First Fil-Am New York state assemblyman takes oath of office

NEW YORK - Steven Raga, the first Filipino-American elected as assemblyman in New York state, formally took his oath of office on Sunday in New York City.

Raga will represent District 30 of Queens where there is a big Asian-American community.

He took his oath of office before US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at a ceremony held at the Queens Museum attended by politicians and supporters.

Schumer called Raga, son of Filipino immigrants from Laguna, "the future of America." 

Philippine Consulate General Senen Mangalile in a statement said they welcome the historic win of Raga as the first Filipino-American assemblyman of New York state.

“The Philippine Consulate General in New York considers Steven’s historic victory as a validation of the resounding political voice of the Filipino-American community in particular, and the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community, in general. With Steven in office, the welfare and interests of Filipino-Americans and the AAPI will be pushed to the forefront," he said.

Raga said during his term, he will focus on bail reform, increasing criminal and civil penalties for gun traffickers, mental health services, and increasing the budget of the police force. —KG, GMA Integrated News