FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 20, 2015

Speaker Heastie Statement on Upstate and Suburban Tour


When I assumed the role of Speaker of the New York State Assembly, I said that I would endeavor to visit my colleagues in their districts throughout Upstate and suburban New York in order to better learn about their challenges and issues. Today's visit with Assemblyman Kevin Cahill marks the completion of my tour which began this summer.

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my tenure in public service and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of my colleagues and to all of the hardworking individuals who made this tour possible. I made a promise to New Yorkers across the state - regardless of political affiliation - that I would lead this chamber into a new chapter and that we would do everything in our power to be their strongest ally and to fight for the priorities that would enable them to provide a better life for themselves and their loved ones. That is why I have also reached out to Minority Leader Kolb, who has graciously invited me to his district, and I look forward to scheduling a visit in the very near future.

I am proud to say that in traveling upstate and the suburban areas, visiting businesses of all sizes, robust farms, lush vineyards, thriving technology plants and in experiencing the endless history that our state has to offer, I am more convinced than ever that our mission to put families first is what New York needs. I have seen the beauty and potential that New York has to offer, but I have also seen the challenges many of our communities face.

When we make sure that every New Yorker has a safe and affordable place to call home, that all our students have access to a high quality education that prepares them for a successful future, and when we ensure that workers have good wages and the basic rights and protections they need to remain part of a sustainable, healthy workforce, we will all move into a brighter future together. These are not just the goals of an urban New York but for all of New York and I believe that we have the ability to make them a reality.

I have said many times before that the Assembly is called the people's house of the New York State Legislature because we represent the needs of all the families and individuals that make up this extraordinary place we call home. As we make our preparations for the 2016 session, the Majority Conference will unveil a comprehensive proposal to address the needs of all of New York - both upstate and suburban New York as well as New York City. This will become part of our blueprint as we continue in our mission to put families first and pursue the policies and solutions that will uplift our communities. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues and our partners in government to make this state the very best that it can be for all New Yorkers.