SC New York News

Labor Day has always been a meaningful day of tribute across this region, which has long honored a deep-rooted respect for many of the foundations of this nation: agriculture and craftsmanship, manufacturing and small business, tourism and hospitality, outdoors and recreation, education and health care, as well as research and development, and technology.

It is a remarkable local history of working men and women and a great source of pride for all.

Each year, we recall and pay tribute to all workers across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes who build, care for, educate, grow, manufacture, protect, serve, and strengthen our communities in various ways through different walks of life.

We are grateful for their dedication, perseverance, and excellence.

In 1887, New York was one of the first four states to establish a Labor Day holiday.

The U.S. Department of Labor frames the historical significance of Labor Day as follows: “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.”

This tribute holds especially true this year when workers in many fields have faced significant challenges but have kept us going.

As a legislator, it means that government faces particular challenges moving forward to help workers and local economies rebuild. This sense of responsibility is shared with many colleagues in government at every level to pursue common goals for the future of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes.

Recovery efforts are underway in various places. It will be a challenging road back; however, there is confidence that together solid ground can be found again.

This road back demands a renewal of New York State government’s focus on economic growth, job creation, fiscal responsibility—essentially opening doors to a stronger future for workers.

This commitment has wavered in recent years but remains pledged on this Labor Day to ensure it finds its place again in government in the months ahead.

Best wishes to all.

___