Brooklyn's Progress
March 2003

By the Office of Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs

Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs (D-Flatbush) has been appointed Assistant Speaker of the Assembly by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.  She is the first woman to be appointed to this prestigious position.  “Ms. Jacobs experience and expertise make her a valuable member of this House and an important part of my leadership team,” said Silver.

As Assistant Speaker, Jacobs will serve as a close advisor to Speaker Silver in setting the Majority agenda of the Assembly.  Her knowledge of the issues and her ability to work with all of the members of the Assembly will allow her to better offer her insight, and help make critical decisions on the most important issues of the state.  Jacobs, as Assistant Speaker, will serve as a conduit between the members and the Speaker as she maintains a position on the Assembly Leadership Team to help formulate policies and priorities to the legislature and the public.

As former Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, Assemblywoman Jacobs has played a prominent role in the development of social services and health related policy.  As a senior member of the legislature, Rhoda Jacobs has been named to the Budget Conference Committee, which makes the final spending and programmatic recommendations on behalf of the legislature to the governor.  Her experience and her new post as Assistant Speaker further distinguish her among her colleagues and make her one of the most influential women in New York State government.

“I am humbled and honored by Speaker Silver’s confidence and trust in me,” said Jacobs.  “I am confident that this new position will allow me to have an even greater impact on the policy decisions of the Assembly which will allow me to better serve my constituents in Brooklyn.  I’m excited and ready for the challenge in what will certainly be a challenging year,” concluded Jacobs.

Assemblywoman Jacobs is also a veteran member of the Assembly Standing Committees on Health, Insurance, Banks, Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions.