Gaveled in 11:19 AM · Albany, New York · 2013–14 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
February 5, 2013
11:19 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR JOSEPH GRIFFO, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone present to please rise and join with me as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Today's invocation will be offered by the Reverend Peter G. Young, of the Mother Teresa Community here in Albany.
Father Young.
FATHER YOUNG:Thank you, Senator.
Let us pray.
As we gather in this prestigious Senate chamber, may we recall some historic memories of our past leadership.
We're proud of this 1881 chamber, the Romanesque style by Architect Richardson, with 32 Senators at that time presiding.
This seal above our dais, again it portrays the Hudson River, with two women of Justice and Liberty. Beneath their feet is the crown, symbolized as stamping out monarchy and tyranny.
May we honor the past in our prayer today and again pray that our Senators will now be blessed for their current membership and for their public service and for the good people of our New York State.
We ask You this in Your name now and forever. Amen.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Father Young.
The reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, February 4th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Friday, February 1st, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Leader Stewart-Cousins, and it's Number 375. Could we have it read in its entirety and then call on Senator Stewart-Cousins.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will read the resolution.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 375, by Senator Stewart-Cousins, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2013 as Black History Month in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, Black History Month, previously known as Negro History Week, was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and was first celebrated on February 1, 1926; since 1976, it has become a nationally recognized month-long celebration, held each year during the month of February to acknowledge and pay tribute to African-Americans neglected by both society and the history books; and
"WHEREAS, The month of February observes the rich and diverse heritage of our great state and nation; and
"WHEREAS, Black History Month seeks to emphasize black history is American history; and
"WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and victories of African-Americans throughout our country's history and to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of our democratic society in war and in peace; and
"WHEREAS, Some African-American pioneers whose many accomplishments, all which took place during the month of February, went unnoticed, as well as numerous symbolic events in February that deserve to be memorialized include: John Sweat Rock, a noted Boston lawyer who became the first African-American admitted to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court on February 1, 1865, and the first African-American to be received on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives; Jonathan Jasper Wright, the first African-American to hold a major judicial position, who was elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court on February 1, 1870; President Abraham Lincoln submits the proposed 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, to the states for ratification on February 1, 1865; civil rights protester Jimmie Lee Jackson dies from wounds inflicted during a protest on February 26, 1965, leading to the historic Selma, Alabama, civil rights demonstrations, including Bloody Sunday, in which 600 demonstrators, including Martin Luther King, Jr., were attacked by police; Autherine J. Lucy became the first African-American student to attend the University of Alabama on February 3, 1956; she was expelled three days later 'for her own safety' in response to threats from a mob; in 1992, Autherine Lucy Foster graduated from the university with a master's degree in education, the same day her daughter, Grazia Foster, graduated with a bachelor's degree in corporate finance; the Negro Baseball League was founded on February 3, 1920; Jack Johnson, the first African-American World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, won his first title on February 3, 1903; and Reginald F. Lewis, born on December 7, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1968, and was a partner in Murphy, Thorpes & Lewis, the first black law firm on Wall Street, and in 1989, he became president and CEO of TLC Beatrice International Food Company, the largest black-owned business in the United States; and
"WHEREAS, In recognition of the vast contributions of African-Americans, a joyful month-long celebration is held across New York State and across the United States with many commemorative events to honor and display the cultural heritage of African-Americans; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body commends the African-American community for preserving, for future generations, its centuries-old traditions that benefit us all and add to the color and beauty of the tapestry which is our American society; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2013 as Black History Month in the State of New York; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and to the events commemorating Black History Month throughout New York State."
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Stewart-Cousins.
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to speak on this resolution because it's so important. And as I speak, I'm speaking into a microphone that but for the invention of Dr. James West, an African-American, I might not be speaking into.
The beauty about Black History Month is it gives us an understanding of the contributions of African-Americans that we take for granted. We all take pictures under this big clock, and many don't know that it was Benjamin Banneker who created the clock, the first wooden clock in America.
