The State Legislature recessed for the year on June 24^th ending one of the more interesting sessions in memory. This year’s session included the resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer and the resignation of State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (under vastly different circumstances) and the ascension of Lt. Governor David Paterson to the office of Governor and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos to Majority Leader.

The Legislature took several actions of interest to our industry before leaving town last month. Legislation to encourage incentives to be offered for alcohol beverage server training participation, place the SLA imposed payment system for wine and spirits purchases into law and to revise the prohibition on gifts and services from manufacturers and wholesalers to retail trade associations all passed the Assembly and the Senate and are awaiting action by Governor Paterson.

The State Senate confirmed SLA Commissioner Noreen Healy to a new three-year term. Commissioner Healy chaired the Task Force on On-Premises Licensure last year gaining valuable insight into the issues governing our businesses. The Senate also confirmed a new commissioner to the Liquor Authority, Jeannique Greene. Prior to her appointment to the Authority, Commissioner Greene worked at the Office of Court Administration and has previously served as legislative director for Governor Paterson during his tenure as a State Senator. She graduated from the John Jay College and Albany Law School.