New York, Capital Region officials react to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday, inspiring these tributes:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “New York’s heart breaks with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a daughter of Brooklyn and the embodiment of all that it means to be New York tough — yet her life was a testament that tough does not preclude acting with respect, grace, and dignity. I speak for the entire family of New York when I say we are absolutely devastated by this loss...justice Ginsburg was an unparalleled voice for our better angels
...She fought tirelessly to ensure our country lived up to its founding ideals, especially for those marginalized by the status quo... While there is still so much progress left to be made on the march towards gender equality and women’s rights, (her) legacy will continue to be a beacon for all of us in the fight. “
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan: “It is with a heavy heart that I join our nation in mourning the passing of a true American hero – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg’s efforts as one of the first women admitted to Harvard
Law School, the first woman on the Harvard
Law Review, and her work as general counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union fighting to ban genderbased discrimination were only the beginning of a storied career that was spent ensuring the civil rights of all individuals are protected
“Without her blazing the trail, I wouldn’t be where I am today. We must continue to work every day to carry on the legacy of Justice Ginsburg – truly ‘a tireless and resolute champion for justice.’ “
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, via Twitter: “Tonight, we mourn the passing of a giant in American history, a champion for justice, a trailblazer for women. She would want us all to fight as hard as we can to preserve her legacy.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: “The world has lost a giant. A brilliant jurist, a resolute champion for justice and a trailblazer for women’s rights, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has left a legacy that will echo through history. Justice Ginsburg will forever be a feminist icon who inspired generations of young women — myself included — to follow their dreams...”
U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, NY-19, via Twitter: “We have lost a legend in Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She has left her mark on history among our most tireless advocates for women’s equality & justice under the law. May she rest in peace & may her legacy live on for generations...”
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, NY-20: “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing marks the end of a legendary, trailblazing career. Her departure is a profound loss for our nation, courts and the cause of justice. Yet I take some solace in knowing her work and legacy are timeless, her many achievements will live on among the greatest lights of American history. Justice Ginsburg was a woman of singular brilliance and character, a giant of the Court (who) shaped our laws for the better. Her achievements forever bless us with a deeper sense of fairness and equality...”
U.S Rep. Elise Stefanik, NY-21, via Twitter: “Rest in peace.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. Mccoy: “We have lost one of the greatest advocates of women’s rights and gender equity in the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her 27 years of service as a Supreme Court Justice came after she had won many arguments she had made before that very court fighting for civil liberties. Her strong belief in justice led her to remain on the court as she fought her courageous battle with cancer.”