New York State Senator Michael Balboni (R-East Williston) has been appointed co-chairman of a national task force investigating homeland security issues affecting US states.

"We will be the direct line from Main Street to Congress," said Balboni, a state leader on homeland security issues. "When you call 911, it doesn't ring in Washington. States and local governments are the ones on the front lines when it comes to responding to terrorism."

The Executive Task Force on Homeland Security was commissioned by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan organization representing lawmakers and their staff in the 50 states. As a co-chair, Balboni will represent New York and the legislatures from the 49 other states, and he will be NCSL's primary contact with Congress on homeland security issues.

New York State leaders applauded Balboni's appointment.

"The appointment of Senator Balboni to this national committee on Homeland Security underscores the contributions Mike has made and recognizes his important work in the field," said New York State Governor George E. Pataki. "It also serves to highlight the crucial role that New York State plays in the development of a long-term national strategy for homeland security."

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, "Senator Balboni is one of the leading experts on homeland security in the nation. His experience in New York at the State and local levels, including handling important security issues, local disaster preparedness and response, sponsoring important legislation, make him an excellent choice to direct NCSL's homeland security efforts."

Balboni currently chairs the state Senate's Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. He previously co-chaired the NCSL's ad hoc Task Force on Protecting Democracy, which issued recommendations for states on preparing for and responding to terrorist attacks; the work of that committee will continue under the auspices of the new task force. Balboni is also a 2005 Senior Fellow of George Washington University's Homeland Security Police Institute.

Balboni will chair the new task force with Massachusetts State Senator Richard Moore. Representatives from 26 states will sit on the new task force as well.