Braunstein Will Serve on Aging, Insurance Committees

State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, D-Bayside, has been appointed to five committees in the Legislature, two of which he said he will allow him to introduce bills that would help the large number of seniors in his district.

Braunstein, who replaced Ann-Margaret Carrozza in the Assembly earlier this month, will now serve on the legislative body’s aging, insurance, transportation, small business and judiciary committees.

“I will utilize my aging and insurance committee assignments to fight Medicaid fraud and to advocate for seniors by working with my colleagues to reduce prescription drug costs and preserve programs such as Meals on Wheels,” Braunstein said in a statement.

The assemblyman’s district includes the Bay Terrace and Douglaston Plaza Shopping Centers, but also the commercial strip along Bayside’s Bell Boulevard, which includes numerous restaurants and small businesses.

“My appointment to the small business committee will allow me to assist the many small business owners in my district who provide thousands of jobs and are struggling due to the tough economy,” he said.

He said he would he would fight against increased fares by the Metropolitan Transportation Agency and reductions in service on the transportation committee.

His district includes Douglaston, Little Neck, Bayside, Bay Terrace, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Auburndale, Whitestone and a sliver of Flushing.