LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of The Honorable Barbara M.
Clark, New York State Assemblywoman of the 33rd Assembly District,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community, their profession served to enhance the quality of life
in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body must
record the passing of one of New York State's most distinguished citi-
zens, The Honorable Barbara Marlene Clark, who died on Monday, February
22, 2016, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, Barbara M. Clark was born on June 12, 1939, in Beckley, West
Virginia; she was first elected to the New York State Assembly in Novem-
ber of 1986, representing the constituents of the 33rd Assembly District
in Queens, New York; and
WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark served as a tireless advocate
for the needs of children, families and the elderly; her warm spirit and
her firm belief that we all have a responsibility to defend the well-be-
ing of our fellow citizens will be remembered by many; and
WHEREAS, An effective leader in education reform, day care and commu-
nity development, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark devoted much of her
time to creating institutions, policies, and programs, all designed to
foster stability and growth within the 33rd Assembly District; and
WHEREAS, As a leading advocate for parents having a statutory role in
education policy-making, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark was a primary
sponsor of the 1996 New York City School Governance Law, which mandates
parental involvement in decision-making; and
WHEREAS, She has been unrelenting in her battle to change New York
State's inadequate and inequitable school finance system and was an
early supporter of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) v. State of New
York lawsuit which helped bring such inequities to the forefront; and
WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark continuously advocated for a
better quality of life for senior citizens in the State of New York; she
promoted legislation to safeguard seniors from financial exploitation,
telemarketing fraud and predatory lending; she also focused on safety,
environmental, transportation and land zoning issues; and
WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark, throughout her legislative
career, held a variety of important positions, including Assistant
Majority Whip, a member of the Majority Steering Committee, served on
the Health Budget Conference Committee, and Chair of the Education
Committee of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian
Legislative Caucus; furthermore, she chaired the Assembly Standing
Committees on Aging, State and Federal Relations and the New York State
Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan organization of women legisla-
tors from both the Senate and the Assembly; and
WHEREAS, On the national level, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark served
as Vice-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislators' (NCSL)
Education, Labor and Job Training Committee, and member of both the
Human Services Committee and the Education Partners; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Barbara M. Clark is survived by her husband,
Thomas Clark, Jr.; four children, Jan, Crystal, Thomas III, and Brian;
and two granddaughters, Taylor and Lauren; and
WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion and sensitivity, Assemblywoman
Barbara M. Clark's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a
successful public servant; her sincere concern for others; her integri-
ty, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of herself,

will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in
their community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of The Honorable Barbara M. Clark, New York State Assem-
blywoman of the 33rd Assembly District, recognizing the significance of
her exemplary record of public service; and be it further and
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of The Honorable Barbara M. Clark.