Gaveled in 3:09 PM · Albany, New York · 2013–14 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
March 12, 2013
3:09 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR DIANE SAVINO, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Senate will please come to order.
I ask all those present to please rise with me and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Today's invocation will be delivered by Pastor Eduardo Cordova, of Iglesia Evangelica Garifuna in Brooklyn.
PASTOR CORDOVA:Let's remain standing and pray to the Almighty God.
Heavenly Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come. Father, we have come to this moment to this house, giving You the praise and honor due to Your name because You are the wonderful Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father.
Gracious Lord, we know everyone here this evening are part of Your kingdom, instituting the government of this world. We pray, representing all of these Senators and legislators, all of those that have been appointed to serve You in this community, that the purpose of God may be accomplished in each one of them.
We pray, Father, that might we flourish in the land of the brave, that we might continue to enjoy prosperity and peace throughout the land of America.
Gracious God, bless the efforts of those that are here. Bless everyone, bless again all the people. And may this very evening, Father, be memorable throughout our life, that we remember we were here to see and hear ourself how the government is run.
Right now we commit ourselves unto Your hands, unto Your sheltering hands, that everything that we do, say, or think might be for Your glory and Your honor, because You are deserving praise.
{Invocation in Garifuna.}
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
(Applause from gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, March 11th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, March 10th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO: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, Madam President.
Could we please adopt the Resolution Calendar with the exception of Resolutions 764, 779, and 790.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:All in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar with the exception of Resolutions 764, 779, and 790 signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
I believe there's a resolution by Senator Stewart-Cousins, Number 779, at the desk. I ask that the resolution be read in its entirety and move for its immediate adoption.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 779, by Senator Stewart-Cousins, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2013 as Women's History Month in the State of New York
"WHEREAS, March is Women's History Month; and
"WHEREAS, March 8th is International Women's Day; and
"WHEREAS, Each year New York State officially sets aside time to recognize the unique contributions that women have made to New York and its society; and
"WHEREAS, New York State has a distinguished history of monumental achievements in the area of women's rights; and
"WHEREAS, In 1826, New York State opened one of the first public high schools for girls, resulting in a future for women in which they were no longer confined to the home, a future in which they were educated and able to use this education to better their social and economic status; and
"WHEREAS, In 1848 in New York, the first women's rights convention was held at Seneca Falls to secure for all women the right to vote; and
"WHEREAS, In 1903, The Women's Trade Union League of New York was formed to represent working women, later becoming the nucleus for the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union; and
"WHEREAS, In 1918, one year after New York guaranteed women the right to vote in all elections, the first two women, Ida Sammis and Mary Lilly, were elected to the New York State Legislature; and
"WHEREAS, In 1967, Muriel Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, opening the door for women to gain positions of greater economic power; and
"WHEREAS, In 1970, New York City was the site of the first Women's Strike for Equality, in which 50,000 people marched for equal rights; and
"WHEREAS, In 1968, New York State Assemblywoman Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman elected to Congress, and in 1972, she ran for President of the United States, another first for black women; and
"WHEREAS, In 1983, New York State women legislators established the Legislative Women's Caucus to improve the participation of women in all areas of government, support issues that benefit women and provide a network of support for women in the State Legislature; and
"WHEREAS, New York has been the home of many extraordinary women who have led society to a better future. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony led the campaign for women's suffrage; Sojourner Truth spoke out for the abolition of slavery and for suffrage for women; suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt became the first president of the League of Women Voters; Emma Willard opened the first endowed institution for the education of women; Civil War surgeon Dr. Mary E. Walker was the only woman ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; Harriet Tubman was an abolitionist who led slaves to freedom by way of the Underground Railroad. In the 19th century, Elizabeth Blackwell and Belva Lockwood were the first women in the fields of medicine and law; pioneer birth control educator and advocate Margaret Sanger established a research center in New York City; Emma Goldman founded the Free Speech League, which led to the American Civil Liberties Union; humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt served as United States Delegate to the United Nations; civil rights lawyer and New York State Senator Constance Baker Motley became the first black woman to sit on the U.S. District Court in New York; and so many more known and unknown women who championed rights and opportunity for all; and
"WHEREAS, New York State has hosted many conventions, campaigns and events of the women's rights movement, from the 1848 convention at Seneca Falls to the 1999 Berkshire Conference of Women Historians, which was held to improve the status of women in history and in the historical professions; and
"WHEREAS, Today, 47 women serve in the New York State Legislature, holding leadership positions in both houses and bringing the diverse experiences of women into law and public policy; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2013 as Women's 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 Legislative Women's Caucus of New York State."
