Gaveled in 4:02 PM · Albany, New York · 2013–14 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
March 25, 2014
4:02 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR CARL L. MARCELLINO, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO: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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Today we are honored to have Imam Muhammad Mashhud Iqbal, from the North Bronx Islamic Center, Inc., in the Bronx, to do the invocation.
IMAM IQBAL:Assalamu Alaikum Manittaba-al Huda and thanks to our respectful, distinguished guests and community leaders of the United States.
We also thank our organizers and coordinators, the brothers and sisters of this assembly.
To begin, I will recite some verses from the Holy Quran from Sura Hajj, Verses Number 77 and 78.
(Chanting in Arabic.) O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord, and do good deeds -- that you may succeed.
And also strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and he has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. {It is} the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before and in this that the Messenger be a witness over you, and you may be a witness over the people.
So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to the mighty Allah. He is your protector, and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
The month of March is very important for the Bangladeshi nation. This day is celebrated all over Bangladesh and also all over the world. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence on the 26th of March, 1971, after the long Liberation War in 1971.
This day is a memorial to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians who died for the Bangladesh Liberation War. We remember them and pray for them. This day is a national holiday in Bangladesh.
Thank you so much.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you.
Just a brief announcement before we go forward. If there are cellphones in the audience, would you please turn them off, turn them to vibrate or silent mode, whatever, so they don't ring and interrupt the session.
May we have the reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, March 24th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, March 23rd, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
We have the presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:On page 23, Senator Robach moves to discharge, from the Committee on Children and Families, Assembly Bill Number 7025 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 5847, Third Reading Calendar 287.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Substitution ordered.
We have 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.
On behalf of Senator Zeldin, on page 20 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 245, Senate Print 6682, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
On behalf of Senator Bonacic, on page 8 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 50, Senate Print 876, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
At this time may we please adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of the following resolutions: 4044, 4127, 4134, 4136, 4137, 4139, 4175 and 4177.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:All in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of the Resolutions 4044, 4127, 4134, 4136, 4137, 4139, 4175 and 4177, signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
On behalf of I believe Senator Stewart-Cousins, she has a resolution at the desk, Number 4136. Could we please read it in its entirety, and I believe the Senator would like to be called on.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4136, by Senator Stewart- Cousins, honoring United States Chess Master Joshua Colas for his outstanding national and international accomplishments in the realm of chess.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great state and nation; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor United States Chess Master Joshua Colas for his outstanding national and international accomplishments in the realm of chess; in December 2013 he won the National Scholastic Chess Championships in the 10th Grade Division in Orlando, Florida, capturing his sixth national title; and
"WHEREAS, The middle son of Guy and Yanick Colas, Joshua Colas is a sophomore at White Plains High School; he is currently the New York City and New York State Chess Champion; and
"WHEREAS, Joshua Colas became interested in chess at the age of seven when his father took him to the World Open chess tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and he saw many young children playing the game; he soon got involved with Chess-in-the-Schools; and
"WHEREAS, Joshua Colas participated in his first chess tournament in October 2005 where the second-grade student finished 10 out of 23; by the end of November 2006, he had completed his 100th recorded rated win; and
"WHEREAS, This impressive young man continued on his winning path; in December 2008 he led his elementary school team in winning the National Team Championship in the 5th Grade Division, and tied for first place in the K6 National Blitz Championships at Disney World; and
"WHEREAS, In March 2009, Joshua Colas went undefeated and won the Westchester County Chess Championship; he became a certified Chess Expert in May of the same year when his rating surpassed 2000; and
"WHEREAS, Joshua Colas's exceptional abilities led him to win the 2009 National Youth Championship in both the K9 section and the K12 Blitz section; since 2009, he has been named to the All-American Scholastic Chess Team annually; and
"WHEREAS, Joshua Colas became a certified Chess Master in December 2010, the youngest African-American Chess Master in history; and
"WHEREAS, Upon winning the prestigious 2012 Susan Polgar World Open in Chicago, Illinois, Joshua Colas was awarded a full scholarship to Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, the nation's top chess college; and
"WHEREAS, Joshua Colas has competed on the world stage, participating in chess tournaments in Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada, and representing the United States as part of Team USA in Greece, Brazil, and Slovenia; in 2013, he qualified for the 2013 World Youth Chess Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and
"WHEREAS, Joshua Colas's commitment to excellence is without parallel; awarded the title of Life Master by the United States Chess Federation in 2012, he is determined to become the first American-born black Chess Grandmaster before he graduates from college; and
"WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Joshua Colas now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers, coaches and parents; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor United States Chess Master Joshua Colas for his outstanding national and international accomplishments in the realm of chess, and to wish him continued success throughout his school years and beyond; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Joshua Colas."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Stewart-Cousins on the resolution.
SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Thank you, Mr. President.
It is certainly an honor for me to present to this chamber today one Joshua Colas, who's here. Joshua, would you stand up?
This is the youngest, as you heard in the resolution, the youngest African-American United States Chess Master. He happens to be a resident of the City of White Plains that I am proud, along with Senator Latimer, to represent.
Joshua started playing chess at 7. He's joined by his father, Guy, who is the one who introduced him to chess. And Joshua has taken the chess world by storm.
Now, he's been tutored and continues to be trained by Ray Ainsworth, who's a volunteer chess coordinator in the White Plains public school system. So it's important to know that this isn't some big chess program that's going on all over, but this is the work of his parents and this volunteer who has created our United States Chess Master.
He again, to reiterate, is the champion in New York City as well as the New York State High School Chess Champion. This is number one.
Now, he has a won six national championships, and he has played everywhere from Slovenia to Brazil, Dubai to Greece. And he has represented the United States as part of Team USA. He in 2013 was invited by the elite Garry Kasparov Master Chess Camp, where the former World Chess Champion analyzed several of Joshua's games. And at age 13, Joshua completed his 500th career tournament and was awarded the title of Life Master by the U.S. Chess Federation.
Joshua is also a normal kid. He likes to play basketball, he plays piano, he place video games. He inspires other youth. He does simultaneous chess simulations where he plays a bunch of people at the same time. Joshua can play without looking at the board. He is faster than most anyone you will ever meet.
And although you've heard that he's been given scholarship awards, and certainly from the premier chess college in the nation, Joshua is holding out for M.I.T. because he knows that if he says on his game, he will really achieve his goals.
I told Joshua that he's here because we're proud of him, because he's a role model, and because I'm hoping his time here in the Senate with this resolution will further convince M.I.T. that he is their man.
Joshua, we are proud of you. We wish you continued success. And we collectively as a state, as a country, can't wait to see your next move.
Congratulations.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Congratulations, Joshua, to your parents. We wish you the best. We wish you great success in the future.
Just wanted you to know, Joshua, when I played chess, I was the right tackle on the chess team in the school that I played in.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So we'll have to sit down and put a board down between us.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator Diaz, Number 4139. Could we have it read in its entirety and, Mr. President, I would guess that Senator Diaz might want to make a comment or two.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4139, by Senator Diaz, celebrating March 26, 2014, as Bangladesh Day.
