State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, has been appointed Acting Minority Leader of the New York State Senate.

“I respect Minority Leader Flanagan’s decision to seek treatment for alcohol dependency and join with my colleagues in praying for his recovery, Griffo said in the announcement.

Flanagan’s appointment of Griffo was announced in a press release rom the state Senate Friday.

"No one knows more than Joe Griffo about the ins-and-outs of what happens on the floor of the State Senate. I am confident he will pursue every avenue and work every angle to allow us to be a vocal Minority and an aggressive voice for taxpayers and their families," Flanagan said in the announcement.

“Leader Flanagan has always been a selfless leader, putting his professional responsibilities, obligations and duties above his own needs and I applaud his courage in confronting this disease. It is now important for him to take the time to concentrate on his own well being and our conference supports him completely in that effort’ Griffo said in a statement from his office.

“In Minority Leader Flanagan’s absence, I am honored to accept the responsibility of leading the state Senate’s Republican Conference on an interim basis. Together, with the exceptional group of talented and committed Senators and staff, we will stay unified in crafting, presenting and advocating our vision for moving our great state forward,” Griffo said.

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District, which includes a swath through the middle of St. Lawrence County, including the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn, plus Lewis and Oneida counties.