NEW YORK(TIP):Sen. Jose Peralta, the 47-year-old Queens lawmaker, who lost his reelection bid, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, November 21 night, according to news reports. The Democrat was pronounced dead at 8 p.m. at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, according to the Daily Mail, and his family was with him at the time.
Peralta was first elected to the state Senate in a special election in 2010, becoming the first Dominican-American in the chamber. Peralta, whose district included Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst and parts of Woodside and Astoria, also served in the Assembly from 2002 to 2010.
He had been a longtime proponent of the state DREAM Act, a measure that would allow undocumented immigrants to qualify for state-funded financial aid for college. The measure, long stalled in the state Senate, may have a chance of passing in the 2019 session now that Democrats have won control of the chamber.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, among many others, tweeted his condolence .
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@NYCMayor
Jose Peralta was a proud son of Queens and the Dominican Republic. He worked his way up from the grassroots, with heart and tenacity. Chirlane and I are both pained by his sudden loss. Our prayers are with his wife Evelyn and his sons.
7:51 AM – Nov 22, 2018
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Shiv Dass, a founder President of Jackson Heights Merchants’ Association, and President of Indian American Merchants’ Association, has condoled the death of Sen. Peralta. He said in a statement to The Indian Panorama that Sen. Peralta was a great friend of the Indian American community who looked to him for championing their cause. He was held in high esteem by the merchant community of Jackson Heights with whom he was in regular touch, always eager to help them with any problems and issues. Mr. Dass said though the entire community has lost a supporter , it was a personal loss to him, as he has lost a longtime friend.
(With inputs from agencies)