find a new state comptroller," McKevitt said. "While there were many worthy candidates to assume the position, it was clear that Tom DiNapoli was the best choice. As a colleague, Tom has worked in a bipartisan spirit on many issues impacting Long Island families and seniors. I look forward to working with Tom in his new role by partnering with him to increase accountability in state government and school districts."

McKevitt noted that as state comptroller, DiNapoli would assume the role as chief fiscal officer for the state and serve as the sole trustee of the state's $145 billion pension fund. The state comptroller is authorized to audit state agencies, authorities, local governments and school districts. Under the budget reforms enacted last month, the state comptroller is now empowered to foster a consensus on state revenue.

"As chairman of the Assembly's Local Government committee, Tom worked hands-on with local governments throughout New York in developing new ways to help rein in costs," McKevitt said. "Along with this vast experience and years of leadership among his colleagues in the State Assembly, I am confident that Tom DiNapoli will serve with the integrity necessary for the state's top fiscal officer."