Statement by Senate President Malcolm A. Smith, Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr., Deputy Leader Jeff Klein and Democratic Conference Leader John L. Sampson

“With great sadness we learned this afternoon that after a long battle with cancer, former Senator Olga Mendez has passed away. Each of us had the opportunity and honor to serve with Senator Mendez. Over the course of her remarkable life, she broke down countless barriers, including her election as the first Puerto Rican woman to this great body. Senator Mendez was a powerful, passionate, and hard-working member of this chamber who will be remembered fondly as a champion for those whom she felt did not have a voice.”