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The Remarks of Speaker Carl E. Heastie

Statement in Memoriam for Assemblymember Barbara M. Clark


Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Assembly Chamber

[as prepared]


Assemblymember Barbara M. Clark
Assemblymember
Barabara M. Clark
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we open session this afternoon in remembering Assemblymember Barbara Clark who passed away earlier this week.

In the near future, we will act to pass a resolution honoring her life and work.

For 29 years, Barbara served this House, the people of the 33rd Assembly District in Queens, and citizens across this state with conviction, integrity and grace.

There are many of us here today who can remember our first days in Albany and the warm, welcoming smile and words of encouragement that she had for each of us.

She may not always have agreed with you but she was never afraid to take a stand for what she believed in.

Barbara was a bold and courageous legislator and a fierce defender of all that she held dear.

Thousands of children and families across this state are together and stronger because of the issues that Assemblymember Barbara Clark made it her life's work to fight for.

She will be remembered as a loving mother and protector, not just within her own family, but for all families.

Later today, in her memory, we will take up a resolution from the calendar on an issue she held very close to her heart - kinship care.

She sponsored this resolution in acknowledgement of the millions of children who are living in loving and supporting homes under the care of grandparents or other relatives.

We have lost an exemplary public servant, a loyal colleague and a dear friend. I would ask that we now pause for a moment of silence before our opening prayer by Reverend Elia. May she rest in peace.