Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (center, left) and Assemblywoman Grace Meng (center, right) kicked off the first Asian Pacific American Legislative Day at the Empire State Plaza. Silver praised Meng for organizing the event, which included many distinguished representatives of the state's Asian American community, including the Chinese American Planning Council and Asian Americans for Equality. Assemblyman Michael Benjamin also participated in the event.

Let me take a moment to acknowledge the bright and terrific young leader who is primarily responsible for organizing this special and important event. Assembly Member Grace Meng is the youngest Asian American New Yorker ever elected to serve in our State Legislature, yet she has already authored five bills that have been signed into law by the Governor.

For joining Assembly Member Meng and I in presenting this Legislative Day, let me also acknowledge and thank: the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, as well as the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

Let me also express my appreciation to the many organizations who are sponsoring this program.

As I look around, I see representatives from a number of organizations that serve my community, including the Chinese American Planning Council and the Asian Americans for Equality.

As the assemblyman who represents much of Lower Manhattan, including Chinatown - and as a native of the Lower East Side - let me say how pleased I am to have my friends and neighbors here with me in Albany today.

Like so many who have emigrated to this country, the history of Asian Pacific immigrants is filled with triumph and with tragedy; with perseverance and with achievement.

In the Assembly, we recognize that diversity is the source of New York's strength and success, so we are committed to ensuring that you and all New Yorkers receive justice, opportunity and government that is responsive to your needs.

Please, enjoy your day and thank you for being here to speak for all of the Asian Pacific New Yorkers who could not be here to speak for themselves. Again, welcome to Albany and to the New York State Assembly.