As we drive up and down the highway and we see those refrigerated trucks, it was Frederick McKinley Jones who took refrigeration and put it into trucks so that our produce could get to its destination and be edible.
And when we talked about the billions of dollars of chips, potato chips that were consumed during the Super Bowl, few understand that it was George Crum, a man of African-American and Native descent right here in Saratoga, New York, who created the potato chip.
So we talk about a number of things, normally, about the African-American struggle and the understanding that African-American history is American history. But very often, in the picture of the endless struggle, we forget that even though there was struggle, even though there was extreme prejudice and discrimination and the fight to create an equal playing field for all people, certainly African-Americans, great strides were made in our history.
My mother had cataract surgery. If it had not been for the laser invention -- the first patent that an African-American woman got in the medical profession was about removing cataracts through laser technology. Who knew that?
Your closed-circuit TV set, the closed-circuit surveillance, it was African-American ingenuity that understood that we could use television to do surveillance in the 1960s. It could go and on.
And that's the purpose of African-American History Month, of Black History Month, to let people know that while the struggle has been perpetual and continues, that there is inventiveness, creativity, entrepreneurial successes in the African-American community.
And lastly, I would not want to forget that yesterday we celebrated the hundredth-year anniversary of Rosa Park's birth. And when we talk about the struggle, we cannot forget Rosa Parks, who was the first lady of the civil rights movement.
We all know the story that in 1955 -- or maybe we don't know it. But I will say that in 1955, a seamstress, Rosa, at 42, who was sitting in the section of the bus that was kind of designated as the section where African-Americans could sit -- we all know that African-Americans had to sit in the back of the bus with the Jim Crow laws, and white people were allowed in the front of the bus. And then there was a section of the bus that if these sections were filled up, either the white section or black, you could sit there.
And when a white person entered the bus and was standing, a white male was standing, they demanded Rosa give up her seat. And Rosa, who was tired from a hard day's work, did not give up her seat.
She understood on some level that this was an act of resistance, but she could not have understood that that act of resistance would launch the career of Dr. Martin Luther King and a civil rights movement that impacts every single one of us. It was part of our history that we must recognize.
In telling the story, we let people understand that in our lifetime, inequality was the law of the land. And it gives us, once again, tremendous responsibility in this chamber to make sure that equality is the law of the land and certainly to pay tribute to those great pioneers who taught us and showed us the way.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Stewart-Cousins.
The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
At this time I want to adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of --
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Libous, I think we'll make a note that Senator Stewart-Cousins has opened up this resolution.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I'm sorry, Mr. President. I'm so very sorry.
Senator Stewart-Cousins would like to open up the resolution to all the members. And as our policy goes, if you choose not to be on the resolution, please let the desk know. Otherwise, you will all be listed on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:So noted. Thank you, Senator Libous.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Okay. At this time may we please adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 422 and 426.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:On motion, all in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions Number 422 and 426, signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I believe there's a previously adopted resolution by Senator Golden, Number 243, at the desk. Could we have it read in its entirety and could you call on Senator Golden, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 243, by Senator Golden, commending Pietrosfight.org upon the occasion of hosting its Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser on March 7, 2013.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Pietrosfight.org upon the occasion of hosting its Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at El Caribe Country Club in Brooklyn, New York; and
"WHEREAS, Pietrosfight.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; and
"WHEREAS, This crucial organization was founded by Manni and Dayna Scarso in 2012, after they learned their 3-year-old son, Pietro, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; and
"WHEREAS, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common and lethal childhood genetic disorder in the world, affecting one in every 3,500 male births. Most patients are confined to a wheelchair by the time they are 12 years of age, and succumb to the disease in their late teens due to respiratory complications; and
"WHEREAS, Currently, there is no acceptable treatment or cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; and
"WHEREAS, Overcoming unimaginable adversity, Dayna and Manni Scarso were determined to save Pietro and the thousands of boys like him by establishing a foundation focused on searching for and funding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research that will ultimately cure this deadly disease; and
"WHEREAS, The funds raised by Pietrosfight.org help to support the most promising research programs aimed at treating and curing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; and
"WHEREAS, For the first time since the discovery of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, there is hope to find a cure for this destructive disease in time to save Pietro Scarso and many other boys and their families; and
"WHEREAS, Exhibiting the same indomitable spirit as his parents, Pietro Scarso looks beyond his own struggles and pain, focusing his energies on how he can help others. He recently received the No. 1 Sharer Award in his nursery school program because if someone falls, he is right there to wipe their tears and pick them up; and
"WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, state and national levels to support and protect our youth, our most precious resource, as well as their families; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Pietrosfight.org upon the occasion of hosting its Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser on March 7, 2013; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to urge the FDA to move expeditiously to approve new drugs in order to effectuate a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Manni and Dayna Scarso, Pietrosfight.org."
