Amanda Fries is reporting for Capitol Confidential state Assembly Democrats November 30, unanimously nominated Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie for another two-year term as speaker of the house. In a news release announcing his nomination, Heastie thanked his fellow Assembly members for the vote of confidence. “I am thankful for their unwavering commitment to putting New York families first and their continued faith in my leadership,” Heastie said. “It has undoubtedly been a challenging year for our state and the nation, but New Yorkers are no stranger to adversity and we always rise to the challenge.” Heastie pledged to maintain the Assembly's commitment to quality education for children and ensuring access to affordable housing, higher education and health care. The speaker also promised to build on the state's “ground-breaking criminal justice achievements,” while also "ensuring New York continues to preserve and protect the environment." Read more at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.