"WHEREAS, March 26th is the national independence day of Bangladesh; this day is celebrated in Bangladesh and also all around the world in honor of its country's Declaration of Independence from Pakistan in the late hours of March 25, 1971, and the start of the Bangladesh Liberation War; and
"WHEREAS, This day is also a memorial to the deaths of thousands of students, civilians, political leaders, and unarmed Bengali people; the Bangladesh Liberation War started between West and East Pakistan; and
"WHEREAS, West Pakistan believed they were far superior to those in East Pakistan; they gave East Pakistan no privileges; they had a bad economy, and no rights; and
"WHEREAS, The first election in the history of Pakistan was held on december 7, 1970; there were 300 seats in the parliament; East Pakistan won 160 seats and West Pakistan won 81 seats; instead of handing over the power to the winning party, they imposed martial law on East Pakistan; and
"WHEREAS, East Pakistani leader Mr. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman urged the Bengali people to turn their homes into resisting forts; he said, 'Our struggle is for our freedom. Our struggle is for our independence'; this speech is what mainly inspired the nation to fight for freedom; and
"WHEREAS, The West Pakistani army sent a military plan known as Operation Searchlight; it was planned to curb the Bengali's movement by taking control of major cities and eliminating all opposition, political or military; and
"WHEREAS, At that time, Ziaur Rahman broadcasted a message that the Independent People's Republic of Bangladesh had been established; and
"WHEREAS, At this point, March 26, 1971, the Bangladesh Liberation War had broken out in the whole country; this was the day the Bengali people stood up to the Pakistani army; and
"WHEREAS, After a nine-month-long war, the Pakistani army finally surrendered unconditionally; many lives were lost, but Bangladesh, as a country, gained its freedom, its independence; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate Bangladesh Day."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Diaz on the resolution.
SENATOR DIAZ:Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, my colleagues, for giving me this opportunity.
You should know that today I take this opportunity to express my appreciation and thanks to the leaders of this chamber: the Honorable Senator Dean Skelos, the Honorable Senator Jeffrey Klein, and the Secretary of the Senate, Mr. Frank Patience, together with my leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins -- and to all of you, my colleagues, for granting me the opportunity to introduce this resolution today.
It is important for you to know that today this Puerto Rican is proud to be here representing and recognizing the Bangladesh community.
As you remember, two weeks ago, on Tuesday, March 11th of this year, I brought close to 100 Garifuna to celebrate Garifuna Heritage Month in these chambers.
And today, ladies and gentlemen, today this proud Puerto Rican from a town called Bayamón, with kinky hair and broken English, is proud to be able to sponsor this resolution celebrating Bangladesh Day for the third time here in this New York State Senate chamber.
As you can see, Mr. President and colleagues, today we are joined in the Senate gallery by members of the Bangladesh community from the City of New York -- look at them over there, how proud they feel today -- who came here to witness this special day.
Several members of the Bangladeshi delegation are joining us here in the chamber, and they are Mr. Ahbab Choqdhury, Mr. Nasir Uddin, Mr. Nazrul Haque, Mr. Noor Uddin, Mrs. Shamimara Begum, Mr. Abdul Hashim, Mr. Shabul Khan, and Imam Muhammad Mashhud Iqbal, who gave the invocation.
You all should know, ladies and gentlemen, that as the proclamation read, March 26th is the Bangladesh National Independence Day. This day is celebrated in Bangladesh and also around the world in honor of its country's Declaration of Independence from Pakistani.
You should also know, ladies and gentlemen, that it is important that today we commemorate and remember the thousands of people who lost their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War, a war that started on March 26, 1971. And that was the day that the Bengali people stood up to the Pakistani army.
It's also important to know that the first election in the history of Pakistani was held on December 7, 1970. December 7th, ladies and gentlemen, my friends, my colleagues, is a very important day not only for the Bangladesh community, but also in the history of the United States of America. And personally, Mr. President, December 7th is important to me and my family.
As I said, December 7th is a very important day for this reason. On December 7, 1941, the United States of America was attacked by the Imperial Forces of Japan at Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1954, my mother passed away. And on December 7, 1970, Pakistan held its first election.
Mr. President and ladies and gentlemen, on that Election Day there were 300 seats in the parliament. As the resolution reads, East Pakistan won 160 seats and West Pakistan won only 81 seats. But instead of handing over the power to the winning party, they imposed martial law on East Pakistan.
The leader of East Pakistani, Mr. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, urged the Bengali people to turn their homes into resisting forts. He inspired the nation to fight for freedom with the following words: "Our struggle is for our freedom. Our struggle is for our independence."
Mr. President and my friends, ladies and gentlemen, by March 26, 1971, the Bangladesh Liberation War had broken out throughout the whole country, and this was the day that the Bengali people stood up to the Pakistani army.
You must know that on this important occasion, Ziaur Rahman proclaimed to all the Bangladeshi people that the Independent People's Republic of Bangladesh had been established.
You should also know that after nine long months of war, the Pakistani army finally surrendered unconditionally. And though many lives were lost, Bangladesh as a country gained its freedom and independence. And that is why we are here today, to remember the suffering and sacrifice of their heroes and heroines.
To conclude, once again I want to acknowledge the delegation of Bangladesh with us today. I would like to express my appreciation to the Bangladesh community that came all the way to Albany. And today I say "As-salamu Alaikum! Dhanno-baad!"
(Response from gallery.)
SENATOR DIAZ:And to you, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow colleagues Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda and myself would like to invite you to a reception in honor of the Bangladesh community today at 5 p.m. in The Well.
Mr. President, I am State Senator Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Diaz. I wasn't quite sure.
Senator Peralta on the resolution.
SENATOR PERALTA:Thank you, Mr. President. I'm Senator Jose Peralta, and I approved this message.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR PERALTA:In the waning hours of March 25, 1971, Bangladesh declared itself a sovereign nation, forever independent from Pakistani rule.
Today we celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Bangladesh independence in honor of the sacrifice of the many thousands who lost their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
We also pay tribute to the invaluable contributions made by the Bangladeshis and the Bangladeshi-Americans to this state, this nation, and to the world all over. From politics and the economy to science and technology, Americans of Bangladeshi heritage have enriched our lives and our country. They have strengthened our neighborhoods and our economy through their valuable contributions and customs.
I'm extremely fortunate to have one of the world's largest and most active Bangladeshi communities outside of Bangladesh right in the heart of my district in Jackson Heights.
By way of this resolution, we extend our best wishes to our Bangladeshi-American friends throughout New York City and across the state in advance of this historic day.
Mr. President, would you help me welcome the Bangladeshis. And I too will be participating in today's Bangladeshi event day brought to you by What You Should Know Senator Diaz.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Peralta.
To members of the Bangladesh community, we welcome you to the chamber, we wish you the best, and we hope you have a great day in celebration of the 43rd anniversary of Bangladeshi freedom.
Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:All opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, could you call on Senator Maziarz for the purposes of an announcement, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Maziarz for the purposes of an announcement.
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Libous.
