State Senate Republican leader John Flanagan announced Friday he will miss the beginning of the legislative session to complete a rehab program to battle alcoholism — the second time in two years he’s grappled with alcohol abuse.
Flanagan will not be in Albany for the opening of the legislative session next week and possibly two weeks.
Flanagan last year was the majority leader of the Senate. But he’s now relegated to minority leader after Democrats won control of the Senate in last fall’s elections.
He’s currently in rehab — as he was for a period in August 2017.
“Recently, I recognized the need to seek some additional help to overcome my battle with alcohol dependency. This was a difficult choice, but it is the right one for myself and for my family,” Flanagan said in a statement.
“I must now make my health and well-being my number one priority.
“As a result of the completion of a thorough rehabilitation and recovery program, which I believe is critically important, I anticipate missing the beginning of this year’s legislative session.”
He said Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo (R-Utica) will lead the conference in his absence.
Flanagan (R-Smithtown) is a 33-year veteran of the Legislature. He succeeded his father in the state Assembly and then was elected to the Senate
“No man or woman is perfect, but it does not mean we all shouldn’t strive for continuous and daily improvement. I will attempt to do that with every fiber in my body,” said Flanagan, who thanked colleagues and friends for their support.
“This brief period of time away is necessary for my overall well-being, but will in no way impact my ability to serve my conference or my constituents.”