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Krueger.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise to speak on behalf of this resolution today which commemorates Women's History Month -- March -- and International Women's Day, and to speak on what this resolution means to me.
This resolution that we just heard recounts some of the monumental achievements women have made in New York State's history -- achievements for our state, for our country, and our society as whole. And they have been monumental.
Some extraordinary women have blazed the trail for me, including my friend Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who's the first woman leader of any conference in the New York State Legislature, and for our fellow women legislators and all of New York's women.
But we have much left to do. Consider: This resolution recognizes the Women's Trade Union League of New York, formed in 1903, which became the nucleus of the International Ladies' Garment Worker's Union and helped advance the cause of fairness and economic justice at work. They blazed a trail.
This resolution also references the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, in which 50,000 people marched for equal rights. And yet women still make an average of 80 cents or less for every dollar earned by men in New York. The work's not done.
This resolution recognizes Muriel Siebert, the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, breaking through a crucial barrier and opening new opportunities for women to gain positions of power and responsibility in our business community. But women are still disproportionately represented in lower-wage jobs, and even today women still face harassment in the workplace, often without effective recourse under the laws of our state.
This resolution recognizes the women's suffrage movement in New York, and its leaders, as well as the election and service of Ida Sammis and Mary Lilly, the first two women elected to the New York State Legislature. But today, more than nine decades later, women make up less than a quarter of the State Legislature and less than 16 percent of the New York State Senate.
It is clear from the proud achievements and watershed moments recounted in this resolution that we in New York State have a heritage and a tradition of action and involvement in the march towards equality. But it's equally clear that we have more work to do. Women's History Month, International Women's Day, and other moments that we take to recognize these achievements aren't just about looking backward to what we've accomplished. They're about looking at our present and recognizing the extraordinary achievements we're commemorating today, that they are incomplete; our work is not done.
We still need to achieve pay equity for women and eliminate the unjustifiably wide wage gap in our society. We still need to end sexual harassment in all workplaces. We still need to strengthen human trafficking laws to protect the women who are disproportionately the victims of this horrible international trade. We still need to end family-status discrimination and source-of-income discrimination.
We still need to stop housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence. We still need to stop discrimination against pregnant women once and for all. We still need to strengthen our laws to protect victims of domestic violence, to assure that our courts and our police will be there to protect women and children from too disproportionate an impact of violence in their lives.
And we still need to protect women's rights to make decisions about their healthcare and their bodies by decisions made with their families and their physicians, not government deciding for them.
And so our society has made tremendous progress, and today in this house we are recognizing New York's major contributions to this progress. But hopefully today we also recognize, as our Governor, Andrew Cuomo has, that the work is not done. And when we have passed this budget, I hope we will turn our attention directly to enacting Governor Cuomo's women's equality agenda and getting that much closer to finishing the work set out for us.
Thank you very much, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you, Senator Krueger.
Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the resolution?
Seeing none, the question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
There's a previously adopted resolution by Senator Diaz, Number 713, at the desk. And I ask that we read it in its entirety and call on Senator Diaz.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 713, by Senator Diaz, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2013, to April 12, 2013, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the people and the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2013, to April 12, 2013, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that united the United States and the Garifuna countries; and
"WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illuminates Garifuna history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and
"WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of Saint Vincent; and
"WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island eventually intermarried with the Venezuelan Caribs and the Arawaks; and
"WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong and prosperous on the island; and
"WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against the British. Battles raged throughout Saint Vincent over the next year, with both sides enduring heavy losses; and
"WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the Garifuna and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and
"WHEREAS, The surviving Caribs were exiled to the neighboring island of Balliceaux; and
"WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, which arrived on April 12th of that year; and
"WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during the 1930s. Today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America; and
"WHEREAS, The nurturing and promotion of Garifuna pride is at the center of the Garifuna coalition's community organizing initiative, to create awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture and its contribution to the culture and society of New York; and
"WHEREAS, On May 18, 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the Garifuna language, dance and music as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'; and
"WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life and, through many events and activities throughout the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played and will continue to play in our society; and
"WHEREAS, In 1823, William Henry Brown, the first American playwright of African descent, wrote 'The Drama of King Shotaway,' recognized as the first black drama of the American theater, which has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs' (Garifuna's) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent against colonization by the British. Therefore, in its honor, the New York Garifuna community proudly launches the Garifuna-American Decennial 2013-2023; and
"WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as Sara Logan, Rosemary Ordonez Jenkins, Mirtha Colon, Eleanor Cecelia Castillo-Bullock, James Lovell, Rosita Alvarez, Carlos Gamboa, Paula Castillo, Martin Bermudez and Jose Francisco Avila continue to recognize and honor the cultural practices of their ancestors; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2013, to April 12, 2013, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York."
