Assemblyman Gottfried announces retirement
BY ROBERT POZARYCKI
One of the longest-serving
lawmakers in New
York state history,
Manhattan Assemblymember
Richard Gottfried, announced
his impending retirement on
Dec. 13.
The long-time liberal lion,
who said he was inspired to
pursue a life of public service
as a 13-year-old growing
up during the Kennedy
presidency, has been in the
Assembly since 1970. He currently
represents the 75th Assembly
District in Manhattan,
which includes Chelsea, Hell’s
Kitchen, the Flatiron and No-
Mad Districts, Union Square,
Midtown, and part of the Lincoln
Square area on the Upper
West Side.
But after a distinguished career
spanning more than fi ve
decades, Gottfried has decided
to call it a career.
When his current term
expires on Dec. 31, 2022,
Gottfried will have served 53
POLITICS
Manhattan Assemblymember Richard Gottfried has served
in the legislature for over 50 years.
years in the State Assembly.
His tenure will have seen
ten different presidents, nine
different New York state
FILE PHOTO
governors and eight different
mayors (once Eric Adams is
sworn in on New Year’s Day).
“I am grateful to my talented
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staff (present and past), hundreds
of dedicated colleagues
in the Legislature, nine governors
(each with a distinct personality),
and countless advocates
and experts,” Gottfried
said in a statement. “Their
commitment to solving problems
is why we have been able
to accomplish so much for the
people of New York. Most of
all, I thank my amazingly supportive
and loving family. It
hasn’t been easy – particularly
during the endless days and
nights of budget and end-ofsession.
None of this would
have been possible without
them.”
During the course of his
career, Gottfried sponsored
more than 500 laws, many of
which proved transformative.
After fi rst introducing the
same-sex marriage equality
bill in 2003, he helped fi nally
steer the legislation to passage
eight years later. Gottfried
also was front and center in
the marijuana decriminalization
movement; helped establish
Child Health Plus, the
state’s health care program
for children; secured expansion
of Medicaid; supported
campaign fi nance reform; and
protected the rights of crime
victims.
Gottfried has also served as
chair of the Assembly Health
Committee for a staggering 34
years, after being fi rst appointed
to the role back in 1987.
He may be retiring soon,
but Gottfried told constituents
that he’s not slowing down.
“I will continue to fi ght for
the district and my constituents
and for New York State
until my term ends at the end
of 2022,” he said. “That includes
helping New York recover
from the public health
emergency, fi ghting for justice,
reproductive choice, human
rights, and enacting the New
York Health Act.”
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12 December 16, 2021 Schneps Media
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