ALBANY—The State Senate, under Democratic control for the first time in four decades, has marked another milestone: the first time an African-American woman has presided over the chamber.
State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins gaveled the body into session around 3:15 p.m., and senators debated several resolutions and housekeeping procedures. Since the Democrats took the majority, State Senator Neil Breslin had been presiding over the chamber.