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Diaz.
SENATOR DIAZ:Thank you, Madam President.
Ladies and gentlemen, today is a very, very special day. Today I'm honored to be the sponsor of this resolution and the third annual celebration of Garifuna Heritage Month here in the New York State Senate.
Today, Madam President and ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored because I'm having the opportunity and the privilege granted to me by the distinguished leader of the Senate Majority, the Honorable Senator Dean Skelos, the Secretary of the Senate, Mr. Frank Patience, and the members of this body. They have allowed me to introduce this resolution.
And I am so honored and privileged to have many members joining me as cosponsors of such an important resolution. Even Assemblymember Marcos Crespo came all the way from the Assembly chamber to join us.
And I see Senator Rivera and I see Senator Serrano, of the six Hispanic Senators, here. I don't see the rest of them. But I appreciate their being here and joining me in welcoming the Garifuna community today.
Madam President and members of the Senate, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome the delegation of more than 100 members of the Garifuna community who are sitting up there in the gallery and up here on this side. Welcome to the Senate.
(Applause from the gallery.)
SENATOR DIAZ:This delegation is being presided by Mr. Jose Francisco Avila, president of the Garifuna Coalition USA; the Reverend Eduardo Cordova, pastor of the Iglesia Evangelica Garifuna, who gave the invocation; and the Reverend Luis Lorenzo and Reverend Joel Bauza.
(Applause from the gallery.)
SENATOR DIAZ:Ladies and gentlemen, it is important for you to know that the Garifuna community has been an integral part of New York City and especially of Bronx County for more than 80 years. The Garifunas have been coming to the United States of America in search of better lives since 1930. Their vitality, their talent, and their commitment constitute tremendous resources for our state and our city.
But, Madam President and ladies and gentlemen and my fellow Senators, you should know that it took a tragic incident, a fire, that took the lives of 87 people for the government institution to start paying attention to this great community. On March 25, 1990, a social club in the Bronx called the Happy Land was set on fire, causing the death of many people and inflicting tremendous pain and suffering to the rest of the Garifuna community throughout the State of New York and throughout the whole world.
Today, as the Senator representing the 32nd Senatorial District in Bronx County, it is an honor and a privilege for me to have this huge delegation of Garifuna joining us in the Senate chamber today.
In closing, Madam President, Mr. President, again I would like to thank Senator Dean Skelos and the Secretary of the Senate, Mr. Frank Patience, for allowing me this great honor of celebrating this historic event in the New York State Senate.
To my colleagues, members of the Senate and staff, I am inviting you to join us at the reception at 5:00, or when this finishes, in the Meeting Room 2 and 3 to celebrate the Garifuna Night.
And to the Garifuna delegation, thank you for accepting my invitation: "Buiti Achúluruni. Seremein Bini-noun búnguío."
(Cheers, applause from gallery.)
SENATOR DIAZ:Madam President, I am Senator Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.
(Laughter; cheers from gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you, Senator Diaz.
Senator Rivera on the resolution.
SENATOR RIVERA:Thank you, Madam President.
I will disappoint no one here when I do not try to speak the Garifuna language. So I don't have anything written down, so I apologize that I do not have a phrase ready for you.
But I will say this. I am very happy when Senator Diaz brings you folks up here. It has been three years since I have been in the Senate and three years since I have seen you come from my district, most of you, up here to Albany.
As I remind folks when they come and visit me in my office, it is very easy for us to forget when we are surrounded by all these beautiful buildings, when we are surrounded by folks who are always trying to pull us in different directions, sometimes we forget who it is that we work for.
So I am very happy every time that folks that live in my district who I see on a daily basis come up and remind us a little bit why we do this to begin with.
