Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus Applauds Nomination of Cesar Perales as NY Secretary of State

Adriano Espaillat

April 4, 2011

Members of the Caucus include Senators Adriano Espaillat (chair), Gustavo Rivera (vice-chair), Ruben Diaz, Martin Dilan, Jose Peralta, and Jose Serrano.

 (New York, NY) – The Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus of the New York State Senate released the following statement in support of Cesar Perales’ nomination as New York’s next secretary of state.

“As members of the Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus, we are pleased to support the nomination of Cesar Perales as New York’s next secretary of state.  Cesar Perales has long been a civil liberties defense icon for the Hispanic Community in New York State and beyond. An attorney with both a Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage,  Mr. Perales has been party to landmark lawsuits to ensure equal rights for all. His advocacy has resulted in national bi-lingual education initiatives, greater civil service employment opportunities for non-English speakers, the inclusion of bilingual voting procedures in the Voting Rights Act, and more equitable redistricting lines.

 “We commend Governor Andrew Cuomo for nominating Mr. Perales. It is crucial that we expand New York State’s commitment to diversity, particularly at the highest levels of government. Only by ensuring full inclusion and access can we move our state forward. We will be one step closer to this goal with Cesar Perales as our next secretary of state.”

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