Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement on the death of community leader and former New York State Senator Olga A. Mendez. Mendez, who passed away July 29 after a long battle with breast cancer, was the first Puerto Rican elected to a state legislature, serving East Harlem and parts of the South Bronx from 1978 - 2004:

"Olga Mendez was a passionate leader and legislator that fought for not just the people of her beloved East Harlem, but for all people of humble backgrounds. We became good friends working for our constituents and while we may not have seen eye-to-eye on all issues over the years, there was never a doubt that gave everything she had to public service.

The first Puerto Rican women elected to state legislature in the mainland United States, Olga was soon on the frontlines of numerous battles to make sure that people were given the resources and opportunities to improve the lives of their families and their communities, no matter where their country of origin or their background. At a time when so few women occupied positions of power on any level, she smashed stereotypes and opened doors so that a new generation of leaders could be more diverse and open-minded.

In her 26 years in Albany, Olga brought in thousands of dollars in state funds to her district. We collaborated on numerous occasions to bring not just city and federal aid, but also private dollars to assist residents in East Harlem and the South Bronx, especially families and seniors. As she worked hard to reduce truck emissions and the alarming rates of asthma in urban neighborhoods, she also reached out to developers on initiatives that would create jobs and expand opportunities for local business. Those seeds are continuing to bear fruit, most recently in projects like the East Harlem Automall and East River Plaza, a facility along the river on E. 116 St. that will soon open with tenants Home Depot and Costco.

The fact that she was willing to risk her standing late in her political career to switch parties was just another example of her willingness to do anything for her constituents.

I, of course, will be among many in New York and across the nation that will miss Olga’s energy, passion and straight-from the hip commentary. I know that she will be leading the cheers in heaven when we see our native daughter, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, finally confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice.

Thankfully, Olga’s legacy can be found in her numerous legislative victories, including our state minimum wage, various worker protection laws and in the dozens of education, health and affordable housing projects that she help fund. And it will certainly be remembered as we see a new cadre of Latinas ascend into our nation’s leadership circles, their achievements built on the foundation of expectations she helped create."

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