Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara today welcomed passage of the Sunshine Protection Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, calling it a major step toward ending the outdated practice of changing clocks twice each year.

For years, Santabarbara has pushed to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in New York. He’s the sponsor of Assembly legislation to establish permanent Daylight-Saving Time once authorized under federal law, he has championed the issue year after year, working across party lines with Senator Joseph Griffo to build support and keep the proposal moving forward.

In addition to legislative efforts, Santabarbara has worked to build public awareness of the issue. Today’s vote by the House brings New York one step closer to putting an end to the twice-yearly clock changes.

“For years, I’ve been pushing for these changes because I believe New Yorkers are ready to stop changing their clocks twice a year,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This is a commonsense change that has broad public support. Today’s vote is an important milestone, and I urge the U.S. Senate to follow suit so states like New York can finally make permanent Daylight-Saving Time a reality.”

Under current federal law, states may adopt permanent Standard Time but cannot adopt permanent Daylight-Saving Time without authorization from Congress. If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the Sunshine Protection Act would give New York the authority to implement the legislation Santabarbara has sponsored for years.

“People are tired of this outdated practice,” Santabarbara said. “Changing our clocks every spring and fall serves little purpose today. Permanent Daylight-Saving Time would provide greater consistency for families, businesses, schools, and communities. I’ve been proud to lead this effort in New York, and I’m encouraged that we’re closer than ever to getting it done.”

 Santabarbara said he will continue working with Senator Joseph Griffo and members of New York’s congressional delegation to help move the legislation across the finish line and finally end the twice yearly clock changes.