State Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton) has been named Deputy Majority Leader for Senate and Assembly Relations.

The new leadership post gives Ritchie added responsibilities and, a press release from her office says, puts her in an even stronger position to advocate on behalf of her constituents in Central and Northern New York.

Ritchie represents the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur, plus parts of Jefferson and Oswego counties

“In the four years I’ve served in the Senate, I’ve been able to work closely with members of both political parties, in both the Senate and Assembly, and I’m proud of the friendships and relationships I’ve established to help win passage of important legislation and new laws that benefit my constituents and help make New York a better place to live, learn and work,” Ritchie said.

“In this new position as a leader of the Majority Conference, I look forward to building on the past successes to work even more closely with my fellow lawmakers, and be a strong advocate for all New Yorkers, but especially the people I represent in Central and Northern New York.”

Ritchie has also been appointed to serve on the Finance Committee, which has responsibility over state budgeting and oversight over a range of state agencies and issues, and the Transportation Committee, which oversees issues related to state and local highways, ports, airports and other infrastructure.

Ritchie continues to serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and is on the committees on alcoholism and drug abuse; civil service and pensions; crime victims, crime and correction; cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation; energy and telecommunications; higher education; libraries; local governments; and the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.

Ritchie, formerly St. Lawrence County Clerk, is in her third term in the Senate.