Legislation proposed by State Senator Tony Avella to make St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, an official New York City school holiday passed the Senate on Tuesday.
Avella introduced the bill after the Irish community expressed disappointment that parent-teacher conferences were scheduled on the same day. The schedule conflict happened in 2011, during the 250th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
“With establishing Saint Patrick’s Day as a school holiday in New York City schools, the Senate is proudly honoring this holiday and recognizing the historic contributions of the Irish community,” Avella said in a statement. “St Patrick’s Day is an important day of cultural and religious celebration for the millions of Irish American citizens of New York City.”
Avella and members of the Independent Democratic Caucus (IDC) recently met with Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, to discuss issues important to the Archdiocese. Dolan was happy to learn about the passage of Avella’s bill, according to Avella’s office.