The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) sends its deepest, heart-felt condolences to the family and friends of former New York State Senator Jose Peralta, who passed away suddenly last Thursday. Peralta had served for 16 years as an Assemblyman and State Senator representing parts of Queens. “This is such a tragic loss,” said Gregory W. Porter, President of NBCSL. “Jose Peralta was the first Dominican-American elected to the New York Senate and was dedicated to the community he served. He will be remembered and missed by those he represented and the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. We will pray for Peralta’s family and the Caucus during their time of bereavement,” said Porter.