Public schools in New York State are closed on Wednesday to observe the start of the Lunar New Year, following the implementation of a new state law in 2023. This marks the first time that students in New York will have the day off for Lunar New Year. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her support for this decision, emphasizing the importance of allowing the AAPI community to celebrate without having to worry about work or school commitments.
Lawmakers and legislators who worked to pass the legislation celebrated this milestone, with Assemblymember Grace Lee noting the personal significance of the bill. The Lunar New Year, based on the lunisolar calendar, is a significant holiday in Asian cultures and is widely celebrated around the world. In the U.S., some local public school districts have chosen to close in honor of the holiday, while others opt for in-school celebrations.
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, a former member of the New York State Assembly, has introduced a bill to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday. This year, the Lunar New Year signifies the beginning of the Year of the Snake.
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