Two area lawmakers take the oath of office in front of students

Area students learned a little something about government today as Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi were sworn into office.

Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi say the school settings of today's ceremonies were appropriate.

Both officials say an important issue they would like to work on this term deal with education.

Two area state lawmakers involve their young constituents as they're sworn into office today.

Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi took the oath of office at Bellamy Elementary in Rome and at Watson- Williams Elementary in Utica.     

"The reason we wanted to do it in a school instead of a court room is because we wanted to involve the students and let them know that public service is an honorable profession," said Assemblyman Brindisi, (D)- 119^th District.                         

And although both Griffo and Brindisi are on different party lines, they both agree to working together on key issues such as education.

"There is plenty for us to do. Education is another important element of that. Not only program ideas, but financing .Have a better school aid formula that helps low wealth and high need districts, such as we are in today," said Sen. Griffo, (R)- 47^th District.

Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo addressed education during his State of the State.

Some of his proposals include longer school hours as well as plan for standard exams that all new teachers would have to pass.

Senator Griffo says before he can consider these proposals, he says he would like to speak to area educators and parents to find out their perspectives.

Assemblyman Brindisi says he's generally supportive of increasing time in the classroom, but he says he would like to see more specifics on the governor's plan.

Aside from education, the pair of lawmakers say another priority is on economic growth in our area, getting people back to work and creating jobs.