I am very, very proud to be representing so many folks in the Garifuna community. I believe that when we're talking about the greatness of New York State, certainly the greatness of New York City and the greatness of the Bronx, it is about diversity. So when I say that I represent the 33rd District, I can say I represent African-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Mexicans. And I also represent a big chunk of Garifuna.
You are always growing, and you will continue to be a very important part of who we are in the Bronx and who are as a state. So thank you for your addition to our wonderful borough, to our wonderful state.
And I really wish that I had a phrase that I would be able to say like "Garifuna pa'lante" or something.
(Cheers, applause from the gallery.)
SENATOR RIVERA:But since I don't, and I know some of you know a little Spanish: "Bienvenidos a Albany, Es un placer verlos y espero verlos pronto en el Bronx."
Thank you, Madam President.
(Applause from the gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you, Senator Rivera.
Senator Serrano on the resolution.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you.
I'd like to thank Senator Diaz for once again bringing the Garifuna community here to celebrate, for this Senate chamber to celebrate and recognize this growing community.
And I've been to an event that the Senator had in the district in the Bronx where there was a wonderful cultural celebration of the Garifuna community, the music and dance. And it really is something that everyone should know about.
The cultural contributions of this community, while it is an emerging community, the cultural contributions are already huge. And it is something that all of us should feel proud of. The diversity that we have in the Bronx and throughout this state really speaks testament to what the Garifuna community brings to the table.
So with that, I'll conclude and thank the Senator and congratulate the wonderful community for being here.
(Applause from the gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Espaillat on the resolution.
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I want to thank Senator Diaz. You know, the wonderful thing about Senator Diaz is that one really never knows who he is. Right? One day he's Puerto Rican --
(Laughter.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:-- today he's Garifuna.
(Laughter; cheers from the gallery.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:But I really believe, deep inside my heart, that he's from San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:So I want to thank Senator Diaz for bringing the Garifuna people here to Albany.
And we know of your rich history. And we know of your rich contributions to Honduras, but and also to the United States and particularly to the borough of the Bronx. And we know that you are great New Yorkers and that you will continue to bring great things to this great state. So I welcome you.
And, you know, just so Senator Diaz feels a little bit jealous today, because otherwise I will read about this in my BlackBerry: "Buiti guñoun."
(Applause, cheers from gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Adams on the resolution. Try and top that.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR ADAMS:I just want to again also add my voice to thanking Senator Diaz.
Each year he brings this rich culture to Albany, and it's just our way of saying that the State of New York has a welcome mat for all groups. This is your government as well, and we're proud to have you here.
Out of the 100 visitors from the Garifuna community, Vilma, who is from my district. We're happy to have you here. So it's not only the Bronx, the Brooklyn -- the Brooklyn welcomes you. The Brooklyn welcomes you.
(Applause from the gallery.)
SENATOR ADAMS:And no matter what the future holds in 2014, we're going to welcome you even more in the Borough of Brooklyn.
Thank you very much
(Applause from the gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Dilan on the resolution.
SENATOR DILAN:Thank you, Madam President. I just rise to congratulate Senator Diaz for him raising the consciousness level regarding your rich culture.
And I want to congratulate you. And I join Senator Adams in seeing you in Brooklyn soon. Thank you.
(Applause from the gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, before we continue -- and if there's other speakers, I want them to -- I have to make a very important announcement for a quarter of, because there's conference committee meetings and I need to announce them. And then we can come back.
So hold your enthusiasm, we're enjoying it, don't go away.
At 3:45, if you're a member of Public Protection, Criminal Justice or Judiciary, you'll be meeting in Hearing Room A. At 3:45, if you're on Environment, Agriculture or Housing, you'll be meeting in Hearing Room B. At 3:45, if you're on Higher Education, you'll be meeting in Hearing Room C.
At 4:45, Mental Hygiene in Hearing Room A. At 4:45, Transportation in Hearing Room B. At 4:45, Human Services and Labor in Hearing Room C.
Today at 5 o'clock, General Government/Local Assistance, Assembly Parlor.
At 11 a.m. tomorrow, Economic Development, Hearing Room A.; 11 a.m. tomorrow, Health in Hearing Room B.; 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, Education in Hearing Room C.
If you're not in the chamber, Rule 10 will work in your favor for your votes.
And I apologize, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Farley.
SENATOR FARLEY:Not to correct the deputy leader, but let me just say General Government will be meeting at 5 o'clock in the Assembly Parlor.
