FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 20, 2012

Statement on Confirmation of Assemblyman Peter Rivera as
Commissioner of the NYS Department of Labor


I congratulate our friend and colleague, Assemblyman Peter Rivera, upon his confirmation as Commissioner of the NYS Department of Labor.

From his days as a law enforcement officer in the South Bronx to his advocacy on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic community, to his nearly two decades of leadership as a member of the Assembly, Peter Rivera has lived a life devoted to public service.

Peter's intelligence and vision, his charisma and skill as a "bridge builder," his record of achievement and his commitment to opportunity for all, have earned him the respect and admiration of leaders throughout the state. For these reasons, I appointed Peter Rivera to his current leadership post as Speaker Pro Tem of the Assembly, in 2010.

In appointing Assemblyman Rivera, the Governor has chosen wisely. We have every confidence that Peter will continue to shine as a true champion of working New Yorkers, and we wish him great success in his new charge as Labor Commissioner.