With the first day of the Lunar New Year right around the corner, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) is getting ready to celebrate with his constituents.

The Year of the Horse begins on February 17, and numerous commemorations of the event are being planned across the 47^th Assembly District, which Assemblyman Colton represents, and across the city and state.

“This is a major holiday for so many New York residents,” said Assemblyman Colton, whose commitment to honoring the event extended to sponsorship of a law, enacted in 2023, naming the first day of Lunar New Year a public school holiday. “While, this year, the first day of Lunar New Year falls in the middle of public school winter break, I am very proud of the fact that it was my legislation that ensured that, every year, no matter when the holiday occurs, Asian families across New York State do not have to choose between sending their children to school and celebrating this important occasion together.”

Nearly two million people of Asian heritage live in New York State, which has the second largest population of Asians in the country. The holiday, which marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar, usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The first day of Lunar New Year was designated a public school holiday in New York City in 2015.

Assemblyman Colton credits Councilmember Susan Zhuang, who previously was his chief of staff, with suggesting the legislation, and for spearheading a petition drive and leading rallies in support of it. He was joined in sponsoring the legislation by Assemblymember Grace Lee, who represents Manhattan’s Chinatown.

Assemblyman Colton stressed that designating the start of Lunar New Year as a public school holiday not only benefits those who observe it, but children from a wide variety of backgrounds who have the opportunity to learn about the holiday and its significance to their classmates.

“As I frequently say, in New York, our diversity is our strength,” the assemblyman noted. “Anything we can do to reinforce that encourages understanding, giving all of us the tools we need to combat hate and prejudice, and promotes acceptance and inclusion. Through such efforts, we can make it clear that, wherever you come from, you are welcome here, and the American Dream is your dream, too.”