SENATOR LIBOUS:General Government will be meeting at 5 o'clock in the Assembly Parlor. I stand corrected.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Senator Squadron on the resolution.
SENATOR SQUADRON:Thank you, Madam President.
Look, New York City and the Bronx are the place people from all over world come for a new life and to be part of the greatest city on earth. And each one of you are part of that great tradition.
And this chamber is the place where Senator Diaz brings the world to be celebrated and have a little bit more fun than we normally do in the Legislature.
So to all of you, thank you for being such a great part of the New York City community. It's because of communities like the Garifuna community that we are as great a city as we are.
And Senator Diaz, thank you for making sure that nowhere in the state can we forget it is a state built on diversity, on our immigrant experience, and on the greatest food and dance and culture anywhere in the world.
So thank you all very much for being here. Thank you.
(Applause from gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the resolution?
Seeing none, this resolution was previously adopted on March 7, 2013.
And we would like to welcome citizens of the Garifuna community here today to the New York State Senate chamber. Welcome.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, I believe there's a resolution by Senator Stewart-Cousins, Number 790, at the desk. I ask that you could read it in its entirety and then move for its immediate adoption.
And we will then go to another resolution by Senator Stewart-Cousins, and then she will speak.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 790, by Senator Stewart-Cousins, congratulating the New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2013 National High School Cheerleading Championship.
(Applause from the galleries.)
THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and
"WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and
"WHEREAS, The New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Teams, the 'Dynamic Dozen,' captured the UCA National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, competing against hundreds of teams throughout the United States; and
"WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by these teams is due in great part to the efforts of Coaches Chrissy Stanionis and Elaina Edwards, skilled and inspirational mentors, respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and
"WHEREAS, The teams' overall records were exceptional, and the team members were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large; and
"WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the 2013 New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Teams, from the opening of the season to participation in the national championship competition, were an extraordinary combination of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of scholarship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and
"WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on their school; and
"WHEREAS, Coaches Chrissy Stanionis and Elaina Edwards have done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the cheerleaders toward their goals; and
"WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and Coaches Chrissy Stanionis and Elaina Edwards, and the 2013 New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Teams' outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the 2013 New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Teams, their members -- Varsity: Denitra Alexander, Ashley Codrington, Awa Dia, Ciera Ferrera, Taylor Giacco, Tye Gomez, Kaiya Harrell, Janay Key, Nadine Pabon, Courtney O'Connell, Alejandra Toro, Andrea Valencia, and Salina Webson; JV: Akira Allen, Kiemara Amos, Jillian Banks, Lauren Barry, Kharisma Black, Alicia Bruno, Cybill Charles, Alyssa Cimino, Dymond Crews, Saavedra Dessesaure, Erica Ferrara, Natice Jackson, Maria Jaramillo, Brandee Martin, Marissa Miceli, Kayla Morrow, Diana Perez, Tiffany Povia, Andrea Restrepro, Jessica Roberts, Essence Slater, and Adiya Tiabo -- Coaches Chrissy Stanionis and Elaina Edwards, and Assistant Coach EJ Vitez, on their outstanding season, overall team record and national championships; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the New Rochelle High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Teams; Coaches Elaina Edwards and Chrissy Stanionis; and Assistant Coach EJ Vitez."
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator Stewart-Cousins, Number 764. May we have it read in its entirety and, before we adopt it, please call on Leader Cousins.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 764, by Senator Stewart-Cousins, congratulating the New Rochelle Varsity Football Team and Coach Lou DiRienzo upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Class AA Championship."
"WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and
"WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this state, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and
"WHEREAS, The New Rochelle Huguenots captured their second New York State Class AA Football title by defeating Orchard Park by a score of 34-6 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, on November 24, 2012; and
"WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great part to the efforts of Coach Lou DiRienzo, a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and
"WHEREAS, The team, finishing the season with an impressive 11-1 record, were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large; and
"WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the New Rochelle Varsity Football Team, from the opening game of the season to participation in the championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of scholarship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and
"WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the team members have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on their school; and
"WHEREAS, Coach Lou DiRienzo has done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward their goals; and
"WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and Coach Lou DiRienzo and all of the outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the New Rochelle Varsity Football Team; its members: Keimon Barrow, Terrence Holden, Jason Ceneus, Wjhante Holden, Gavin Harley, Khalil Edney, Ahmad Encarnacion, Tajmir Anderson, Joseph Clarke, Jr., Nas Sinkfeld-Shelton, David Hudson, Max Diamond, Cameron White, Tyrique Rideau, Mario Pierre, Charlie Anthony, Jon Forrest, Conlan Thompson, Kyvon Campbell, Carmine Giordano, Marlon Riley, Amir Sharif, Tariq Leadbetter, Shayne Forbes, Bryce Davis, Edwyn Johnson, Brandon Trotta, Steven Noake, Enrique Valencia, Perri Chandler, Cory Holder, Kevin Darden, Will Clark, Ray Ganley, Anthony Williams, Charles Ortiz, Justin Douglas, Kyrel Stevenson, Vincent David, Ronak Kenia, Max Theobalds, Jasper Baskerville, Ryan Pryor, Demetrius Rodriquez and Jack Stern; Head Coach Lou DiRienzo; and Assistant Coaches Greg Foster, Rich Tassello, Keith Fagan, Brian Violante, Phil Spivack, Ray Rhett, Tom Drago, and Theo Washington on their outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the New Rochelle Varsity Football Team, Coach Lou DiRienzo, and the Assistant Coaches."
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Stewart-Cousins.
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise to congratulate some outstanding athletes and just extraordinary young people who grace our chambers today. You've heard two resolutions. I want you to be clear that it is because out of New Rochelle, which is called "the Queen City," in the chamber today we have the cheerleaders who are national champions -- this is the varsity and junior varsity.
Can you stand up, ladies?
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:This is the "Dynamic Dozen" who, again, competed against hundreds of teams. We've all seen or maybe seen "Bring It On" and all these extraordinary plays and shows, and we know what cheerleaders are like. But these are our national champions.
Thank you so much.
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:I'd love for them to do the "One New Ro" cheer. Can we let them just do "New Ro"?
SENATOR LIBOUS:Sure.
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Ladies, stand up. Stand up. No pompoms, just -- madam President, may they? Thank you.
Give us our "New Ro," please.
(Cheerleading teams chanted from the gallery; applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Perfect.
And you see how spontaneous they are and how excited they are. And you can imagine, without, you know, their pompoms or anything -- no space, I didn't bring them down here -- but you can imagine what they did on the national scene to win, win, to be number one in the nation in cheerleading.
So this brings us now to the people they cheer on. Gentlemen, will you please rise?
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Now, I am sorry that so many of my colleagues are involved in other things. Obviously, we have budget. But these are our state champions, Class AA. But there are a lot of people who would be in this chamber whose teams have met these young men. And they're all probably great players, but this football team, the Huguenots, number one for two years in a row. Two years in a row.
Now, they come from New Rochelle High School. And New Rochelle High School, you might know, is the home high school of a Super Bowl hero, Ray Rice. And you all watched the Ravens win the Super Bowl? He came out of New Rochelle High School.
And these gentlemen, who are accompanied by their coach, Lou DiRienzo -- Lou, will you wave? There's Lou.
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Lou, who will instills pride, who instills a sense of responsibility, teamwork.
They don't quit until they get the job done. They know it's not all about winning, it's about building character and being responsible. And yes, they are scholars, and yes, they do win. Most of them are on their way to college.
Also accompanying them is the athletic director, Steven Young.
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:And the assistant football coaches Greg Foster and Ray Rhett.
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Now, I didn't mention, because of the cheerleading -- I'm so sorry -- where is Chrissy Stanionis? Chrissy, who is the head cheerleading coach. She's here too.
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:I wanted to bring them here so that they could see us and we could see them. And to let them know that because you are national champions, because you are state champions, you represent all of us. And we are extremely proud of what you have done and what you continue to do. You are true leaders.
So thank you so much for coming. And I'd like all of you to sit down for a moment because I'd like Khalil to stay standing.
Here is Khalil. I had to give him a -- because this is a man who, like so many of them, you know, doesn't even stay in one lane. He's good in more than one lane. I don't know if you seen the viral video of the basketball game with New Rochelle against Mount Vernon. And there was a kid who had, I guess, sort of thought that Mount Vernon was going to win -- I'm sorry my Mount Vernon colleagues aren't here -- he thought Mount Vernon was going to win and kind of tossed up the ball in the last seconds. There was this young man, Khalil Edney, who grabbed what was supposed to be a throwaway ball and shot the basket from how many feet, 60? Sixty feet.
