Republican Senator Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre has been named New York Senate Majority Leader, succeeding former leader Joe Bruno, who stepped down following his announcement that he would not seek re-election.

"I am truly honored by my election as leader of the Senate Republican Conference and as Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. It is a privilege to be chosen for this new challenge and opportunity to serve the people of this great state," said Skelos, who represents the 9th Senate District, which includes communities such as Lynbrook and Valley Stream. "We must address the issues that are putting a strain on family budgets, primarily rising property taxes. _We must also redouble our efforts to revitalize our economy, particularly in Upstate New York, where so many families are worried about job security and whether there will be jobs here for their children."

Skelos is currently serving his 12th term in the Senate and will be running for re-election this November. Prior to being named majority leader, he served as deputy majority leader of the Senate.

Prior to becoming a state assemblyman, Tom Alfano worked for Senator Skelos. "I couldn't be more happy for my friend. He's the hardest worker I know and he never gives up. This is very exciting for all of us. The game is brand new now and we just don't have a seat at the table with the governor, it actually has our names on it," said Alfano, adding that Skelos' new post is going to be beneficial for Long Islanders. "When the battles are fought on education, health care, property tax relief and economic development, our position just got a thousand percent stronger."

With Skelos being named majority leader of the Senate, the issue of Belmont Park could be revisited. In February, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) reached an agreement with the state to continue operating thoroughbred racing at Belmont for the next 25 years. However, the agreement didn't include the installation of video lottery terminals (VTLs) at Belmont Park as some had hoped. It was believed by some community members that the presence of an element of gambling through slot machines at the Belmont Park would attract more visitors and thus spur economic growth to the communities around the park as well as bring in more revenue to the park.

In October 2007, both Skelos and Alfano announced support for bringing VTLs to Belmont.