[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 202 (Friday, December 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1730-E1731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF NEW YORK STATE SENATOR JOSE RAFAEL PERALTA-

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                        HON. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 21, 2018

  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
life and accomplishments of my colleague and fellow Dominican-American, 
New York State Senator Jose Rafael Peralta who passed away suddenly and 
unexpectedly at the age of 47.

[[Page E1731]]

  A dear friend, a pioneer, and a tireless advocate for the people of 
Queens, Jose was an ardent advocate for his constituents and New York 
City in his elected service in the New York State Senate and the New 
York State Assembly.
  Jose Rafael Peralta was born in Washington Heights and raised in 
Queens by Dominican-born parents; making him the first Dominican-
American to be elected to New York State Senate. He was a proud 
graduate of Queens College, City University of New York. Not only a 
dedicated student, he was attuned to local politics and driven to make 
his community a better place. This was when I first met Jose as a 
volunteer on my campaign for State Assembly. Jose was effervescent and 
exceedingly intelligent. And thoughtful. And my friend.
  Senator Peralta fought relentlessly for the rights and equity for all 
immigrants. He was a strong supporter of the DREAM Act for New York 
State. On behalf of his constituents in New York City and the greater 
immigrant diaspora in New York State, he was unyielding in his desire 
to see the New York State Dream Act passed and signed into law. He 
believed with every fiber of his being that we have an obligation to 
ensure that every opportunity for equity and advancement should be 
available to all persons. I have called on New York State Senate 
leadership and New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to rename the 
legislation after Jose Rafael Peralta to honor his work in advocacy of 
the immigrant community of New York.
  Jose Rafael Peralta was vibrant, an extraordinary public servant, a 
devoted husband, and a loving father. He fought for the marginalized, 
for working families, for women, for everyone who needed a voice.
  May God bless his family. It was an honor to call him a friend.

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