Gaveled in 12:01 PM · Albany, New York · 2001–02 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
January 3, 2001
12:01 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
LT. GOVERNOR MARY O. DONOHUE, President
STEVEN M. BOGGESS, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G STHE PRESIDENT:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone present to please rise and repeat with me the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
THE PRESIDENT:We are privileged today to have with us to give the invocation the Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.
BISHOP HUBBARD:Let us pray.
O faithful and eternal God, Lord of all history and source of all of our authority to direct and govern, we pray with the spirit of hope and expectation for Your blessing upon all gathered for this 2001 opening session of the New York State Senate.
In that spirit of renewed hope, we seek Your wisdom in the use of the talents and diverse gifts with which You have blessed each member of this body. In a world which is wounded by political upheaval, disunity, unrest, homelessness, violence, substance abuse, and afflictions in various forms, we need the courage and compassion to remedy these wrongs and to alleviate the sufferings of those oppressed and burdened by these indignities.
Aware of our human frailties and of the potential for weakening of our resourcefulness, we ask Your enduring guidance in all the determinations of this august body during this new year, so that its members may channel their considerable political skills in an unwavering concern for the common good.
For all this we pray, O caring God of all people, in Your sacred name, You who live and reign both now and forever and ever.
Amen.
THE PRESIDENT:The chair now hands down a message from the State Board of Elections, being the official certification of the duly elected members of the Senate, and directs that the same be filed.
So ordered.
I would like to ask if there are any Senators present who have not yet taken their oaths of office.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will call the roll to ascertain a quorum.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Alesi.
SENATOR ALESI:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Balboni.
SENATOR BALBONI:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Bonacic.
SENATOR BONACIC:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Breslin.
(No response.)
THE SECRETARY:Senator Brown.
SENATOR BROWN:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Connor.
SENATOR CONNOR:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Dollinger.
SENATOR DOLLINGER:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Duane.
(No response.)
THE SECRETARY:Senator Espada.
SENATOR ESPADA:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Farley.
SENATOR FARLEY:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Fuschillo.
SENATOR FUSCHILLO:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Gentile excused.
Senator Gonzalez.
(No response.)
THE SECRETARY:Senator Goodman.
SENATOR GOODMAN:Here.
(Extended applause.)
THE SECRETARY:Senator Hannon.
SENATOR HANNON:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Hassell-Thompson.
SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Hevesi.
(No response.)
THE SECRETARY:Senator Hoffmann.
SENATOR HOFFMANN:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Johnson.
SENATOR JOHNSON:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Kruger.
SENATOR KRUGER:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Kuhl.
SENATOR KUHL:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Lachman.
SENATOR LACHMAN:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Lack.
SENATOR LACK:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Larkin.
SENATOR LARKIN:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator LaValle.
SENATOR LAVALLE:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Leibell.
SENATOR LEIBELL:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Maltese.
SENATOR MALTESE:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Marchi excused.
Senator Markowitz.
SENATOR MARKOWITZ:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Maziarz.
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator McGee.
SENATOR McGEE: Present.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Meier.
SENATOR MEIER:Here.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Mendez.
SENATOR MENDEZ:Here.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bruno, a quorum is present.
SENATOR BRUNO:Thank you, Madam President. May we proceed?
THE PRESIDENT:We shall.
Majority Leader Bruno, Minority Leader Connor, members of the New York State Senate, welcome. And I wish all of you a happy and a healthy new year as we commence the 224th session of the New York State Legislature.
I continue to be honored and enthusiastic about my role, not only as Lieutenant Governor but as your presiding officer, working with all of you as well as our Governor to ensure that the citizens of New York State have the opportunities here to be their best and that we offer them each and every one of those opportunities in the Empire State.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:As elected officials, this is our noble duty and challenge.
Let us commit now to join together, and in the final analysis above individual or partisan considerations, to build upon our existing partnership so that 2001 will be the most positive, productive year it can possibly be for the people of our state. That is our most important consideration.
Thank you.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:The chair hands down a communication from the Governor.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:"Dear Madam President, I would appreciate the privilege of appearing before your honorable bodies in joint session on January 3, 2001, at 1:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be convenient, to personally deliver my annual message to the Legislature.
