ALBANY, N.Y. (April 14, 2008) — For the past two years, New York State Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-On-Hudson) has been the sole sponsor of a bill recognizing the more than 50,000 school bus drivers in the state. But this year, 21 other senators united in co-sponsoring the resolution marking October 24 as School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

"In transporting our children and keeping them safe, these individuals take on a tremendous responsibility each and every school day," wrote Sen. Larkin in an e-mail to STN. "We admire their skill as they drive through every imaginable type of road condition and weather hazard, and we greatly appreciate their watchful eyes over our young people."

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the New York legislature officially adopted Resolution J5108.

Maureen Moore, the school bus driver who first contacted Sen. Larkin thee years ago, said the resolution's broad support will help bring the message of appreciation home.

"The fact that so many other New York senators realized what an important job school bus drivers perform everyday makes our day even more special," Moore said.