Designates the state office building at 55 Hanson Place in Brooklyn, New York as the "Shirley Chisholm State Office Building"

17 Co-sponsors

• Eric Adams
• Ruben Diaz
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Pedro Espada Jr.
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Shirley L. Huntley
• Carl Kruger
• Kevin S. Parker
• Bill Perkins
• John L. Sampson
• Diane J. Savino
• Eric T. Schneiderman
• José M. Serrano
• Daniel L. Squadron
• Toby Ann Stavisky
• Andrea Stewart-Cousins
• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act to amend the public buildings law, in relation to designating the state office building at 55 Hanson Place in Brooklyn, New York as the "Shirley Chisholm State Office Building"

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to commemorate the outstanding public service career of Shirley Chisholm, a former state assembly member and the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress. In recognition of her commitment to public service, the State Office Building in Brooklyn should be renamed in her honor.

Summary of specific provisions

The public buildings law is amended by adding a new section 2-c to read as follows:

2-C. State office building to be designated as known as the "Shirley Chisholm State Office Building." The state office building at 55 Hanson Place in Brooklyn, New York shall be designated and hereinafter known as the "Shirley Chisholm State Office Building."

Justification

Shirley Chisholm was a remarkable public figure who inspired countless individuals throughout the state and across the nation to pursue a career in public service.

Shirley Chisholm began her career in the New York State Assembly in 1965 representing the Bedford Stuyvesant community in the legislature. During her two terms in the Assembly, Chisholm authored key legislation, including the development of the Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge program (SEEK). This program provides financial assistance to needy college students throughout New York State.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress. Representing Brooklyn's 12th congressional District for seven terms, Chisholm was widely considered an expert on child welfare and early education. She was an advocate for an increase in the minimum wage, federal funding for day care services and the passage of a comprehensive childcare bill. Chisholm also obtained various federal grants for business ventures in Brooklyn that spurred economic development in economically challenged communities, and helped found the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969.

In 1972, Chisholm again made history by becoming the first African American woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. She conducted her campaign under the theme "catalyst for change," and secured over 150 first ballot votes during the Democratic National Convention.

The Kings County State Office Building, located at 55 Hanson Place, is home to some of the most important state agencies in New York. These agencies include the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Labor, the Department of Human Rights, the Department of Housing and Community Renewal, and the Department of Education. For the reasons set forth above, it is appropriate that we designate the building at 55 Hanson Place in Brooklyn as the Shirley Chisholm State Office Building.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications for state & local governments

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.