"Sincerely, George E. Pataki."
THE PRESIDENT:To be filed in the Journal.
Senator Stafford.
SENATOR STAFFORD:Madam President, I hand up this privileged resolution and ask that the title be read.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Stafford, Senate Resolution Number 1, providing for the election of Joseph L. Bruno as Temporary President of the Senate for the years 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Paterson.
SENATOR PATERSON:Madam President, I hope at the desk you have an alternative resolution nominating Senator Martin Connor to act as the temporary president of this body for the next two years, 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Paterson, Senate Resolution Number 2, providing for the election of Martin Connor as Temporary President of the Senate for the years 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Paterson.
SENATOR PATERSON:Madam President, on the resolution.
It is my privilege to nominate at this time Senator Martin Connor to be the Temporary President of the Senate. This is Senator Connor's 24th year as a State Senator. He has served for six years, very admirably, as the Minority Leader of the Senate, and we think it's time for a change.
We think that Senator Connor would demonstrate the responsibility and the dedication that he has dedicated the last 23 years to, to the awesome task as serving as the Temporary President of the Senate.
We say this with no disrespect to the current Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Joseph L. Bruno, who has done an outstanding job. But there are probably other things he might need to devote his time to these days, so we thought that Senator Connor would be an admirable replacement.
Senator Connor's advocacy more than anything else has been responsible for legislation in the areas of gun control, in the areas of campaign finance, in the areas of housing advocacy, the rights of tenants, the rights of the homeless.
We have considerable effort and work on hate crimes legislation. We passed a hate crimes bill in the past couple of years with bipartisan support. But in the hours when no one was talking about this issue, it was Senator Connor, who as well as in health care and education, has been the one to spearhead a lot of the efforts.
Our economic policy of the state, the family values that all of us in the state champion -- the question sometimes is who advocated those issues when others would not. Or, as they say in Star Trek, who would go to areas that others will not go.
And so as we start the official new millennium in the last couple of days and we ask ourselves the question who can take us to the quality of life that we have not enjoyed previously for all people in the state - Asian, black, Hispanic, or white, upper, middle class or welfare recipients, tenants, cooperators, landlords, or even the homeless -- there's no one better, in my opinion, than Senator Martin Connor to do that.
And that's why I respectfully place his name in nomination at this time.
THE PRESIDENT:On the substitute resolution offered by Senator Paterson, all in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(Response of "Nay.")
THE PRESIDENT:The nays have it. The resolution is defeated.
Senator Stafford.
SENATOR STAFFORD:Madam President.
Your Excellency Bishop Hubbard, Madam President, colleagues, Happy New Year. Sometimes change is good. In this case, it is not.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR STAFFORD:No disrespect to anyone in the chamber or anyone anywhere.
But it is my privilege to speak on this resolution electing Joseph Louis Bruno Majority Leader -- and when you're as old as we are, you say Majority Leader and President Pro Tem; now we say Temporary President. But we're talking about our leader who we're electing here today, and he has been our leader.
As I've said earlier, Joe Bruno came to this chamber and he had had experience, experience in government, he'd been successful in the private sector. And like Charles Evans Hughes, who was Governor, Chief Justice -- Governor of this state, Chief Justice of the United States -- he was born in Glens Falls. Now, that alone would really make him eligible to be our leader.
But also, Madam President, we have to point out that we have in the past six years had such successes. We could go on and on about what has been done. We can talk about reducing taxes, economic development, criminal justice, turning our state around with Governor Pataki and our team. He's done the job.
Think of it. Think of it. When our Majority Leader took over and the Governor took over, this state had a $5 billion deficit. And it had had those deficits in the '90s, other than in '94. With the leadership of Senator Bruno, again calling for what had to be done and staying right on target, he's the one who led us and he's the one who should continue to lead us.
About this chamber. Now, Senator Bruno and I go way back, over four decades. Now, of course in four decades we were only in grade school. But I can say he had a lot to do with me coming to this chamber 35 years ago. And also, this chamber has never been administered or run better. From setting the time we're going to meet, and meeting, his tireless efforts have made us do a better job.
And, Madam President, as Theodore Roosevelt preached the doctrine of strenuous life, the life of toil, effort and labor, Joe Bruno has followed that doctrine. We are better here in this chamber and our state is better.
