NYS SENATE PASSES SENATOR BIAGGI BILL TO SUSTAIN DISTRICT 34’s NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

ALBANY, NY – Today, March 2nd, 2020 the New York State Senate passed legislation (S7556A) to extend the authorization of the New York Botanical Garden to charge an admission fee to 2030, in an effort to financially sustain the institution. The original iteration of the bill was passed by both Houses in 2019, but vetoed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Under the current statute, the New York Botanical Garden is only authorized to charge an admission fee until May 1st, 2020.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“The New York Botanical Garden is a vital resource for environmental conservation, botanical research, and cultural education right in the borough of the Bronx. In order for this valuable institution to remain open to the public, the New York Botanical Garden must be able to continue charging a nominal fee to financially sustain its current programming and future exhibitions. Ticket revenue supports the myriad of free events the New York Botanical Garden hosts each year –– opening up the Garden to new visitors and more families in the Bronx. I thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and my Senate colleagues for their continued support of this bill. I look forward to seeing this critical legislation passed through the Assembly and signed into law to support this special piece of District 34.”

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