ALBANY – State Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) was sworn-into his second term on January 6, the first day of the 2021 legislative session. Skoufis also announced that Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins re-appointed him as Chair of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee.
During Skoufis’ first term in the Senate, he passed more bills than any other freshman member. Additionally, Skoufis transformed the investigation committee’s mission into one that finally works on behalf of New Yorkers. The committee had not engaged in investigative work until Skoufis took on the chairmanship. During Skoufis’ first term, his committee launched six investigations, three of which are complete with comprehensive reports – and three more are in the works. Each of Skoufis’ reports includes legislative recommendations to combat the issue examined, many of which have already been taken up by the Legislature and passed.
Skoufis and his investigative team examined lax code enforcement, drug company middlemen, public authority impropriety, event ticketing practices, Long Island housing discrimination, and the state’s COVID response.
“Gone are the days where the investigations committee didn’t investigate,” said Senator Skoufis. “I pledge to continue building this committee into one that acts as the watchdog our state desperately needs. Beyond my committee work, I’m ready as ever to begin this year of incredibly challenging work ahead of us. I’m looking forward to a bipartisan partnership with my colleagues over the next two years as we continue the people’s work.”
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