Montigny, who had chaired the Senate Committee on Health Care, replaces Senator Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) as Ways and Means chairman. Rosenberg, who had served as chairman since 1996, was promoted to the rank of assistant majority leader. As one of Birmingham's top lieutenants, Rosenberg will be charged with the important task of redrawing the congressional and legislative district lines over the next two years.

As chairman of the Committee on Health Care, Montigny was a proven defender of the rights of retirees. He supported the Association's efforts in 1996 to ban the practice of balance billing. In 1997, Montigny fought to protect the privacy rights of members' medical records.

Members will note that it is the respected Ways and Means Committees of both the House and Senate that write the annual state budget. All legislation which has a financial impact on the state must be reviewed by both Committees.

"Mark Montigny is an excellent choice to head the Senate's key budget committee. He has a long history of supporting our members in terms of their health insurance," said Association President Ralph White. "With the expanded purview of Ways and Means, I think our members can expect him to venture into other areas.