Ortt has new committee assignments in State Senate, which is now in Democrat control
ALBANY – State Sen. Rob Ortt starts a new year in the State Senate now in the minority party. He also will be serving on different committees.
He was named the ranking Republican on Thursday for two State Senate committees – Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs as well as the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
“I am proud to be named ranking member for our standing committees on Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs as well as Agriculture. Veterans and farmers are two of the pillars of our state and country,” Ortt said in a statement. “As a former Army officer and combat veteran, it is a privilege to be able to advocate for our veterans and my experiences afford me the ability to relate to what my fellow veterans go through in their day-to-day lives. Veterans’ suicide and mental health awareness continue to be a major focus of mine and I believe that we can also do much more to help returning veterans find quality care, education, and employment.”
Ortt also will be the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
“Agriculture is a very important committee, especially for the residents of the 62nd Senate District,” Ortt said. “Owning a family farm in New York State continues to get more difficult each year and ensuring we are able to adopt policies that keep agriculture a viable economic driver will be key. I look forward to continuing my work as a voice for all of our state’s farmers.”
Ortt served his first four years in the majority. Democrats, however, now have control of the State Senate.
Ortt previously was chairman of the Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. He also served on committees on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs; Energy and Telecommunications; Local Government; Higher Education; Environmental Conservation; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Civil Service and Pensions.