And so it is an honor for me to move the resolution electing Senator Joseph L. Bruno Majority Leader and Temporary President of our body. Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT:Thank you, Senator.
The question is now on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
And the chair states for the record that Senator Joseph L. Bruno has been elected Temporary President of the Senate for the years 2001 and 2002.
(Standing ovation.)
THE PRESIDENT:Please raise your right hand and repeat after me: I, Joseph L. Bruno -
SENATOR BRUNO:I, Joseph L. Bruno -
THE PRESIDENT:-- do solemnly swear -
SENATOR BRUNO:-- do solemnly swear -
THE PRESIDENT:-- that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States -
SENATOR BRUNO:-- that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States -
THE PRESIDENT:-- and the Constitution of the State of New York -
SENATOR BRUNO:-- and the Constitution of the State of New York -
THE PRESIDENT:-- and that I will faithfully discharge the duties -
SENATOR BRUNO:-- and that I will faithfully discharge the duties -
THE PRESIDENT:-- of the office of Temporary President of the Senate of the State of New York -
SENATOR BRUNO:-- of the office of Temporary President of the Senate of the State of New York -
THE PRESIDENT:-- to the best of my ability, so help me God.
SENATOR BRUNO:-- to the best of my ability, so help me God.
THE PRESIDENT:Congratulations.
(Extended applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:The chair now acknowledges that we have also received a communication from the Senate Democratic Conference that Senator Martin Connor was elected as the Minority Leader of the State Senate.
Senator Connor.
SENATOR CONNOR:Thank you, Madam President. And Happy New Year to you.
THE PRESIDENT:Thank you.
SENATOR CONNOR:And my heartfelt congratulations to my friend and colleague Senator Bruno.
I guess I have the distinction now of having lost the closest race in the Senate this year. I heard -- it sounded louder than six, but I think it was six votes.
May I first, if I may, introduce three new colleagues to us. One who is not so new, actually; one who we've known and many of us served with in the past who has now returned to take his place in the State Senate: Senator Pedro Espada, from the County of the Bronx, who is, as we know, experienced in community service, in government, and in business, and is also a graduate of Fordham. Which is a good thing, I'm told; right, Senator Breslin?
And so again, Madam President, if we could extend a welcome to Senator Pedro Espada, Jr.
THE PRESIDENT:Welcome to the Senate.
(Applause.)
SENATOR CONNOR:Madam President, moving to the other end of the state, we are privileged to have join us as a colleague someone who has served on the City Council of the City of Buffalo, someone who has experience in business and community service.
He has a Bachelor of Arts from Buffalo State. He has a certificate for senior governmental executives from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He was one of 45 people selected to participate in the charter class of Buffalo. He has been recognized nationally, actually, by Ebony Magazine in 1989 as one of the 30 leaders of the future in America.
And we are -- I'm happy to introduce to you all the Honorable Senator Byron Brown.
(Applause.)
SENATOR CONNOR:And, Madam President, joining us today, again increasing those all-important numbers of women among us, representing the Bronx and Westchester County, hailing from Mount Vernon, the city of Mount Vernon, Ruth Hassell-Thompson, who served on the City Council of Mount Vernon.
She has served as the Council President and Acting Mayor of Mount Vernon. She has a wide breadth of experience in business and in community service, in education, in health education.
And I think as we get to know her, we will see why the voters placed their faith in Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.
Senator.
(Applause.)
SENATOR CONNOR:Madam President, if I may just briefly remark, I'm delighted to be back here, as I'm sure all of you are who are here among our colleagues.
And let me say the time -- the election is over, thank God. Senator Goodman, it doesn't seem like it was over that long, I know. But the system worked, the voters recognized Senator Goodman's long service. And the fact is, it's time for government now.
And it's time -- and I think we began last year, actually, in this chamber to show the public that government can work, that people can cooperate, that there can be bipartisan sharing of ideas, bipartisan effort to produce results for the voters. I think that's very important. I think it's what the public wants.
I think the public appreciates vigorous elections. I think they appreciate vigorous, cooperative government when that time is over. It's now time to govern, as we launch this session. I know under the leadership of Senator Bruno, with the cooperation of all of our colleagues, we I hope will have a productive year on that basis.
