Velazquez on Passing of Hector Figueroa

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news that Hector Figueroa had passed:

"I was truly heartbroken to hear of Hector's passing. Hector was a giant in the labor movement, a tireless voice for the people of Puerto Rico and a passionate advocate for working people everywhere. To me, he was a dear friend, an inspiration and a personified reminder of why we fight. I counted on Hector for wise advice and counsel from my earliest days in New York politics.

"It is difficult to overstate his contributions to making our city a better place and the work he did on behalf of the Puerto Rican community. Most recently, in the dark months following Maria, Hector was on the front lines of mobilizing support for the Island when it needed it most. From immigrant rights to better wages to healthcare, on nearly every issue that matters for working families, Hector was always in the trenches helping move the needle toward justice.

"Our city and its working people have lost a champion. I have lost a dear friend. My thoughts are with his family. I pray they may take solace in knowing how many people he helped, how much progress he achieved and how many lives he touched."

# # #