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Golden.
SENATOR GOLDEN:Thank you, Mr. President.
I am joined here today by the Scarso family. They're up here in the balcony, parents Dayna and Manni and their two sons, their two-year-old son Nico and Pietro.
And we're joined here today because there is a fight going on, a fight to save that boy's life. That boy was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common and lethal childhood genetic disorder in the world.
Our mission is to bring about awareness and to gain support for Pietro's fight, the fight to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, DMD. This disorder confines children to a wheelchair by the time they are 12 years of age and has proved to be fatal by the time they reach their late teens. To date, there is no acceptable treatment or cure for this disease.
In honor of this mission of love, to fight for a cure and bring about statewide awareness, I present this resolution pledging my support for Pietro's fight. We will not stop fighting for Pietro.
I proudly join as I partner in Pietro's fight. So to help Pietro and others who have been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, DMD, in New York City and state and in our nation, we must take steps to cure this terrible, terrible disorder.
The Scarso family is an amazing family and group. They have continued to work tirelessly. They have put money in the hands of those who have the best shot of finding a cure for DMD. And we will not stop fighting to aid them in their effort.
I have personally sent a letter to Dr. Russell Katz of the Food and Drug Administration, urging him to expedite their review of this investigational drug, eteplirsen. For this drug, ladies and gentlemen, has had two successful rounds. It is going into its last and final round. And if they're successful, that child has a chance.
So this resolution today is not just for that boy and for that family, but this resolution is for many boys just like that young boy, Pietro, so they have a chance to be able to grow up, grow up with their families, and live a good life.
I encourage everyone to visit www.Pietrosfight.org and get involved in this fight. We owe it to Pietro and to his wonderful family and friends. And it's time to urge all of my colleagues to stand in support of this resolution and to send their letters as well, and let them release this drug so that this drug can today be used to save these children. And let them continue their last study, but it's important that those drugs reach these children, especially with two successful trials. It's important for their lives.
Ladies and gentlemen, I applaud the Scarso family for their success and for being able to get the message out not just across our state but across this nation. Keep up the good work. We're going to stand with you, your family, and with Pietro. And may God bless you.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Golden, thank you. The resolution was previously adopted on January 24th of 2013.
We extend the greetings of the chamber to the Scarso family and extend our sincere best wishes for you and for Pietro.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, would you call on Senator Stewart-Cousins, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Stewart-Cousins.
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.
I just wanted to thank Senator Golden for presenting this resolution.
I probably am one of so many of us who also have someone like Pietro in their lives. And, you know, one thinks that it's just this family. In my case, it's Javier. And the same thing, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and fighting for the access to the therapies that will help Pietro, Javier, and all of them.
So I just wanted to stand and thank you for bringing recognition, Senator Golden. I'm sure you're not alone in knowing families like this who are just struggling on behalf of all of the young boys.
And just to let you know that we are fighting for your son and for so many so that no one will have to go through this again. And thank you so much for your courage.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Stewart-Cousins.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator Sampson, Number 422. May we have the resolution read in its entirety and then move for its immediate adoption.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 422, by Senator Sampson, mourning the death of Edward I. Koch, former New York City Mayor and esteemed public leader.
