NEW YORK, Jan. 30 -- New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Senator Daniel Squadron, and Assemblyman Ron Kim on Thursday have again called for passage of state legislation that would allow New York City to close schools on the Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, which falls on Friday this year.

"New York is endlessly diverse and ever-changing -- it's time for our school calendar to better reflect that," said Senator Daniel Squadron. "In Chinatown and throughout our city, it's time to recognize this important holiday...I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly act."

"New York City is proud to be one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and it is crucial that we honor and support that diversity," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. "We must send the message that we value people of all backgrounds, all religions and all cultures."

"So many of my constituents, as well as children across our city, celebrate Lunar New Year," said Assemblyman Ron Kim. "They should not have to be marked absent for spending time with family and friends on a day of such great significance."

"As the fastest growing group in this city, Asian Americans not only contribute to the economic growth of this nation but also add tremendous value to American culture as well. It is time for our city to recognize and honor the wonderful", he added.

Silver, Squadron and Kim made the announcement at the headquarters of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Manhattan's Chinatown, just blocks from P.S. 130 public school and several other schools with large Asian American student populations.

State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have been working for five years to make Chinese Lunar New Year a recognized school holiday. The push to allow districts to take off for the Lunar New Year comes a day ahead of the holiday.

In New York, this special occasion will be celebrated by a variety of festivals, parades, and joyful gatherings to usher in the Year of the Horse.

Schools in areas that have a high number of Asian American residents, such as Chinatown in Manhattan and Flushing in Queens, report large numbers of absences on Lunar New Year.

At P.S. 130 public school on Baxter Street in Manhattan, school officials reported absentee rates of up to 80 percent on previous Lunar New Year holidays. At P.S. 124, on Division Street, absentee rates have been 50 percent.

Approximately one in six New York City public school students are Asian American. Currently, students who celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday receive an "excused" absence, meaning they miss a full day of classes and have the absence marked on their record.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday offered his best wishes to those who celebrate.

"Today, families and friends across the state will gather to celebrate the eve of a momentous holiday in the Asian community. January 31st marks the arrival of the Lunar New Year when we will welcome the Year of the Horse," Cuomo said in a statement.

"During this joyous celebration, members of New York's large and vibrant Asian community will take the opportunity to pay respect to their elders and ancestors, spend time with family, give thanks, and look forward to a new year filled with luck, happiness and prosperity. My best wishes to all of those celebrating the Lunar New Year for a peaceful, healthy and successful new year."

The Lunar New Year, better known as the Spring Festival in China, is the most important traditional holiday, highlighting family reunions and renewal of seasons.