In keeping with the diversity of this great state and our Senate chamber here today, earlier today I held a forum to discuss issues related to peace and justice in the north of Ireland. I was proud to sponsor this forum with my friends from the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
I host two AOH divisions in my district, in Lockport and Niagara Falls. And in case you don't know, the AOH is the largest and oldest Irish organization in the United States, with more than 15,000 members just here in New York.
The issues we discussed this morning related specifically to ensuring that those people whose families had been victims of state-sponsored violence back in the 1970s and '80s in that part of the world receive proper recognition and reparation from the British government.
Today I am proud to be joined on the floor by three civil rights lawyers from Belfast that are fighting for peace and justice still today, and for unity in Ireland each and every day. My guests today are Kevin Winters, Niall Murphy, and Paul Pierce.
They have been leaders in the struggle for justice in the courts in Northern Ireland. Nothing is more important than a justice system that works for all of its citizens. I want to thank Kevin, Niall and Paul for being here today and for their good work on these important issues, and welcome them to the State Senate here today.
And I think as an additional point of pride for our diversity here that we respect so much in this body, we have Senators with names like O'Mara, Gallivan, Boyle, Kennedy, Hannon, Farley and O'Brien. And introducing these three Irish civil rights lawyers is a Polish guy from North Tonawanda.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR MAZIARZ:But gentlemen, thank you very much for all the work that you do. Thank you.
(Applause.)
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:And as an Italian State Senator from Long Island, we wish you well and Godspeed.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, before we go to Senator Little's resolution, I believe Senator Diaz wanted to open up his resolution.
And as the house custom goes, if members wish not to be on it, to let the desk know.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:It will be done. So ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I believe that there's a resolution by Senator Little, Number 4137, at the desk. I ask that it be read in its entirety and call on Senator Little for comments.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4137, by Senator Little, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2014 as the Month of the Military Child in the State of New York, in conjunction with the April 15th observance of Purple Up Day.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role models for their peers; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2014 as the Month of the Military Child in the State of New York, in conjunction with the April 15th observance of Purple Up Day; and
"WHEREAS, The Operation: Military Kids (OMK) partnership is a shared initiative of the United States Army Child, Youth & School (CYS) Services funded by the Army National Guard and Army Reserve to benefit children and youth impacted by deployment by connecting them with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being; and
"WHEREAS, This is achieved by increasing awareness of issues faced before, during and after deployment through education; and by creating a network of services and resources available locally for affected military children; and
"WHEREAS, New York State is home to three Active Duty Army installations, Fort Drum, West Point, and Fort Hamilton; Fort Drum houses the 10th Mountain Division with five brigades (19,000 soldiers) and is the most deployed Army division in the nation; and
"WHEREAS, In addition, there are over 15,000 geographically dispersed National Guard and Reserve Soldiers and nearly 43,000 military children living in New York, not on military installations; consequently, the need to provide these geographically dispersed Military Families with meaningful, comprehensive and effective family readiness and care has been identified and is the primary mission of OMK; and
"WHEREAS, Military children make up a very special part of our nation's population; although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents through moves and deployments; to honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child in the United States; and
"WHEREAS, During April's Month of the Military Child, the Defense Department recognizes the support provided by and sacrifices made by military children; and
"WHEREAS, Since 1983, DOD has recognized military children for the support they provide to their families; there are now 1.8 million children in the military system; military children, youth and teens are an integral part of their military parent because they stand by them, they are proud of them, they recognize their sacrifices, and they take on additional responsibilities to meet the needs of their families; and
"WHEREAS, In April the United States Armed Forces proudly celebrates the Month of the Military Child, a month-long celebration thanking military children for their service and recognizing them for their strength, sacrifices, and hardships they face daily; and
"WHEREAS, Purple is the color which symbolizes all branches of the military; when combined, Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue, make purple, consequently, April 15th has been adopted as 'Purple Up Day'; and
"WHEREAS, Military children exemplify the potential inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; they have brought enduring honor to their families and their communities through their many achievements; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2014 as the Month of the Military Child in the State of New York, in conjunction with the April 15th observance of Purple Up Day; 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 MARCELLINO:Senator Little on the resolution.
SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.
It's truly my honor to bring this important resolution to the Senate floor honoring April as the Month of the Military Child.
Since 1986, we have separated one month and honored these children with the Month of the Military Child because it was a time to acknowledge the sacrifices of military children and to create awareness of the need for programs and services that support them, and to thank them for their strength and their adaptability.
As the mother of an active-duty Navy captain, I've come to understand the uniqueness of military life, the stresses of relocation and deployment, the constant watching of the world wondering where your next duty may call you to.
My son David was recently promoted, and he and his family just moved from Colorado to Virginia Beach. My three grandchildren are once again adjusting to new teachers, new school, new friends, new sports activities, and trying to stay involved and get used to the new surroundings.
And despite having made this kind of transition four times, it is a challenge. Actually, Matthew, at 7 years old when they moved to Japan, entered his fifth school as a second-grader.
Last week we celebrated Fort Drum Day here at the Capitol, and many of the men and women we saw in uniform are also moms and dads who have been deployed, some of them multiple times, or will be deploying in the future.
Ten or 20 years ago you wouldn't have seen moms being deployed in the military and leaving their families for six months or a year. But today, for military moms that's actually the norm. And while they're away focusing on the mission, the best we can do is help them have peace of mind that their loved ones back home are being taken care of and truly looked after.
Last week we paused and we thanked those soldiers for their dedication and sacrifice. Today we pause to thank military family children for their strength, their sacrifice, and I might add their true resilience to make these changes and the moves that they have to put up with.
Many of these children have known only the post-9/11 wartime, and the impact of more than a decade of war has been profound on them and their families. We all can understand their psychological toll.
Support for our military is important, and this body has been number-one in supporting our military. But this upcoming month asks to us look a little bit deeper and recognize the importance of supporting those most important to our servicemen and -women so that when they are away, they know their children are having the support, the programs and the care that they deserve.
Many of the boys and girls that are joining us today in the gallery are from Fort Drum. I direct your attention to them up in the gallery. And it's interesting because, just yesterday, many soldiers at Fort Drum left for deployment.
So it's very timely that we are here recognizing the more than 43,000 children in New York State, children of military families and, most of all, here to say thank you, we would like to help you and do whatever we can to support you as you endure the changes and the moves and the deployments of your parents and being a child in the military.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Larkin.
SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you, Mr. President.
When I first saw the resolution proposed by Senator Little, I sat back for a minute and I said "the military child." I have three of them. My oldest one, very proud to be a military child. But she said, "It was not a life I would choose for my own family."
My oldest daughter come home bound -- excuse me, Mr. President. She come home like a lot of others did, came to the States, was born on September 10, 1952. A pretty elderly young lady, Betty, isn't she?
Eighteen months later she was staying home in Troy, New York, with her mother while her father went to command a company in Germany. Took them nine months to get passage to come over and join Dad.
This is one of the big things with military families, as Betty said. They have to be prepared. And you know, it's a hard task on children. But you know, you look at some of them come back to school -- I know the schools my children went to, people would say, "We love to see the military families, because the experience they have, the normal students don't get an opportunity."
