Assemblyman
William Frank Boyland, Jr.
has been an active participant in public service since his early teens.
His term in the New York Assembly has been distinguished by his commitment
to improving the lives of New Yorkers in his Brooklyn home district
as well as across the state.
Since
becoming elected to office in a special election in 2003, the Assemblyman
has served on a number of committees reflecting the diverse needs of
his constituents including the Committee on Aging, the Committee on
Cities, the Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce
and Industry, the Committee on Local Governments and the Committee on
Real Property Taxation.
Legislation he has authored includes a bill prohibiting credit card
solicitation on State University of New York and City University of
New York campuses unless credit education courses are provided. He has
also co-sponsored legislation ensuring health care and medical supplies
for the elderly and people with disabilities who are dually eligible
for Medicaid and Medicare, establishing a scholarship to state and city
universities for high achieving students, mandating health insurance
coverage for prenatal ultrasounds, allowing personal income tax deductions
for college textbooks purchased for dependents and providing public
access to information on the release of potentially harmful substances
into the environment.
Born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Assemblyman Boyland,
Jr. was initiated into public service by his father, William F. Boyland,
Sr., who occupied his district’s Assembly Member seat for 20 years,
and his uncle, Thomas S. Boyland, a giant of a man as Assembly member
from 1977 to 1982. His sister, Tracy L. Boyland, is a member of the
New York City Council and Chair of the Women's Issues Committee. After
graduating Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, he attended Virginia
State University and worked for Governor Douglass Wilder, the first
African American to hold that state’s office. Also while in college,
he interned in several public offices including that of Congressman
Major Owens and Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns.
Upon his return to New York City, Assemblyman Boyland, Jr. began his
career as a community advocate. As an active member of Local 371 he
was an eligibility specialist with the department of social services
and worked diligently on behalf of other members to expand their benefits
and ensure their rights. The member’s commitment to community
is also highlighted in his efforts on behalf of Wayside Baptist Church
and the NAACP, among other organizations.
Mr. Boyland, Jr.’s advocacy of the views and needs of his community
embody the long-term vision, communication skills and innovative thinking
that have made him a leader among his peers.
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