Senator Serrano Appointed Chair of Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee

(Albany, NY)- Ahead of the 2019 New York State Senate Session, Senator José M. Serrano has been appointed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation by incoming Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

"I am so excited to Chair the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation. My sincere thanks to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for this tremendous opportunity. The arts and culture have a transformative effect on communities across the state, and provide extraordinary benefits for all New Yorkers. As an advocate for arts education, I am a strong believer that the arts play a vital role in our children's academic outcomes.

"Our beloved state park system is the crown jewel of New York, providing countless health, recreational and enrichment opportunities for residents and visitors alike. As an avid enthusiast of the great outdoors, I look forward to this fantastic opportunity to continue working to preserve and enhance one of our greatest legacies.

“Additionally, tourism is an important part of our local and statewide economies. It is one of New York's largest economic engines- which is no surprise when you consider all that our state has to offer and that our parks and cultural sector play a critical role in attracting visitors."

In addition to his role as Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, the Senator was previously appointed as Chair of the Democratic Majority Conference. Senator Serrano proudly represents the 29th Senate District, which covers neighborhoods in the South & West Bronx, East Harlem, Upper Yorkville, Roosevelt Island, Central Park and the Upper West Side.