In a ceremony attended by well over 200 well-wishers and supporters, Assemblyman Tom Alfano was sworn-in for a third term today by Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Bruce Blakeman at the State Capital. The event was held in conjunction with the swear-in by State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

In the ceremony, Alfano thanked his family and supporters for their friendship and trust in electing him to a third term, "Without your help and support, I wouldn't be here today as your assemblyman," said Alfano. "I'll continue to work hard for the people of the 22nd district in being their voice in state government."

Alfano was also named to the assembly leadership on the first session day of 1999 session by Assembly Republican Leader John Faso. In the 1999-2000 session, Alfano will serve as vice-chairman of the Joint Conference Committee. "This is a great honor not only for me but for my constituents," said Alfano adding, "I look forward to the challenges ahead in helping to represent our conference and state." Alfano's rise to the assembly leadership is extraordinary as he has only served three years in the legislature. As vice-chairman of the Joint Conference Committee, Alfano will be speaking out on education, job creation and health issues in the next session.

"First rate education, job creation and health care issues have always been priorities of mine," Alfano said noting, "Now I can take an even more pro-active role in taking these ideas and putting them to work for Long Island and New York State."

Alfano was also tapped to serve as ranking member of the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee. The committee has oversight to many bodies such as the MTA, New York State Thruway Authority, Railroad services and State Commissions. "As ranking member of the Corporations Committee, I will be taking the next step in making sure service on the Long Island Rail Road is improved," the assemblyman stated. Alfano plans to take the lead in follow-up hearings concerning the LIRR's service record and problems concerning preventative maintenance and air and heating issues for passengers. Alfano led the charge last fall in a fact-finding hearing attended by the president of LIRR.

Alfano additionally was tapped to serve on the Codes, Labor and Insurance Committees. "I look forward to taking part in the debate on HMO reform and further action concerning women's health matters on the insurance committee," Alfano stated. "I am also taking a hard look at ways that our work force can continue to receive job training to prepare to meet the challenges of the information age," Alfano said.

Alfano's position makes him the only Town of Hempstead Assemblymember tapped for assembly leadership in the 1999-2000 session.