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, proudly representing the people of the State of New York, is moved to pause this day to recognize and pay tribute to the life and distinguished service of Edward I. Koch, the 105th Mayor of the great City of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch, who served three terms as Mayor of the City of New York, from January 1, 1978, until December 31, 1989, died on Friday, February 1, 2013, at the age of 88; and
"WHEREAS, This remarkable public leader and staunch supporter of Israel was well-known and admired for his whirlwind life as a television judge, radio talk-show host, author, law partner, newspaper columnist, movie reviewer, professor, commercial pitchman and politician; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch was a visionary who used his political acumen to bring his dreams to fruition and to blaze a trail wide enough for a generation of New Yorkers to follow; and
"WHEREAS, The son of Jewish immigrants, Louis and Joyce Silpe Koch, Edward I. Koch was born in Crotona Park East in the Bronx, New York City, on December 12, 1924. He left college to serve his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II, earning two battle stars in Europe as an infantryman, and was discharged in 1946 as a sergeant; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch received his law degree in 1948, from New York University, and was admitted to the New York State bar the following year. Over the next 20 years, he practiced law in New York City, becoming a founding partner of Koch, Lankenau, Schwartz & Kovner in 1963; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch was elected to the City Council in 1967, serving for two years prior to his election to the United States Congress in 1969, representing the East Side of Manhattan with distinction for years; and
"WHEREAS, An irrepressible icon, his 12-year mayoralty encompassed the fiscal austerity of the late 1970s and many other complex issues; and
"WHEREAS, Mayor Edward I. Koch is credited with leading the New York City government back from near bankruptcy in the 1970s to prosperity in the 1980s. He also began one of the city's most ambitious housing programs, which continued after he left office and eventually built or rehabilitated more than 200,000 housing units, revitalizing several neighborhoods; and
"WHEREAS, As Mayor, Edward I. Koch held down spending, restoring the city's creditworthiness, and began the restoration of much of the city's infrastructure, including its bridges and streets; and
"WHEREAS, Re-elected in 1981, Mayor Edward I. Koch markedly improved the city's finances during his second term in office. He hired workers back and restored many municipal services. In addition, he made plans for major housing programs, improvements in education, and efforts to reduce welfare dependency; and
"WHEREAS, In 1985, Edward I. Koch was elected to a third term as Mayor of the City of New York, during which his efforts enabled the city to get back into the bond markets, paving the road to recovery. The housing plan, based on dozens of city financing and ownership programs, became a notable and long-lasting success; and
"WHEREAS, By the end of the Koch administration, 3,000 apartments had been created in formerly vacant buildings, 13,000 more were under construction, and design work had begun on 20,000 more; and
"WHEREAS, After leaving office, Edward I. Koch presented forums on television and radio; he also authored numerous newspaper articles for The Post and The Daily News, and magazine articles for such periodicals as the Jewish World Review, as well as books; and
"WHEREAS, He became an adjunct professor at New York University, Brandeis University and Baruch College of the City University of New York, and gave lectures across the country; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch made regular appearances on WCBS-TV, had talk shows on Fox television and on WNEW and WABC radio, teamed with former Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato for a Bloomberg Radio program, and was a frequent commentator on the local news television station NY1; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch appeared, mostly as himself, in a score of movies, including 'The Muppets Take Manhattan' and 'The First Wives Club,' and in cameo roles on television shows, including 'Sex and the City'; he also made commercials for Coca-Cola, Snapple, FreshDirect and Ultra Slim-Fast; and
"WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was the star of 'Koch,' the documentary film by Neil Barsky that had its premiere at the Museum of Modern Art; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch became a partner in Robinson, Silverman, Pearce, Aronsohn & Berman, which in a 2002 merger became Bryan Cave, an international law firm and one of the largest real estate practices in New York; and
"WHEREAS, From 1997 to 1999, he was the judge on the nationally syndicated show 'The People's Court'; and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch continued to write books, a total of 17, including murder mysteries and commentaries on politics, rivals and other subjects. Most were a blend of his insights, experiences and observations, with co-authors providing the workaday prose. While in office, he produced Mayor (1984), Politics (1985) and His Eminence and Hizzoner (1989); and
"WHEREAS, Later came All The Best: Letters From A Feisty Mayor (1990), Ed Koch On Everything (1994), I'm Not Done Yet (2000) and Buzz: How To Create It and Win With It (2007); and
"WHEREAS, Edward I. Koch and his sister wrote a small volume, Eddie: Harold's Little Brother, a children's book that appeared in 2004; and
"WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Harold M. Koch, Edward I. Koch is survived by his sister, Pat Koch Thaler, a former dean at New York University; and
"WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive conviction, dedication and commitment shown by an individual for the benefit of his community and fellow man, such as that which has been demonstrated by Edward I. Koch throughout his purposeful life and distinguished career; his colorful character, his bold spirit, and his sharp wit will be missed by many; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Edward I. Koch, former New York City Mayor and esteemed public leader; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Pat Koch Thaler."