But just think about it. In 12 years a young lady has lived in 14 homes, has been across the pond three times, has lived in eight states. And then they're called Army brats.
Am I right up there?
(Laughter from gallery.)
SENATOR LARKIN:Right? I didn't hear that.
(Responses of "Yes" from gallery.)
SENATOR LARKIN:See?
Most people call them Army brats because they're just a group of young people in our society who sometimes are not appreciated. They're sitting there at home, many of them worrying: Where's Dad? Where's Mom? When is Dad coming home? Mom, is he okay?
And the strain on these young kids, you have to understand, it's tough. You don't think so, gather up to Betty or Patty, who deal regularly with this, and they'll be able to tell you what it is like today.
I've been retired for a long time, but I live next to West Point. And I see young kids there, and they say: He's going away again, what am I going to do?
We need to sit back and think of military families. Military families, starting right with the children, they care about their own family. They worry about their family, where they're going, what they're going to do. It's a tough life.
Sometimes they have little incidents that make them very proud of their father. I can cite one. When President Kennedy came to Europe in 1963, they took a lot of the children in grades 5 to 9. They were lined up about it. We were walking -- the President wanted to visit some of the youngsters. One of them he stopped at was my 12-year-old daughter.
And the President said: "And what are you doing here today?" And Janet, bright as can be, said, "We're doing a history thing, and we're going to find out about you and what you're doing here." That was great.
He turned around to my son and said, "And what are you doing here?" He said the same thing. "And who's taking care of you? Where's mother?" "Mother's taking care of Patty." "Where's your father?" "Mr. President, my dad is right behind you." He turns around and he said, "You don't have a camera, of all times."
But those kids remember incidents like that, of a joy of what they did, how they progressed in life as a child in the military.
Military children are a blessing to all of us. The sacrifices many of them go through, especially today, with the constant changeover and constant into battles, is something that they'll carry with them all their life.
I ask you to say a prayer tonight for those young kids, because they too one day will be the leaders of our country.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Larkin.
Ladies and gentlemen, to our military children, welcome. Before I do that, Senator Ritchie. She outranks me.
Senator Ritchie.
SENATOR RITCHIE:I'd just like to welcome you here today. I want to thank your parents for their service, but I also want to thank you for your support and your sacrifice.
You know, yesterday I spoke on the point of being at a deployment ceremony at Fort Drum and how difficult it was for me to watch the soldiers get ready to leave. And I can't imagine how difficult it is for all you of you to see your mother or your father going away for many months -- and the fact that many of you have to kind of fill in the spot and make sure that your brothers or your sisters or your remaining parent have the support they need.
So I just want to say we're thrilled to have you here today. Thank you for your service, your family sacrifice.
And, you know, when I was speaking to a teacher from Carthage, the fact that they told me that 75 percent of the students in their class are different at the beginning of the year than they are at the end of the year. That kind of tells it all, that all of you have to move and go when your parent is relocated. And that's got to be pretty tough, too.
So I just want to say welcome to the Capitol today. And once again, thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for supporting your parents when they're protecting our country. And along with what Senator Larkin said, we'll say a prayer for you and say a prayer for your parents.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Ritchie.
Boys and girls, parents in the audience, what she said. Congratulations. Welcome to the house. Safe home.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, thank you.
I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator Griffo. It is Number 4134. Could we please have the title read, and I would ask you to call on Senator Griffo for some comments.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4134, by Senator Griffo, congratulating the Mohawk Valley-New York State Women's 3-on-3 Basketball Team upon the occasion of winning a Bronze Medal at the National Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Griffo on the resolution.
SENATOR GRIFFO:Thank you, Mr. President.
It's really a pleasure for me today to be able to host an outstanding group of ladies who I had the opportunity to meet earlier today.
It is March Madness, and the brackets are out there. And perhaps, Senator DeFrancisco, if some of these ladies were on the court with Coach Boeheim we would have had a better result.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR GRIFFO:I think this is very important because these individuals come from a variety of career paths. They are really fascinating talent, phenomenal personalities, and they have some extraordinary stories.
What they have participated in is called the National Senior Games. We here still in the State of New York have the Empire Senior Games. Now these fine ladies -- I call them young ladies, because even though they've qualified for the senior games, they are really extraordinary, talented individuals, athletically and in many other ways in which they have contributed to their community.
They hail from a variety of locations across my district and Senator Valesky's and Senator Seward's. They come from a variety of professions. They are involved in interscholastic and collegiate coaching, athletic directors, in the healthcare industry, all of them continually working hard to make our community a better place.
I think that they have motivated young people through their leadership that they have inspired by their example, and they are truly role models in service to not only the sports where they have competed, but in other contributions and services throughout our region and our community.
The National Senior Games really has an objective of promoting healthy and active lifestyles for adults through education, through fitness, through sports. So it's a great opportunity really to show young people and to really be an example to all of us of a healthy lifestyle, of staying active regardless of how we age and where we are in life. But we can all still continue to do what is right for our ourselves, and as a result we can be a great role model for children and others in our community.
They won the Bronze Medal in the National Senior Games in Cleveland. They are wearing their Bronze Medals. I know we have a lot of Olympians here.
They may be good in your corner, too, Senator DeFrancisco, because he's going to be in an exhibition very shortly. Well, you always talk about athletic prowess, and we have that in the room today.
So I want to welcome Andrea Dziekan, I want to welcome Karen Poole, I want to welcome Linda Ptak, I want to welcome Crystal Bass and Meg Cullinan, who is with us today. All of you, if you'd please stand.
Congratulations on that outstanding accomplishment and winning the national Bronze Medal in the 3-on-3 basketball games held in Cleveland. We're also proud of what you did here in New York State at the Empire Senior Games.
But most importantly, we thank you for being such great role models for our community and for the young people that surround you on a regular basis. So congratulations, and thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Ladies, on behalf of the Senate, I congratulate you for your achievements. And we welcome you to enjoy your day here in the New York State Senate.
Just remember, Senator DeFrancisco is from Syracuse; he has a complex about basketball. I won't go any further than that.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, all who would like to adopt it signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, if we were to go back on Senator Little's resolution, she would like to open that up.
So if we could open Senator Little's resolution up for all the members of the house. And I believe Senator Griffo wishes the same.
So if anyone chooses not to be on either of these resolutions, let the desk know.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:That will be so ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I believe there's a resolution by Senator Savino, Number 4177. Please have the title read, and I believe Senator Savino would like to comment on the resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4177, by Senator Savino, commemorating the 103rd Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, on March 25, 2014.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Savino.
SENATOR SAVINO:Thank you, Mr. President.
Just about 103 years ago, the City of New York was a booming city in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. Immigrants were coming from all over the world to settle in New York City and go to work in our factories.
Unfortunately, those booming conditions brought terrible working conditions for the majority of those workers. Most of the factories in New York were in appalling condition, they were dangerous, there were no safety standards. And there was no industry that was more dangerous for working people than the New York City garment industry.
In most of those factories young women, mostly recent immigrants, worked from dawn till dusk. They worked for meager wages, they worked seven days a week. They were overcrowded, they were underventilated. There were no fire escapes, there were no fire safety standards.
