Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R,C,I,LBT,SAM- New Windsor) is proud to announce that legislation he co-sponsored designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in New York State was recently signed into law by the Governor.

“I am proud that the legislation I co-sponsored designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in the State of New York has been signed into law. I first commemorated Juneteenth in the Village of Highland Falls and have been honored to participate in the local annual Juneteenth celebration for the last several years. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the United States and celebrates the achievements of Black Americans," Schmitt said. "This is a truly historic moment in New York and I am honored to be part of the passage of this legislation.”

Schmitt was the only Republican Assembly Member to sign on to this piece of legislation before it passed and one of the only co-sponsors in the Mid-Hudson region from both parties. This new law celebrates Juneteenth, a day which commemorates the end to slavery and celebrates Black American’s achievements, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.