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I believe there's another resolution, by Senator Kennedy, Number 426, at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The resolution is at the desk.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, for whatever reason, I am ahead of myself today. It's not like I want to get out of here in a hurry or anything, because I enjoy being with all of my colleagues.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:So let me take a step back.
Senator Sampson would like to open his resolution up. And as the policy goes here, if someone does not want to be on the Koch resolution, please left the desk know. Otherwise, we will all be on the resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Sampson's resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you choose not to be resolution, indicate at the desk, please.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator Kennedy. It is Resolution Number 426. May we please have the title read, and I believe you would call on Senator Kennedy.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Libous.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 426, by Senator Kennedy, mourning the death of Patricia A. Parete, distinguished police office and devoted member of her community.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Kennedy.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you, Mr. President.
City of Buffalo Police Office Patty Parete was wounded in the line of duty on December 5, 2006. After a long and brave battle, Officer Parete died on February 2, 2013, this past Saturday.
Officer Parete and her partner, Carl Andolina, confronted an armed subject while responding to a 911 call about a fight at a convenience store. As they searched the subject, he produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both officers. Officer Parete suffered a spinal injury as a result of the shooting and became paralyzed from the neck down.
Patty, as she was known, was born on January 12, 1965. She became a member of the police department on January 25, 2001, at the age of 36.
As a police officer, Patty was known for her street smarts and was described by many as a fighter. We saw that fight over the course of the last six years, as she fought every single day to recover. Her bravery, coupled with her courageous work ethic, made the City of Buffalo a safer place to live, to work, and to raise a family.
Patty Parete took an oath to serve and to protect. It's an oath that is not taken lightly. It is an oath that she did not take lightly. Each day, members of law enforcement leave their entire worlds behind. They leave their homes, they leave their families, they leave their loved ones. They do so knowing that at any moment danger can be waiting for them around any corner, like the danger Patty and her partner Carl encountered on that tragic December night just over six years ago.
Patty knew this could happen. Every officer does. But she took that oath anyway. Patty Parete's death is a sad and sobering reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every single day protecting us.
The Buffalo Police Department is in mourning today, but they're not alone. We need to do all we can to assure them that, just as they stand by us every single day, today we stand by them in this dark moment of mourning.
Patty Parete and her brothers and sisters in law enforcement make our communities safer. They give their all to protect our families. In Officer Parete's case, she gave her life. She made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of Buffalo and the residents of New York State.
We remember her today, and we thank her and her family for her brave and courageous service. Rest in peace, Officer Patty Parete.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Kennedy.
Senator Gallivan.
SENATOR GALLIVAN:Thank you, Mr. President.
I too rise to honor the memory of Buffalo Police Officer Patty Parete.
It is a reminder, of course, of the dangerous of the job that our law enforcement officers face, of their commitment and sacrifice to keep our communities safer. We certainly owe them a debt of gratitude, and I thank Senator Kennedy and my colleagues for also standing to honor Patty today.
And I also ask my colleagues to keep this in mind as we move forward. We can best show our support by enacting meaningful legislation to keep our law enforcement officers safe and going a step further to keep our communities safe.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Grisanti.
