Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Is First African American to Preside Over State Senate
 
(Albany, NY) On Monday, January 26th, 2009, State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) makes state history as the first African-American woman to preside over the New York State Senate.
 
As the Presiding Officer, Senator Stewart-Cousins is charged with maintaining order, interpreting the rules and practices of the Senate, and calling on members to debate and vote on legislation brought to the floor.
 
“We are in an age of firsts and Monday is yet another proud moment in our history,” said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith. “Barriers are falling; times are changing. More than ever before, the State Senate is a body which reflects the great diversity of the people of New York.”
 
“I feel so privileged to be a part of the change that is happening not just in Washington, D.C., but right here at home, too,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “This day is not about me or any one member—it’s about growth and leaving our children and grandchildren a more open and accepting society than we inherited.”
 
The session over which she presides begins at 3:00 PM on Monday.
 
First elected to the State Senate in 2006, Stewart-Cousins represents Westchester County, and she is the first African-American woman to represent the 35th Senate District. In the Senate, Stewart-Cousins has championed human rights, fair funding and a quality education for every child, and a more transparent and accountable government that better serves working families. She was recently named Chairwoman of the Senate’s Local Governments Committee.
 
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