Thank you, Madam President.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Thank you, Senator Connor.
Senator Bruno, for remarks.
SENATOR BRUNO:Thank you, Madam President.
And, Bishop Hubbard, thank you for that very appropriate and needed opening prayer. And Lieutenant Governor Donohue, for your very appropriate remarks.
And a special word of thanks to my friend and colleague Senator Stafford for his friendship. And we go back an awful lot of years. And I am reminded on a day like today that the first time I ever entered the Senate chamber, it was to visit Senator Stafford as the Young Republicans president of Warren County, which happens to be in the 45th Senatorial District.
And that was my introduction to Ron, when he was the youngest member in the New York State Senate. He is still the most energetic and, in spirit, youngest. Thank you, Ron, for your friendship and for your remarks.
And to Senator Connor, congratulations, and thank you for the way you conduct yourself here in this chamber.
And a special word of thanks to my colleagues who support me and allow me to continue in a leadership role. And I can tell you that when I think about what goes on in my life, that it's sometimes almost difficult for me to comprehend where we are and what we're doing. But thanks to you, I am allowed to do what I do and to continue in a leadership role of what really is the greatest and finest legislative body in the entire world.
And my daughter Susan and son Ken are here, and they are always there and extremely supportive, with my family, Joey and Katie and my wife, Bobbie. And I thank them certainly for their support, day and night and weekends.
You know, last year was a tough year. It was a very productive year. We in this chamber -- and, Senator Connor, you're right, we did a lot of things. We did a lot of things together.
When you talk about the effect that we in this chamber, partnering with Governor George Pataki, have had on the constituency of this state, all of us can be proud, really proud, to represent the constituency that sends us here.
And I can't help but think that when we worked hard and diligently last year, we then left here in June, having done the great things that we did on behalf of the people of this state, we then entered another season other than the legislative season. And it's known as running for office.
And we all ran. And we ran hard. And I can share with you that I don't believe that we have ever had stiffer competition. Sometimes what we felt was a little bit too competitive, and almost too personal.
But having gone to the constituency with our record, the constituency out there individually and collectively made a decision that this Majority is leading this state, partnering with our great governor, George Pataki, to improve the quality of life, partnering with a Minority to work together. And this constituency, in their great wisdom, saw fit to return each and every one of these Majority members to office. And the competition was tough, but we are here 36 strong.
(Applause.)
SENATOR BRUNO:And if you think about the ramifications of what was out there this past November, there was one individual that liked that political climate and that elective process so much that he continued it for another 42 days after election: Senator Goodman.
(Applause.)
SENATOR BRUNO:But his constituency made a wise choice, and he will build on all of the experiences that he brings to this house.
And I seriously want to say that we will debate, we will compete, and we understand our respective roles and we do the best that we can on behalf of our constituency and the parties that we represent and the roles that we play.
And I am just so thankful to each and every one of my members that they went out and did the things that they did that allow me to be here as the Majority Leader and allow Senator Connor, who does an admirable job as Minority Leader, to continue in that role. So thank you to the Majority, and thank you.
We are going to continue to debate. We're going to continue to close when it's appropriate and do the work on behalf of the people of this state. Party lines disappear now that the election is over, and now we all represent a constituency and we want to, each and every one of us, do it to the best of our ability.
And I can pledge with you, as the leader here in the Senate, that I will be as cooperative as I can be to help you fulfill the promises that you made and to fulfill what the people out there expect of you when they cast a vote on your behalf to bring you here.
So we're going to have a great year in 2001. We're going to partner with Governor George Pataki. We're going to work with the Assembly. And we're going to work -- when it's all said and done, when the debate is over -- and debate is part of the elective process -- we're going to close ranks and we're going to go forward and continue in 2001 to do all of the things that we know are important to the people in this state that all of us represent individually and that we represent collectively.
