As a nation and a state, the past year tested us in ways we never could have anticipated. While 2020 was a difficult road for so many, we have learned a great deal during this year and there is still much to celebrate as we move into 2021.

We have seen communities come together to support our incredible frontline workers as they fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen an outpouring of support for those in need during the holidays. And we have seen doctors and scientists work to develop vaccines to protect our population from COVID-19 in record time. We must remember to recognize our accomplishments even during troubling times. On New Year’s Day, we celebrate all the good we have done and seen in 2020 and look ahead to 2021 with optimism.

With the continued efforts of the medical community and government officials at every level, we will work to get things back to normal. As we start 2021, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, however, there is still much to do. We must ensure our infrastructure and economy are not merely restored to their previous state, but strengthened. We must be more resilient and better prepared than ever before.

I am eager to work together with my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference and members of the Majority to facilitate New York’s recovery and get help to the families and individuals who need it most. The people of our state deserve nothing less. Now is a time of rebuilding and I look forward to being a part of that process.

On behalf of my family and our Conference, I wish you all a Happy New Year and a safe, healthy and productive 2021.