This week, the Assembly voted to install Carl Heastie as the new Speaker of the New York State Assembly. He is the first African-American to ever hold that title. It was fitting that on the same day, the Assembly also took up a resolution honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--Mr. Heastie was able to ascend to the speakership because of the path that Dr. King blazed.
I have every confidence in Mr. Heastie's ability to lead. I know that Speaker Heastie will steer the Assembly towards an era of moral budgets that take the needs of all New Yorkers into account and legislation that is worthy of the people we serve. Together, we will enact common-sense reforms that will restore confidence in our legislative body and allow us to better serve our constituents.
In his first address as Speaker, Mr. Heastie expressed support for a slate of progressive pieces of legislation, including the DREAM Act. It's encouraging to know that we'll have a DREAM Act ally in the Speaker's office in the coming legislative session.
The Assembly stands ready to tackle the important work that lies ahead of us this year.
If you have any questions about this transition and how it will impact the coming legislative session, please feel free to contact me at moyaf@assembly.state.ny.us.
Thank you.
All the best,
Francisco