The new speaker of New York’s Assembly faces a long list of challenges including budget negotiations and his own promise to overhaul legislative ethics.

Bronx Democrat Carl Heastie took over from longtime speaker Sheldon Silver, who resigned as speaker following charges that he took nearly $4 million in kickbacks and payoffs.

Overhauling legislative ethics rules is a priority following Silver’s arrest and several other recent scandals.

Heastie wants to raise the minimum wage and extend financial aid to students in the country illegally. But he will have to contend with Senate leaders who oppose both ideas.

The state budget is likely to pose the greatest challenge. Heastie is new to the process, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Senate Leader Dean Skelos have years of experience at the bargaining table.

(AP)