SENATOR GRISANTI:Thank you, Mr. President.
I too would like to follow up on what Senator Kennedy and Senator Gallivan have talked about with regards to Patty Parete.
You know, I know that myself and my family, our deepest sympathies go out to her wonderful family, her partner and her many friends. And I know that we speak for the residents of Western New York in saying that all of our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very difficult time, their time of need.
It is a sad day, as Senator Kennedy has said, in Western New York and the state as a whole. Simply put, Officer Parete is a true symbol of bravery. She was a wonderful person who was a victim of a horrific and truly senseless act of violence, and her death reminds us of what a difficult and dangerous job law enforcement actually can be.
I also want to pass along my condolences to all her colleagues in the City of Buffalo Police Department, and to her family as well. And may God rest her soul.
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Maziarz.
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
I just want to rise and add my condolences to the Buffalo Police Department.
Patty Parete was an excellent police officer. I know that it's a very dangerous job. My daughter is a police officer, and I remember when she lived at home and she would, you know, go to work with her uniform on. You always think, you know, keep her safe this particular day.
Unfortunately, six years ago when that assailant fired that gun at Officer Parete and Officer Andolina, he took the life and made Patty live in a very horrendous way for the next six years until recently, when she passed away.
I attended a fundraiser on her behalf that was attended by thousands, literally thousands of people to show their support. And certainly I offer my sympathies to her colleagues, to her partner, and to her family.
And I think what Senator Gallivan said is something that we should all remember. What we can do, what we can do for Patty Parete and all the other officers that we have honored here in the line of duty that have been injured by an assailant, as Senator Gallivan alluded to, is to increase the criminal penalties for those individuals who would harm those members of law enforcement.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, Senator Kennedy would like to open that resolution up to all the members. If someone wishes not to be on the resolution, please let the desk know.
And then, Mr. President, we're going to do a moment of silence for the officer, but we have one other thing to do first, because we would like to honor two people at the same time.
If you could call on Senator Little. I believe on the Resolution Calendar today, Resolution Number 417 was passed earlier. If I could have the title read, and then if you could call on Senator Little.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The resolution, as stated by Senator Libous, of Senator Kennedy will be open for cosponsorship. If you choose not to, please notify the desk.
And we will now have the Secretary read and then recognize Senator Little. The Secretary will read the resolution.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 417, by Senator Little, mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Dain Venne of Port Henry, New York, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Little.
SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.
Once again, I would ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the death of one of our true American heroes, a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country.
Dain Venne, of Port Henry, New York, was a member of an Army reserve unit, was serving his third tour overseas between Iraq and Afghanistan. On that day in Afghanistan, he was killed.
He died on November 3rd, and his whole community has mourned the loss of this young man. He was a member of the volunteer fire department, he was an active athlete in Moriah Central School when he graduated, and his whole family has been a very, very important part of the Moriah community.
His father is Town Justice Brian Venne. His mother, Laura, is a teacher at Moriah Central School. And he's also survived by a brother and sister.
I would ask you to join me as we honor this young man and mourn his loss.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Little.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, could I ask the chamber to have a moment of silence for Officer Parete and Sergeant Venne.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:We would ask all members to rise and please reflect upon and commemorate the lives of Officer Patricia Parete and Staff Sergeant Dain Venne.
(Whereupon, the assemblage rose and respected a moment of silence.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Yes, Senator Libous, there is further business before the desk.
At this time we would like the chamber to please join us in extending very happy and best wishes to one of our own, Colonel Senator Larkin, on the celebration of his birthday today. We want to extend our best wishes.
(Standing ovation.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, there certainly was additional business at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:God bless you, Senator Larkin.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Have we cleared the further business?
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:We have. There is no further business, Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:There being no further business, I move that we adjourn until Monday, February 11th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Libous.
On motion, the Senate will stand adjourned until Monday, February 11th, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days being legislative days.
The Senate stands adjourned.
(Whereupon, at 11:59 a.m., the Senate adjourned.)