Perkins Named to Seven Committees

Self-proclaimed "new kid on the block" state Sen. Bill Perkins, D-Harlem, was appointed to seven committees by Senate leaders Tuesday.

He was named a ranking member on the Authorities, Corporations, and Commissions Committee, which regulates agencies like the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Empire State Development Corporation.

"Those budgets are increasing astronomically," he said, adding that he will play a role in regulating the budgets for many of the independent corporations that don't have the kind of rules about transparency that other state departments have.

He will also serve as an acting-ranking member on the Elections Committee and will be a member of the Civil Service, Labor, Judiciary, Transportation, and Codes Committees.

"I'm excited," he said. "It's an interesting portfolio to get our teeth into."