Senator James Skoufis held his swearing-in ceremony this past Sunday, January 20, at his alma mater, Monroe-Woodbury Middle School. The Senator was joined by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Joining the state leaders in their remarks was Skoufis’ old math teacher, Ray Hodges, who said, “Politics truly was [James’] passion; he was a genuinely honest and sincere individual who wanted to make the world a better place.”

The ceremony celebrated Skoufis’ past and present commitment to putting his district above all.

“I don’t know anyone who has a better reputation for constituent service than James Skoufis when he was in the Assembly and I know that’s going to continue in the State Senate,” said DiNapoli.

Stewart-Cousins later added, highlighting the new diversity in the State Senate, “The fact is that I’m here on this weekend celebrating Dr. King and being at the cusp of creating history that will make Dr. King proud.”

In his remarks, Skoufis showcased his commitment to fairness that will be carried out in the State Senate, “Everyone, and I mean everyone, is going to be treated equally in our Senate district and beyond...blind eyes will no longer be turned, and rugs will be flipped over to see what’s been swept under them.”

Skoufis concluded, “My friends - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents - let’s leave here more committed than ever to fight like hell for a state government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Let’s strive for a state government that is responsive, not repulsive, to New Yorkers.”