And the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, which was located on the top three floors of the Asch Building in Senator Hoylman's district, at Greene Street and Washington Place, was one of the largest such factories and the worst of the worst.
In late 1909, in response to the deplorable conditions that most of these workers faced, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union led a strike of 20,000 shirtwaist workers in New York City. They called for things like a fair pay raise, a 52-hour work week, overtime pay, fire escapes and open doors at the factories.
Despite threats, arrests and violence, the workers stood firm. And by February 1910 most of the factories negotiated a settlement for better pay and better hours. A second strike in July of 1910 led to a voluntary agreement on minimum industry standards on wages, hours, and health and safety.
But one of the companies that refused to settle and refused to adopt the voluntary agreement was the Triangle Shirtwaist Company.
On a late Saturday afternoon, March 25, 1911, a fire broke out on one of the Triangle's floors at the Asch Building. The fire spread quickly through months of scraps of cloth littered all over the factory. Safety measures to prevent or mitigate fires were inadequate or nonexistent at Triangle. Foremen had locked the doors to keep out union organizers and to prevent workers from being able to go out and take a break.
Fire hoses were rotted, valves were rusted closed, and the fire engines that responded from the nearby firehouse could only reach the 6th floor. The small elevator that could have served those workers broke down from the heat and the fire.
The passageways were intentionally made narrow so that workers could only go out one at a time so security could make sure they didn't steal any of the scraps of the cloth there -- and they could check their bags to make sure they weren't stealing anything else.
There was no escape for many of these workers. And on that fateful day, 146 young women died. They either perished in the fire or they jumped to their deaths on the street to avoid the flames.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was the most horrific industrial accident in United States history, and it led to a series of changes, some of which came about right here in Albany, when the Factory Investigation Committee was established and Al Smith, who went on to become our Governor, and Robert Wagner, who went on to become a United States Senator and the author of the Wagner Act, and Frances Perkins, who became the first Commissioner of Labor, established basic safety standards for factory workers in New York.
It is, I guess, ironic in a way that we also stood here a little while ago and we listened to Senator Diaz and others talk about the Bangladeshi community. Because as we speak, the people of Bangladesh are about to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a tremendous industrial factory accident in Bangladesh, where 1100 people burned to death in a garment factory.
So the lessons of Triangle, which are as relevant today as they were then, are being replicated across the globe. As we chase the garment industry to low-wage countries where they have no labor standards at all and barely have any human standards, it is very important that we always remember what happened at Triangle and we use the power of our economy and our trade relations to force those kinds of improvements that were forced on the industry here in New York in places like Bangladesh and Vietnam, because that's where the next wave is coming, that's where our clothing is coming from, and that's where the next tragedy could potentially strike.
So I want to thank you all for joining me in this resolution.
And I would like to make special mention to a former member of the body here who used to speak on this every year and host a commemoration in the lobby of the legislative Office Building, and that was Senator Serphin Maltese, who had an aunt who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Hoylman.
SENATOR HOYLMAN:Thank you, Mr. President.
I wanted to thank Senator Savino for that moving tribute and make note that at the end of the resolution that Senator Savino has submitted are the names and ages of those 146 women who perished in 1911 in the Triangle Shirtwaist fire. And if you read those names, Mr. President, you'll see that some of them are as young as 14 years old.
And it's important that we pay tribute to them today. It's also important that we acknowledge the significance of the labor movement and how we hopefully will not be made to repeat the past mistakes and make certain that we provide adequate safety provisions and workplace conditions for all workers.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, all in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: The resolution can be opened up to all Senators who want to cosponsor. If you don't want to cosponsor, then let the desk know.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I believe there's a resolution by Senator Serrano, Number 4044, at the desk. I ask that the title be read and ask for its immediate adoption.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4044, by Senator Serrano, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014, as Earth Hour in the State of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
And colleagues, I want to thank all of you for once again supporting this resolution that I put forth every year. It is a resolution celebrating and commemorating Earth Hour, which will be happening, as was mentioned, this Saturday, March 29th, between the hour of 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.
And the concept of Earth Hour is very simple. Basically we ask everyone around the globe to turn off their lights and their electronics for one hour. It may not seem like it's a whole lot, but through the aggregate it is a tremendous load that is being removed as far as power usage and emissions go. And it is a worldwide show of solidarity where people from all walks, from all countries and from all nations join together in unison to take a stand against global climate change.
Earth Hour has serious and positive effects. Last year 7,000 cities and towns throughout 144 countries on all seven continents participated in Earth Hour. Even iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, and even our own Empire State Building, flipped the switch and turned their lights off for one hour.
And now, through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, there is so much discussion and chatter about Earth Hour. And it is something that people are getting involved in because it is something that everyone can do.
So I thank all of my colleagues once again for supporting Earth Hour. And once again I remind all New Yorkers to turn off their lights for one hour this Saturday, March 29th, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Serrano.
The motion is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Hearing no opposed, the resolution is adopted.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: And this also can be opened up to all Senators other than those who choose not to be a cosponsor.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: There is another resolution at the desk, by Senator Hoylman, Number 4127. I ask that the title be read and ask for its immediate adoption.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4127, by Senator Hoylman, mourning the death of Lee Lorch, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Hoylman.
SENATOR HOYLMAN:Thank you, Mr. President.
I wanted to rise today to pay tribute to an unsung quiet hero of the civil rights movement who helped correct a historic wrong in my district. His name is Lee Lorch, a man of great courage and conviction who desegregated Manhattan's storied middle-class enclave called Peter Cooper-Stuyvesant Town.
He was an accomplished mathematician and professor, but his civil rights activism is his greatest legacy.
Mr. Lorch served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. He returned home then to New York City, which, then as now, has a severe shortage of affordable housing. Fortunately for Mr. Lorch and his family, he succeeded in securing an apartment at Met Life's new Stuyvesant Town complex, which opened in 1947 with 35 buildings and 8,759 apartments for middle-class New Yorkers and returning veterans on Manhattan's East Side.
But Met Life had a policy barring African-American residents. I should note that Stuyvesant Town had been championed by Robert Moses, who sought to engage insurance companies and saving banks in large-scale slum clearance projects that would be replaced by bastions of middle-class housing.
Moses compelled Met Life to develop Stuyvesant Town on Manhattan's East Side, and at the same time a similar complex called Riverton in Harlem, in Senator Perkins' district. The agreements the city entered into with Met Life to facilitate these developments also gave the company the right to discriminate in selecting tenants, with Stuyvesant Town for whites only and Riverton largely serving African-Americans.
As a result of Stuy Town's whites-only policy, Mr. Lorch was compelled into action. He became a leader in the campaign to desegregate Stuy Town, joining 11 other residents to form the Town and Village Tenants Committee to End Discrimination. With Mr. Lorch as vice chair, the committee grew to include about 1800 residents. The committee petitioned and picketed and became a robust and influential voice in the community.
Mr. Lorch practiced what he preached, allowing an African-American family, Hardine and Raphael Hendrix and their son, to stay in his apartment for a school year while he was away teaching at Penn State. Previously this family had been in a squalid apartment elsewhere.
