Retired Congressman John J. LaFalce Joins Board at New York State Banking Department

NEW YORK, NY (06/25/2008)(readMedia)-- The New York State Banking Department is pleased to announce the appointment of retired Congressman John J. LaFalce to the New York State Banking Board. LaFalce, who is succeeding Frederick N. Antalek, was appointed by Governor David A. Paterson and confirmed by the State Senate for a three-year term. LaFalce is serving as a public member and will receive no salary for his work.

"I am delighted to have John LaFalce, someone who I admire greatly, serving on the Banking Board," said Richard H. Neiman, Superintendent of Banks for the State of New York. "He has been a dedicated public servant to New York for almost 30 years, and will continue that commitment to public service here at the Banking Department. We thank Fred Antalek for his service to the Board and wish him well."

John LaFalce was first elected to the 94th United States Congress in 1974, and served his Western New York congressional district for almost 30 years before retiring in 2002. During his time in Congress, LaFalce served as Chairman of the House Small Business Committee (1987 to 1994) and as Ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee (1998 to 2002).

"John's extensive involvement with small business and banking matters makes him an extremely valuable asset for the Banking Board," said Neiman.

LaFalce, a Buffalo native, is a graduate of Canisius College and Villanova University School of Law. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, before leaving active duty in 1967 with the rank of captain to practice.

The 17-member Banking Board includes both industry and public members and is chaired by the Superintendent of Banks, Richard H. Neiman. More information about the New York State Banking Department and Banking Board is available on the Banking Department's Web site at www.banking.state.ny.us.

The New York State Banking Department is the regulator for all state-chartered banking institutions, virtually all of the United States offices of international banking institutions, all of the State's mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, check cashers, money transmitters and budget planners. The aggregate assets of the depository institutions supervised by the Banking Department are more than $1.8 trillion.

In addition to regulating banking institutions, the Banking Department is active in informing and educating all New Yorkers on banking matters. To contact the Banking Department, please call 1-877-BANK-NYS or visit our Web site at www.banking.state.ny.us.

-30-