So thank you all, each and every one of you, for your support, and God bless each and every one of you. Thank you.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Madam President, I believe there's a resolution at the desk. I would ask that its title be read and move for its immediate adoption.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 3, that Steven M. Boggess, of Sand Lake, New York, be, and he hereby is elected Secretary of the Senate for the years 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
And the chair states for the record that Steven M. Boggess has been elected Secretary of the Senate for the years 2001 and 2002.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Please raise your right hand and repeat after me: I, Steven M. Boggess -
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:I, Steven M. Boggess -
THE PRESIDENT:-- do solemnly swear -
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:-- do solemnly swear -
THE PRESIDENT:-- that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States -
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:-- that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States -
THE PRESIDENT:-- and the Constitution of the State of New York -
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:-- and the Constitution of the State of New York -
THE PRESIDENT:-- and that I will faithfully discharge the duties -
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:And that I will faithfully discharge the duties -
THE PRESIDENT:-- of the office of Secretary of the New York State Senate -
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:-- of the office of Secretary of the New York State Senate -
THE PRESIDENT:-- to the best of my ability.
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BOGGESS:-- to the best of my ability.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Thank you, Madam President.
My congratulations to the Secretary of the Senate, Steve Boggess. Steve distinguishes himself by having survived 25 years of a relationship with me as a friend and as a constituent.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR BRUNO:I believe, Madam President, there is another resolution at the desk. I would ask that the title be read and move for its immediate adoption.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 4, that Catherine Kirkland be, and she hereby is elected the Official Stenographer of the Senate for the years 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:On the resolution, all in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
Congratulations, Ms. Kirkland.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Madam President, I believe there's another resolution at the desk. I would ask that the title be read and move for its immediate adoption.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 5, that William C. Martin be, and he hereby is elected Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate for the years 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:On the resolution, all in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
Congratulations, Mr. Martin.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Madam President, I believe there are several resolutions at the desk that I have sponsored. I would ask that their titles be read and move for their immediate adoption.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Concurrent Resolution Number 6, of the Senate and Assembly, providing for a joint assembly for the purpose of receiving a message from the Governor.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The concurrent resolution is adopted.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 7: "Resolved, That the President appoint a Committee of two to inform the Governor of the election of Joseph L. Bruno as Temporary President of the Senate for the years 2001-2002, and that the Senate is organized and ready to proceed with business and will meet with the Assembly in the Assembly Chamber at 1:00 p.m. to receive the Governor's message."
THE PRESIDENT:The question again is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
The chair hereby appoints Senators DeFrancisco and Hassell-Thompson to wait upon the Governor that the Senate is ready to proceed.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 8: "Resolved, That the President appoint a Committee of two to wait upon the Assembly and inform that body of the election of Joseph L. Bruno as Temporary President of the Senate for the years 2001-2002, and that the Senate is organized and ready to proceed with business and will meet jointly with the Assembly in the Assembly Chamber at 1:00 p.m. to receive the Governor's message."
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
And the chair hereby appoints Senators Wright and Brown to wait upon the Assembly that the Senate is ready to proceed.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 9, providing that the Rules for the Senate for the year 2000, as last amended, be adopted as the Rules of the Senate for the years 2001-2002.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Paterson.
SENATOR PATERSON:Madam President, on behalf of the Minority, we would reserve the right to amend the rules to the Senate for the years 2001 and 2002. They are the focal point of our organization, and we do have some suggestions and will inform the Majority duly that we are ready to discuss them.
THE PRESIDENT:The record will so reflect, Senator Paterson.
The question is on the resolution again. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno, Senate Resolution Number 10, providing for the hours of meeting by the Senate for the years 2001-2002: "Resolved, That unless otherwise ordered, the hours of meeting of the Senate shall be as follows: Mondays and Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m., Wednesdays and all other days at 11:00 a.m."
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
The Senate will come to order.
The chair recognizes Assemblymen Farrell and Flanagan.
ASSEMBLYMAN FLANAGAN:Madam President, the Speaker of the Assembly has been elected, the Assembly is organized, and we wait upon the Senate and the Governor for the delivery of the State of the State.
THE PRESIDENT:Thank you, Assemblyman.
(Applause.)
Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Madam President, at this time the Senate will proceed to the Assembly chamber to hear the message of the Governor, after which the Senate will stand adjourned until Monday, January 8th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days to be legislative days.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT:The Senate will now proceed to the Assembly chamber for the Governor's message, after which the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, January 8, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
The Senate is adjourned.
(Whereupon, at 12:45 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)