FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 16, 2018

Speaker Carl Heastie Statement on Passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter


I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, a distinguished former member of the New York State Assembly and a relentless advocate for the families of Western New York.

Throughout the course of her life as a public servant, Congresswoman Slaughter was a trailblazer for women. She was one of the longest-serving women in the House of Representatives and became the first woman to ever chair the powerful House Committee on Rules.

She fought tirelessly for many of the same principles that the New York State Assembly Majority holds near and dear to our hearts, including women's reproductive rights, access to health care, higher education, and a fair minimum wage - just to name a few.

There is no doubt that her work has been transformative for not only the people of Western New York, but all Americans. On behalf of Congresswoman Slaughter's New York State Assembly family, I offer my sincerest condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.