[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E152-E153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   IN HONOR OF THE NEW YORK STATE BLACK AND PUERTO RICAN LEGISLATIVE 
                                 CAUCUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I stand with you today to pay homage to The 
New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus and the New 
York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. as 
it hosts its 27th Annual Legislative Conference.
  The Association, established in 1989, has been the successful non-
profit arm of the Caucus. Charged with a philanthropic mission, it 
functions as an important partner in serving African-American and 
Latino constituents through scholarship programs and other community 
projects. I wish to commend them especially for their work in 
organizing this 1998 Conference.
  The Caucus, since its inception in 1966, has successfully led the 
charge to ensure equal access, protection and representation of the 
interests of Black and Hispanic constituencies in New York State. To 
use its own words: ``The Caucus has made it a policy never to wait on 
others to confront controversial matters but has willingly placed 
itself forward to be the first to rise to the occasion.'' And they have 
been true to their word. In Albany they have become formidable 
advocates for justice, tolerance and fairness in state government.
  My years in the New York State Assembly allowed me the opportunity to 
work with this great body. For me it was an honor to have served beside 
such fine Caucus members as Al Vann, Denny Farrell and Arthur Eve to 
name a few. Today, it continues to be an honor to work with such 
impressive former Caucus members as Representatives Rangel, Owens, 
Serrano and the newly elected Congressman from Queens, Gregory Meeks--
all now serving in Washington. I admire the leadership and intensity 
current and former Caucus members continue to bring to the debate

[[Page E153]]

of social and economic justice in America. I thank you all for keeping 
the focus where it should be, on the hardworking communities of New 
York.
  I salute the Caucus today upon the opening of its Annual Conference 
with the presentation of this Congressional Record statement for all 
that this fine body has attempted to do and all that it has done on 
behalf of New Yorkers. To the Caucus members, I with you many more 
years of success and I thank you for your fine service and dedication 
to the state of New York.

                          ____________________