Finally, in 1950, as a result of mounting political and economic pressure that Mr. Lorch and the committee helped generate, Met Life gave in and discontinued its discriminatory practice barring African-American residents.
However, Met Life moved to evict Mr. Lorch and other tenant leaders and their families. The company eventually backed down, but as part of a settlement Mr. Lorch was among a handful of committee members who agreed to leave the complex voluntarily.
Mr. Lorch's brave activism paved the way for the U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968. Mr. Lorch helped achieve a tremendous civil rights victory, and he continued to fight racial discrimination everywhere he went.
But it cost him dearly. He was driven from his job at City College and a succession of other U.S. colleges and universities due to his anti-segregation activism. He ultimately settled in Canada in 1959, where he had a successful academic career -- but far from his native New York City -- first at the University of Alberta and then at York University, from which he retired in 1985.
Mr. Lorch passed away on February 28, 2014, in Toronto, at the age of 98. He's survived by his daughter, Alice Lorch Bartels, two granddaughters, and a sister, Judith Brooks.
Mr. President, through Mr. Lorch's efforts we have moved to a more fair and just society, and it is my honor and duty to note his righteousness, accomplishments, sacrifice and passing to this chamber today.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Hoylman.
On the resolution, all in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I believe Senator Kennedy has a resolution at the desk. It's Number 4175. Could we have the title read and call on the Senator for comments.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4175, by Senator Kennedy, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Cleveland Hills School Fire in the Town of Cheektowaga, on March 31, 2014.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Kennedy on the resolution.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise today to call on this chamber to recognize a tragic event that occurred 60 years ago in the Town of Cheektowaga, the Cleveland Hill School Fire.
The Cleveland Hill Union Free School District will hold a remembrance ceremony to honor the victims and heroes of this tragedy this weekend, Saturday, March 29th.
March 31, 2014, will mark 60 years since the Cleveland Hill School Fire, which claimed the lives of 15 sixth-grade children and injured 19 others. It was one of the worst school fires in New York State history and resulted in a nationwide reflection on school building construction requirements.
On March 31, 1954, an undetected fire burned through the walls and tore through the corridor of a wood-framed one-story eight-room annex of Cleveland Hill School, causing panic among students and faculty.
With the corridor impassable, courageous teachers immediately sprang into action, directing children to break through school windows with any items available on hand. The teachers then began to lift children out of the windows, allowing most to escape to safety.
Sadly, many windows were either too small to fit through or simply would not open, creating a devastating situation for the sixth-grade class of Mr. Thomas Griffin, who were attending music class with Mrs. Melba Seibold.
Mrs. Seibold heroically saved 24 children from the fire and in the process endured severe burns, suffered smoke inhalation, and broke several vertebrae while jumping out the window.
Tragically, 15 children were unable to escape and perished in the blaze. Among the children lost were Bruce Brand, Verna Bagley, Marlene Dupont, Michael Hause, Elizabeth Lies, John Mendofik, Blaine Poss, Reba Smith, Patricia Steger, Barbara Watkins, Patricia Blendowski, Donald Kelleher, Marlene Miller, Suzanne Jors, and George Hoffman.
The heroic action of Mrs. Seibold, her colleagues and other students resulted in the survival of 1,650 students and 150 faculty members, while firefighters bravely rushed into the inferno with no regard for their own safety.
It was a tragic day in our history, but it ultimately led to important changes that have undoubtedly saved lives. In the aftermath of the Cleveland Hill School Fire, many changes made to increase the safety of school buildings. There was a national movement away from wooden-framed school buildings, and today in New York State regulations require rescue windows in classrooms to have a minimum six-square-foot opening.
Because of these changes and others, the Cleve Hill School Fire was the last time a public school child died in a school fire in the State of New York, a clear sign that the necessary actions prompted by this tragic fire have helped keep our children safe in the decades since.
With the passage of this resolution, we remember the precious lives lost and commemorate this heart-breaking anniversary. I would ask that we open up this resolution for cosponsorship.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, before we adopt this, I think Senator Kennedy requests, for the children that were lost, we just have a moment of remembrance.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:We shall have a moment of silence.
(Whereupon, the assemblage respected a moment of silence.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, all in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:And as the Senator requested, we'll open that up to the house.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I believe Senator Stavisky has Resolution 3436 at the desk. Could we have it read in its entirety and call on Senator Stavisky.
And after this resolution, we will go to the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3436, by Senator Stavisky, commending Vallo Transportation Ltd. in recognition of its No Bullying Zone initiative created to heighten anti-bullying awareness for parents, students and employees.
"WHEREAS, It is important to protect and to safeguard schoolchildren of the State of New York, and, through the recognition of the serious issues that face them each day, offer our children an environment that is safe and secure; and
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend Vallo Transportation Ltd. in recognition of its No Bullying Zone initiative created to heighten anti-bullying awareness for parents, students and employees; and
"WHEREAS, Vallo Transportation, an independent school bus company located in Whitestone, New York, has taken extra measures to create awareness of its new No Bullying Zone program to emphasize the company takes bullying seriously and wants to be part of the solution to stop this negative behavior; and
"WHEREAS, This vital campaign helps to reinforce the importance of how all members of the community can work together and help create a positive experience for students during the school year; as the 2014 year kicks off, Vallo Transportation has focused its efforts on combating bullying in schools; and
"WHEREAS, Recognizing training is essential, all Vallo Transportation employees are required to participate in an extensive teaching session which outlines how to recognize bullying behavior, how to properly intervene, and how to create a supportive school bus climate; and
"WHEREAS, As a bus company that interacts daily with the community and students, Vallo Transportation has taken the vital steps to elevate anti-bullying awareness, ensuring all students feel safe when traveling on their buses; and
"WHEREAS, As part of this initiative, parents were provided with anti-bullying information, including how to recognize the warning signs, the effects of bullying, and where to go for help; and
"WHEREAS, In addition, Vallo Transportation distributed thousands of No Bullying bookmarks to students who ride with them; they were asked to make a pledge, which is featured on the bookmark, to respect each other, to refrain from bullying behavior, and to speak up to help a classmate if he or she is being bullied; and
"WHEREAS, Under the direction of President Linda DeSabato, Vallo Transportation provides school-bus service for hundreds of children in queens and Manhattan, New York; the company, which specializes in service to the Bronx High School of Science, also provides charter service for field trips, community groups, high school sports and special events; and
"WHEREAS, Vallo Transportation has an outstanding safety record, on-time performance of nearly 98 percent, superior maintenance and training programs, and a history of community involvement; this exceptional reputation earned Vallo the New York State Bus Contractors Association's 2010 Contractor of the Year Award; and
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when companies of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Vallo Transportation Ltd. in recognition of its No Bullying Zone initiative created to heighten anti-bullying awareness for parents, students and employees; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Linda DeSabato, President, Vallo Transportation Ltd."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Stavisky.
SENATOR STAVISKY:Thank you, Mr. President.
