New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-47, was recently recognized by the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators as the conference’s Distinguished Legislator of the Year. “It is an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said Griffo. “From literature to the arts to politics and beyond, Italian-Americans have made significant contributions here in New York state and across the country. We see these contributions every day and I am proud of my Italian heritage.”

The New York Conference of Italian-American Legislators is a bipartisan organization of New York State Senate and Assembly members who are actively involved in promoting and celebrating the state’s Italian-American community. Its mission is to highlight the positive impact that Italian-Americans have had on New York and the United States, while also dispelling negative stereotypes of the cultural group.