That video has gone viral with him sort of just saying, oh, well, why not? And it went in, and they won the game in the last seconds.
(Applause.)
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Thank you, Khalil.
So I thought it was extraordinary because not only is he great in football, but he does this too. And that's -- and that's, I think, what all of this represents and certainly what they represent. They stay with it, they win. And even in those last moments when you think you don't have any hope at all, you just try, you do your best. And every once in a while, miracles actually happen.
So again, thank you so much for coming up to visit our chambers. We are proud of you. Continued success. Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Latimer on the resolutions.
SENATOR LATIMER:Madam President, there's not much else to say after Senator Stewart-Cousins said it all. But I do want to associate my comments with her to praise the terrific young men and young women of New Rochelle who have achieved so much.
And as Khalil has said heard me say this before, I co-represent New Rochelle with Senator Stewart-Cousins, but I am a graduate of Mount Vernon High School. So he made me both happy and heartbroken with one shot.
Congratulations, Huguenots.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Marcellino on the resolution.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Madam President, on the resolution.
It's a pleasure to stand up and applaud and give accolades to young people who are doing the right thing and doing good things and representing their families and their communities with pride.
Too often we read in here and see in the media about young people getting into trouble, doing all kinds of things that they shouldn't be doing. But here we have a situation where the majority is finally speaking, where we hear about the majority of the young people in this country, in this state, and in this world who do the right thing -- who go to school, get an education, listen to their families, raise good families, become good citizens and become good people.
These are the kids we should be applauding. These are the kids we should be seeing on the front pages of the newspapers. Not the ones who get in trouble, but kids who do the right thing.
(Applause.)
SENATOR MARCELLINO:And make 60-foot shots, I like that one. That's fantastic. That's a symbol. That means I don't give up, I never quit.
And ladies and gentlemen, never, ever quit. You've got it in your heart, you can go in this great country as far as you want to go. You can be whatever you want to be. You are the only one who can limit yourself. So don't put any limits on yourself. Go as far as you can go and as far as you want. You'll be a pleasure to your parents.
And we're pleased and proud to have you here in the New York State Senate. God bless you all.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Are there any other Senators wishing to be heard on the resolution?
Seeing none, the question is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The resolution is adopted. Thank you, Senator Stewart-Cousins.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
Senator Stewart-Cousins, I just want you to know that the cheer was given with unanimous consent.
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.
SENATOR LIBOUS:At this time could you call on Senator DeFrancisco for the purposes of an announcement.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you, Madam President.
I just would like to welcome a group of nice young ladies, one of which is my granddaughter, and you can figure out which one. This is a group of Girl Scouts from Troop 1970 from Guilderland, New York, right around the corner.
And you see how well-behaved they are? They're just well-behaved. They're doing wonderful things. And they wanted to see how government works. And it's nice to see them be able to observe a functional government, and we're very proud of that as well.
So thank you, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you, Senator DeFrancisco.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco, did they bring cookies?
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: No, I have cookies up there.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
At this time could we have the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will proceed with the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 24, by Senator Maziarz, Senate Print 1111, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 48, by Senator Libous, Senate Print 2119, an act to amend Chapter 413 of the Laws of 2012.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 71, by Senator Libous, Senate Print 1910, an act to amend the Town Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 130, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 2942, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 10. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 132, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 283, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 7. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59. Nays, 1. Senator Montgomery recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 134, by Senator Fuschillo, Senate Print 745, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 136, by Senator Maziarz, Senate Print 1095, an act to amend the Highway Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 151, by Senator Young, Senate Print 2677, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 152, by Senator --
SENATOR LIBOUS:Lay it aside for the day, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The bill is laid aside for the day.
Senator Libous, that completes the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There is no further business -- oh. I recognize Senator Farley for an announcement.
SENATOR FARLEY:Madam President, I'd like to pay acknowledgment and tribute to one of the rising stars in this chamber. Today is a very important day for him. It's the birthday of Senator Andrew Lanza, right over here.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Happy birthday, Senator Lanza.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I don't know where you got the rising-star thing from, but happy birthday.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I already asked if there was any further business at the desk, and Senator Lanza's birthday was the further business, that's correct.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Right. There is no further business at the desk, Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:There being no further business, Madam President, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 13th, at 3:00 p.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There being no further business before the Senate, on motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 13th, at 3:00 p.m.
(Whereupon, at 4:05 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
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