And I rise today to express our appreciation to Vallo for their anti-bullying campaign that began last fall. The company, interestingly, was founded more than 50 years ago and had a number of various iterations that evolved into this current company. They started as a local school bus contractor, a charter bus contractor, and through the years began to specialize in transporting schoolchildren.
The people running the company -- and they have a sister company in Sullivan County or in Orange County, in Senator Bonacic's district -- these are the children, the grandchildren of the original founders of the company. Linda DeSabato operates Vallo, and Denise DeSabato-Pisapia, a third-generation owner, is the chief operating officer.
And their stand against bullying began when they realized that bullying is a challenge for a single driver in a bus operating the bus with lots and lots of children. And they're trying to elevate the awareness and help parents and children and the operators, working together to eliminate bullying.
What happens is that the Vallo Transportation employees first receive an intensive educational training session which outlines how to recognize bullying behavior, how to properly intervene, and how to create a supportive school bus environment.
Students who ride on the buses were asked to pledge not to participate in bullying behavior and speaking up if a classmate is being bullied. And Vallo distributed information asking the children to take the pledge, and they provided bookmarks for the children, who were asked to sign and use those bookmarks during the school year. And the bookmark says: I pledge to respect my classmates, be kind and not bully others, and speak up and ask a classmate if he or she is being bullied.
So these facts were sent to the parents and help the parents to identify the warning signs if their child is being bullied and, in effect, try to put an end to bullying on the school bus.
So I congratulate this company and thank my colleagues for supporting this resolution.
And joining us in the chamber is the Vallo training and safety director, Linda Kleingardner.
So we welcome you to Albany, we thank you for your patience in sitting through I think our longest Resolution Calendar yet, and we will present the resolutions to you.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator.
This resolution was previously adopted on February 11, 2014.
Senator Libous, we would want to go now to the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 152, by Senator Griffo, Senate Print 3149A, an act to amend the Election Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Mr. President, to explain my vote.
I have voted against this bill in years past, and I will be doing so again. I don't fault the sponsor or the supporters for their well-intentioned proposal, but I do think we are getting into uncharted waters and dealing with an issue that may have unintended consequences.
For example, the current system allots Electoral College votes based on a state's population, whereas a system such as the national popular vote will do so based on voter turnout in a presidential election. Which means states that have a high number of unregistered residents would not be counted as much, or states that have low voter turnout would not be counted as much as they are under the current system.
There's also a myriad of other issues related to those that have wealth being able to saturate a big city media market to affect the outcome more than they currently do, which is already too much. As well as the possibility for some states that are unhappy with the results potentially, between Election Day and the Electoral College vote, changing their state laws to pull back out of a compact like this, which would throw the whole system into chaos.
So because I believe there's too many unanswered questions about this proposal, I'll continue to be voting no.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Gianaris will be recorded in the negative.
I just want to remind everybody that we have a two-minute rule on explaining your vote.
Senator Ball to explain his vote.
SENATOR BALL:Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to explain my vote briefly.
You know, whenever we decide to tinker with what the Founders had as an initial version of our process, I think we get into dangerous territory.
You know, one of the things, the by-products of this piece of legislation is the fact that you're going to have to be either a rock star or a billionaire to run for president of the United States.
We have a process now that forces candidates to go to smaller states, to go to county fairs -- we all know how that went for Mitt Romney when he started yelling at some constituents at the county fair. But, you know, it forces people, national politicians to go to smaller states, to smaller communities, and then those states and those communities then have a voice.
This is going to create a process -- which is sad, because it's getting more and more like this every day -- where either you're a billionaire or a movie star. And they're just going to focus the campaigns on the urban centers, and the population centers and the flyover states, where the vast majority of great Americans live, are going to be ignored.
So that's why I'll be voting no. And quite honestly, I feel that this sets a dangerous precedent.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Ball, how will you vote?
SENATOR BALL:No.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Ball will be recorded in the negative.
Senator Griffo.
SENATOR GRIFFO:Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to thank all those who are cosponsoring this, especially Senator Parker, who has also carried the bill in the past. I appreciate their efforts, as well as Assemblyman Dinowitz's.
Elections are the foundation of our democracy. In order to have the most representative government possible, we need a system that both attract voters to participate in the process and requires candidates to deal with all people on all issues.
That is not the current scenario in which we find ourselves every four years. Potential presidential candidates concentrate more than two-thirds of their advertising budget and two-thirds of their campaign stops in just five states. Almost 100 percent of their message is seen in approximately 16 battleground states.
New York has 19.5 million people, but we're routinely ignored by campaigns. I want to empower people. I want to make New York State relevant in a national campaign again. I want a democracy that creates excitement in people, not apathy.
Joining the National Popular Vote Compact creates that opportunity. It leverages the combined power of the states in a compact to say no longer can you take us for granted, no longer can you effectively disenfranchise millions of Americans by ignoring us, no longer can you assume that you have our vote.
I'm pleased that this bill has bipartisan support, not only here in this chamber but in other states as well. New York could be the 10th state to join the compact, and I believe that we will get there.
I believe this bill stays true to the United States Constitution, which gives each state the power to decide how to allocate their electoral votes. And it respects the Electoral College but also reflects the current realities that there is a need for a more modern approach.
I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator.
Senator Griffo will be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Boyle to explain his vote.
SENATOR BOYLE:Mr. President, to explain my vote.
I want to thank Senator Griffo and the other cosponsors of this important legislation.
Every young American child grows up and they ask, how does one become President of the United States? By getting the most votes? Well, no, that's not the answer now. It's a very difficult, complex system that we have that was good at the beginning of the country, but it makes little sense now.
This is the information age, and anybody can run for president and, because of the power of the Internet, the information age, can get known nationally. Right now, as Senator Griffo said, there are six or seven states the entire campaign is focused on. We can change that. We can make New York State relevant again, and we will see campaign rallies on a presidential level throughout the State of New York from both parties.
That's what we look forward to so we can teach young New Yorkers that when you run for president, you get the most votes and you win.
I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Boyle will be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator DeFrancisco to explain his vote.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: You know, the vote on this will have strange bedfellows because it's a difficult vote, because you're trying to figure out how it will affect the outcome of things. The thing that's going through my mind, first of all, that if this was in effect during the Bush-Gore election, Gore would have been president.
And that kind of -- is that correct? No? I thought he had the popular vote in that election. He did. Okay, he did. Gore had more popular votes. So that kind of makes me hesitate a little bit.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: But on the other hand, the argument about everybody's vote counting makes a lot of sense, because in New York politics -- and I'm speaking as a Senator of New York -- rarely do we get a presidential candidate ever come near Central New York during an election campaign. The mass is in the New York City area, and whoever gets the most votes gets all of the delegates.
So I really believe that the popular vote makes the most sense. And there may be strange bedfellows and there may be some very bad results from it, as I've given one possibility that could have happened. But on the other hand, I think it's the best way to do it so everyone is part of the process.
And I thank you. I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator DeFrancisco will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 152, those recorded in the negative are Senators Ball, Gianaris, Squadron and Zeldin.
Ayes, 57. Nays, 4.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 184, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 4751A, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Kennedy to explain your vote.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you, Mr. President.
