The following is a statement given to YWN:

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from the New York State Assembly.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my constituents for affording me the privilege of serving them. It has been an honor to represent the diverse and hard-working people of the 42nd Assembly District over the past 36 years. Throughout my tenure as Assemblywoman, I am proud to have been at the forefront of significant issues in health care, education, child care, women’s equality, affordable housing, consumer protection and economic and environmental justice. My community service office has provided assistance to countless citizens, solving problems and handling concerns over quality of life issues, and obtaining benefits, informing and protecting your rights. We will continue to provide these services until the end of the year.

I am grateful to all of you who over the years I have been fortunate in getting to know as we worked together towards the common goal of improving our great neighborhoods. I am grateful for your work, support and friendship.

Lastly, I must add that I am also grateful to my colleagues in government, especially in the Assembly, who for so many years made being a public servant and participant in this democratic process, a true honor. Serving in an institution dedicated to preserving and expanding our rights as human beings has been an awesome and yet humbling experience I shall never forget.

Thank you. It has been a great privilege and a pleasure. I look forward to continue to be an active voice for our community.

Assemblywoman Rhoda S. Jacobs represents the 42nd Assembly District, which includes sections of the Flatbush, Flatbush Gardens, Terrace Gardens, Midwood, and Victorian Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn. She serves in the leadership as the Assistant Speaker, and on the Rules, Ways & Means, Health and Insurance Committees as well as the Task Force on Women’s Issues and the Task Force on New Americans.

(YWN Desk – NYC)