The State Senate today approved legislation that would create a New York State Women's Suffrage 100th Anniversary Commemoration Commission.  The bill’s sponsor, Senator Betty Little, said the goal is to raise awareness of approval of a woman’s right to vote in New York in 1917 and ratification of the 19^th amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.

“New York has a wonderful history in the woman’s suffrage movement, with pioneers such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton leading the way,” said Little.  “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate an enormous accomplishment, to share this history lesson with a new generation and to maximize its tourism potential.”

The primary focus of the 100th anniversary commemoration commission will be to plan and execute an organized series of statewide conversations and programs that celebrate the accomplishment of women's suffrage, Little added.

The legislation was sent to the Assembly where it is sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther of the Hudson Valley.

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