Speaker Heastie Statement on the Passing of Former Assemblymember Cathy Nolan

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend and former Assemblymember Cathy Nolan. She was a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer. Elected to the Assembly at 26, she was the first woman to chair the Labor Committee and was a leading force in raising the minimum wage and strengthening workers’ protections. She served as chair of the Education Committee, fighting for universal Pre-K, reducing class sizes and improving graduation rates. In her 38 years in the People’s House, she was a voice for her constituents in Queens and fought for legislation that improved the lives of people across our great state. I was lucky to serve with her and privileged to have her on my leadership team as deputy speaker. My heart goes out to her husband Gerry, her son Nick and to all of her friends and loved ones. She will be missed.