Senator Steve Saland

>> Biography

Stephen M. Saland grew up in Dutchess County and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and his law degree from Rutgers Law School.

Senator Saland serves of counsel to the law firm, Gellert and Klein, P.C. and is a member of the Dutchess County Bar Association, as well as the New York State Bar Association.

Steve Saland began his career in public service as a Town Councilman in the Town of Wappinger. He then served in the State Assembly from 1980 through 1990. Senator Saland has been representing the 41st Senate District which includes all of Columbia County and most of Dutchess County in 1991.

Throughout his tenure, Senator Saland has held several significant positions: Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families and presently, Deputy Majority Leader for Federal/State Relations, as well as the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Senator Saland has authored more than 330 laws, many of which provide better protections for children. He was responsible for reforming New York’s domestic violence law with the enactment of the “Family Protection and Domestic Violence Intervention Act” -- widely considered the most significant domestic violence bill acted in the State’s history. In 2000, Senator Saland was victorious in winning approval for a comprehensive law requiring all prospective public school employees to undergo an extensive criminal history check.

Senator Saland has been in the forefront of numerous economic development initiatives which has led to substantial job growth in the region. He also authored the legislation which created the Hudson River Valley Greenway -- a major accomplishment which seeks to protect the Valley’s natural and cultural resources and encourage compatible economic growth.

In addition to his legislative accomplishments, Senator Saland has served as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures from 2001-2002. He was appointed by Janet Reno, the former United States Attorney General, to the Working Group on Principles for the Federalization of Criminal Law.

Throughout his career, Senator Saland has been the recipient of numerous awards from local and statewide organizations, recognizing his dedication and commitment to those he represents.

Steve Saland and his wife Linda have been married for 41 years. Together, they have raised four sons and are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. They reside in the Town of Poughkeepsie, as they have for decades.