Margaret Markey - Political Career

Political Career

Markey began in public service as the Assistant Director of Economic Development for former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, later becoming the borough's Director of Marketing and Tourism.

She was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1998. She is the current Chairwoman of the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; as well as previously holding the position of President of the Irish American Legislators Society.

In 2009, a controversial bill presented by Markey sought to tackle sex abuse cases in private schools. Critics have argued that the legislation is unfair because it appears to target Catholic schools, while the vast majority of sexual abuse has occurred in public schools under the state's control.

In March 2010, Markey co-sponsored, along with assembly members N. Nick Perry and Felix Ortiz, a bill that would prohibit the use of all forms of salt in the preparation and cooking of all restaurant food.