Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D – Rockaway) today announced his appointment to the New York State Assembly Committee on Insurance. The influential committee is responsible for reviewing legislation and holding public oversight hearings relating to the state’s multibillion dollar insurance industry.

“Insurance companies must be held accountable,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “Sandy was a wake up call for so many in our community that were victimized by companies who collected premiums but disappeared when it came time to help devastated families. I will work to ensure that our families have the insurance protection they need, without the risk of falling into debt or fear of being dropped through no fault of their own.”

The Assembly Committee on Insurance is responsible for reviewing all proposed bills having to do with the insurance industry. It provides oversight for the state’s multibillion dollar insurance industry, which includes property and homeowners, auto, life, and health insurance. In addition, the Committee is charged with keeping tabs on the state’s various insurance-related agencies and public bodies, such as the State Department of Financial Service or the state’s public health insurance exchange.

Assemblyman Goldfeder has long been an advocate for families struggling with complicated insurance policies and rising premiums. In 2013, Goldfeder helped pass a comprehensive Sandy insurance legislative package to reform the process of providing insurance coverage, strengthen homeowners’ rights and hold companies to a higher standard of accountability. The Assemblyman has also worked closely with colleagues at the federal level to prevent drastic increases in federally-backed flood insurance premiums as a result of the Biggert-Waters Act passed in Congress in 2012.

In addition to his new post on the Insurance committee, Assemblyman Goldfeder will continue his role on his various other committee assignments. Goldfeder currently chairs the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism Retention and is also a member of the Committee on Aging, the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, the Committee on Government Employees, the Committee on Mental Health, the Committee on Racing and Wagering.

(YWN Desk – NYC)