BAYSIDE, NY (TIP): New York State Senator John Liu in a statement released to The Indian Panorama wished New Yorkers a Happy New Year and shared his thoughts with them
“As 2023 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year and joyous holiday season! I am honored to serve as your State Senator and wanted to take a moment to share some reflections with you as we turn the page on a new year.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on NYC Education, NYC’s public school children were on the top of my agenda. We reached a historical milestone this year with the Senate’s passage of my legislation to require the instruction of Asian American history in public schools. While we are still working with the Assembly to pass the bill, passage in the senate is a huge step forward in our fight against anti-Asian hate with the understanding that Asian American history is American history. This year, and for the first time ever, the state fully funded Foundation Aid, which is the main source of funding for NYC public schools. As the city and state face looming financial challenges, this funding commitment is imperative for the city to be able to meet its mandates to provide a sound, basic education for all public school kids.

We also passed landmark legislation that will give all students statewide a day off from school for Lunar New Year and all students in New York City a day off for Diwali!

The coming year is among the most revered and auspicious in the Lunar New Year calendar – the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing power, nobility, honor, luck, and success. As we enter 2024, let’s resolve to reflect on what it means to be Americans and remain mindful of our responsibilities as New Yorkers and citizens of the world. For my part, I will continue to push for public policies that improve the quality of our public education system, and commit to supporting programs and services that uplift our diverse communities in the New Year and beyond.

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best in 2024!”