This is important legislation that will help expand the responsibility --
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Can we have a little order in the house, please, so we can call the roll.
Thank you, Senator Kennedy.
SENATOR KENNEDY:May I continue?
This legislation will expand the responsibility for reporting suspected child abuse. There's currently some uncertainty when it comes to whether some individuals are required to report abuse as mandated reporters.
I believe we should all consider ourselves mandated reporters. If you see something, say something. Report potential abuse to the state's Central Registry.
Current law requires school officials to report abuse but doesn't specifically define school coaches as mandated reporters. This legislation will clear up any confusion and expand the number of mandated abuse reporters working in our schools.
Coaches often become a person of trust for children, and youth may turn to their coaches to confide in them. Children may share problems with them that they're experiencing at home, at school, or elsewhere that they may not confide in anyone else.
Understanding this, we have to clarify the duties of coaches and school athletics personnel to report suspected child abuse and neglect. This is an important step in the right direction with our ongoing efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect across our state.
This is something that was promoted by some awful circumstances, horrific circumstances in Western New York, where children died at the hands of abusers. The deaths of Abdi Mohamud, Gage Seneca, Austin Smith, Eain Brooks, and Mayouna Smith have been heartbreaking and intolerable tragedies. And these tragedies should make all of us question whether our state and our counties are doing enough to keep our children safe.
Across the country, 700,000 cases of abuse and neglect are mentioned every single year. In New York State alone, 80,000 cases of abuse and neglect are reported. One child abused or neglected is enough to spark outrage. But tens of thousands of cases is unacceptable.
Action is clearly necessary, and it needs to stop here. An estimated 1570 children died across this nation just a couple of --
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Kennedy, how do you vote?
SENATOR KENNEDY:We need to make sure that we pass this legislation today.
Mr. President, I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Kennedy will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 198, by Senator Hassell-Thompson, Senate Print 3338, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 217, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 4486, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 243, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 947A, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 249, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 6368A, an act to amend the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 30th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 254, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 2524, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 261, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 5361, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 265, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 306, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 267, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 1446, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Krueger to explain her vote.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you. I rise to support this bill.
In a city like New York where there are too many pedestrian deaths, too much deaths from drivers who are impaired, it is just one of the many things we must be doing to ensure we are much more focused on the safety of everyone on our streets.
And I know this issue is statewide, but I think those of us in crowded urban areas are particularly sensitive to the number of people who are maimed and killed each year in vehicle collisions, pedestrian-vehicle collisions, bike-vehicle collisions.
Mayor de Blasio has put out a Vision Zero proposal with a series of recommendations to help make our streets safer and all of us safer, and this type of legislation is just one step towards where we need to go as a state.
I vote yes, Mr. President. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Krueger will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results. Oh, I'm sorry, anybody else?
Senator Hoylman, do you wish to explain your vote?
SENATOR HOYLMAN:Thank you.
Mr. President, this bill gives over 850 localities across the state increased home-rule power over slowing down the maximum speed on limiting streets in their town -- this is the wrong bill.
Sir, I think we made a mistake. Thank you.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR HOYLMAN:I'll be back.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:I'm assuming you're recorded in the affirmative on this bill, though.
SENATOR HOYLMAN:Yes.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 270, by Senator Grisanti, Senate Print 1599, an act to amend the Highway Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Grisanti to explain his vote.
SENATOR GRISANTI:Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I'll be brief.
You know, I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate. We've passed this bill the last three years.
I want to give credit to Laurie Kostrzewski, a West Side resident.
Basically for the last nine years, because of the visibility at the spot, firefighters, police officers, men and women that serve in the military, every year on September 11th they gather at this bridge, they stand there with flags and with honor in remembrance of those that have died and perished on September 11th.
All we're doing is looking to name this bridge. We've passed three years in a row in the Senate. The Assembly needs to move this bill along. The Department of Transportation is ready to go with signs.
I vote aye. I urge you to tell your members in the Assembly to please vote for this bill, it's been waiting way too long.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Grisanti will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 287, substituted earlier today by Member of the Assembly Simanowitz, Assembly Print Number 7025, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 291, by Senator Little, Senate Print 1356, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Dilan.
SENATOR DILAN:Mr. President, to explain my vote.
Last year, Senator Little's legislation passed this house 62 to 0. And this bill would authorize 852 jurisdictions throughout the State of New York to set maximum speed on their roads, and with the purpose of saving pedestrian lives.
I am going to vote in favor of this bill. However, my vote is overshadowed by the fact that in the first two weeks of this year, seven pedestrians were killed in New York City. Two of those seven lived within my Senate district.
Last week I also met with many of the families of about 156 individuals that were killed in New York City due to reckless drivers.
This year it is projected that a minimum of 200 pedestrians will be killed by drivers who are going above the minimum speed limit of 30 miles per hour. They lost loved ones from age 62 to age as young as 3. Young Allison was crossing the street with her grandmother when she was struck and killed by a driver who was going at a high rate of speed.
So I have introduced similar legislation in this house, S3496A, to give New York City the same right that we are giving these other 852 jurisdictions. So I am asking my colleagues to allow New York City the right of home rule and to set their own limits, which could be as low as 20 miles per hour in New York City, as the New York City Council sees fit.
So with home rule as the spirit of the law, I ask for my colleagues to support 3496A unanimously, like we're giving the rest of the state.
Thank you very much.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Dilan will be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Hoylman.
SENATOR HOYLMAN:Thank you, Mr. President. It's good to be speaking on the right bill.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR HOYLMAN:Always, right?
I wanted to commend Senator Dilan for his leadership. And I think he points out the disparity between allowing the 850 localities across the state to have this home-rule power, but not yet allowing a city of 8 million people to do the same.
So I'm hopeful that we will move legislation that Senator Dilan carries, that I cosponsor, and a bill that I also carry that would allow New York City to have home rule so we can save so many of the lives that are at risk daily, whether they be pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, from the dangers of our roads in New York City.
I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Hoylman will be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Montgomery to explain her vote.
SENATOR MONTGOMERY:Yes, Mr. President, thank you.
I rise to also support Senator Dilan's legislation, which would allow home rule for New York City and would give the rights of the citizens that we represent, especially many of the communities, the community boards, the residents in my district, who would like to have the option of lowering the speed limits in the interest of saving lives in the City of New York.
So I hope -- certainly I'm voting yes on Senator Little's bill which is before us now, and look forward to seeing Senator Dilan's bill before us in the very near future which would grant the same rights to New York City.
Thank you, Mr. President. I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Montgomery will be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Stavisky to explain her vote.
SENATOR STAVISKY:Senator Dilan mentioned little Allison. Little Allison was killed in my Senate district, and we've been working with her parents. They were here last week in Albany to plead for some sanity in this area.
And on behalf of little Allison, I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Stavisky will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The bill is passed.
Senator Libous, that completes the reading of the calendar.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The desk is clear.
SENATOR LIBOUS:There being no further business, I move that the Senate adjourn until Wednesday, March 26th, at 3:00 p.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 26th, at 3:00 p.m.
(Whereupon, at 5:41 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
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