Gaveled in 11:34 AM · Albany, New York · 2013–14 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
June 10, 2014
11:34 a.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, now that the right person has applauded.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:I ask everyone present to please rise and repeat with me the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:In the absence of clergy, can we bow our heads in a moment of silence.
(Whereupon, the assemblage respected a moment of silence.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, June 9th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, June 8th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:On page 17, Senator Klein moves to discharge, from the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, Assembly Bill Number 8679 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 2321A, Third Reading Calendar 300.
On page 19, Senator Griffo moves to discharge, from the Committee on Banks, Assembly Bill Number 9057 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6735, Third Reading Calendar 366.
On page 32, Senator Valesky moves to discharge, from the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, Assembly Bill Number 8819 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6731, Third Reading Calendar 608.
On page 35, Senator Bonacic moves to discharge, from the Committee on Judiciary, Assembly Bill Number 9757 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7244, Third Reading Calendar 668.
On page 39, Senator Hannon moves to discharge, from the Committee on Higher Education, Assembly Bill Number 9124A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6871, Third Reading Calendar 703.
On page 40, Senator DeFrancisco moves to discharge, from the Committee on Finance, Assembly Bill Number 9344 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7072, Third Reading Calendar 731.
On page 41, Senator Golden moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 9241A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6931A, Third Reading Calendar 742.
On page 47, Senator Maziarz moves to discharge, from the Committee on Transportation, Assembly Bill Number 9518 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7223, Third Reading Calendar 828.
On page 52, Senator Lanza moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 8862 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6656, Third Reading Calendar 888.
On page 54, Senator Maziarz moves to discharge, from the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, Assembly Bill Number 6367 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 2383, Third Reading Calendar 918.
On page 62, Senator Gallivan moves to discharge, from the Committee on Children and Families, Assembly Bill Number 9225B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6926A, Third Reading Calendar 1004.
On page 63, Senator Klein moves to discharge, from the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Parks and Recreation, Assembly Bill Number 9387B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7313, Third Reading Calendar 1019.
On page 69, Senator Ritchie moves to discharge, from the Committee on Finance, Assembly Bill Number 7706 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 5482, Third Reading Calendar 1076.
On page 70, Senator Espaillat moves to discharge, from the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Parks and Recreation, Assembly Bill Number 5625A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7605, Third Reading Calendar 1090.
On page 73, Senator Klein moves to discharge, from the Committee on Judiciary, Assembly Bill Number 9354 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7119, Third Reading Calendar 1125.
On page 77, Senator DeFrancisco moves to discharge, from the Committee on Finance, Assembly Bill Number 9394 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7208, Third Reading Calendar 1220.
On page 78, Senator Valesky moves to discharge, from the Committee on Agriculture, Assembly Bill Number 9215 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7433, Third Reading Calendar 1222.
And on page 78, Senator Larkin moves to discharge, from the Committee on Judiciary, Assembly Bill Number 8479 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7760, Third Reading Calendar 1225.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The substitutions are ordered.
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:Mr. President, I believe Senator Gianaris has a motion that he'd like to comment on.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Mr. President.
On behalf of Senator Espaillat, please place a sponsor star on Calendar Numbers 1090 and 1196.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
On behalf of Senator Seward, on page 24 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 490, Senate Print 3539, and I ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
SENATOR LIBOUS:On behalf of Senator LaValle, Mr. President, on page 33 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 624, Senate Print 6630, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Maziarz, on page 55 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 925, Senate Print 7430, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
SENATOR LIBOUS:And on behalf of Senator Marchione, on page 58 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 973, Senate Print 6764, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, if you'd just give me a second here, we'll regroup to see where we want to go next.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:You're on the clock, sir.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator O'Mara, Number 5723. Could we have it read in its entirety and call on the good Senator for comments.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5723, by Senator O'Mara, congratulating Sriram Hathwar upon the occasion of being crowned Co-Champion of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on May 29, 2014.
"WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success in educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Sriram Hathwar upon the occasion of being named Co-Champion of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on Thursday, May 29, 2014, in National Harbor, Maryland; and
"WHEREAS, Sriram Hathwar, a 14-year-old from Painted Post, New York, is an eighth-grade student at the Alternative School for Math and Science in Corning, New York; sponsored by the Corning Rotary Club, he is the son of Jagadeesh and Roopa Hathwar; and
"WHEREAS, This year was Sriram Hathwar's fifth trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and he was favored to win; he is the first Spelling Bee Champion from Upstate New York since 1976; and
"WHEREAS, The 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee was broadcast nationwide on ESPN, and welcomed 281 spellers from around the world; the spellers ranged in age from 8 to 14 years old, and were all vying for the esteemed title of Champion; and
"WHEREAS, This astute young scholar assured himself at least a second-place finish by correctly spelling 'characin,' a family of small brightly colored fish; and
"WHEREAS, Sriram Hathwar forged ahead with a correct spelling of 'skandhas' followed by 'feijoada'; with only four words remaining, he correctly spelled 'stichomythia,' assuring himself at least a co-championship; the two students were declared co-champions after Bee officials ran out of words to keep the duel going; and
"WHEREAS, Sriram Hathwar, in achieving this high honor, may take just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excellence he brings to his family, friends, school and region; and
"WHEREAS, Educational competitions which serve to better prepare our students for their future participation in the marketplace of ideas are worthy of praise and support; and
"WHEREAS, Poised with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this scholar now stands honorably, in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers and parents; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Sriram Hathwar upon the occasion of being crowned Co-Champion of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on May 29, 2014; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Sriram Hathwar."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:It's my pleasure to call on Senator O'Mara, a man who never runs out of words.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR O'MARA:I'm not so sure about that, Mr. President, but thank you.
And I thank the Secretary for pronouncing those words correctly, I think. I don't know that any of us would be able to spell those words.
But we have the Hathwar family here with us today from my district: Sriram, who is there in the suit and tie, our National Spelling Bee co-champion; Jairam, his brother; Bhageerathi, his grandmother; and his parents, Roopa and Jagadeesh.
Thank you all for being here with us today. It's an honor to have you. And thank you for representing us so well in the National Spelling Bee contest.
As was said in the resolution, there was co-champions this year, for the first time in the 87-year history of the National Spelling Bee championship. And there was co-champions because our winner here, Sriram, and his co-champion exhausted the words in the list from the competition. So they ran out of words for them to do, so they crowned them co-champions. Which was great.
However, the contest kind of went into extra innings when they appeared on Jimmy Kimmel this past week. And I would suggest you look up "YouTube Jimmy Kimmel spelling bee contest." And they had the co-champions on with a spelling contest with Jimmy Kimmel. Sriram was the only one that got the word correct.
However, it was not really a fair competition, because the person asking the words was dressed in a bee outfit and speaking in a very cheesy Mexican accent, I believe, trying to mispronounce the words. But Sriram actually got the word right, "juggernaut," that was not being pronounced at all the way it's supposed to be.
But it's just an honor to have you here, and from Painted Post, New York. And I learned this morning that Sriram was in a preschool class with my son Thomas at the Chemung Valley Montessori School. Thomas has not gone on to any spelling bee championships, although he did quite well at a spelling bee contest at St. Mary Our Mother School throughout his elementary school years, winning in the school one year.
But, Sriram, congratulations. Thank you for representing us and making us proud to have you here in the State of New York. We welcome you here today, and please enjoy your stay in the Capitol.
(Applause.)
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.
Congratulations, Sriram. To your whole family, enjoy. And keep on studying. Keep on studying. God bless.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, could we take up Senate Resolution -- it's a privileged resolution on former Senator Roy Goodman, please. I don't have a number on the form.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:It's a privileged resolution, Senator, there is no number.
The Secretary will read the privileged resolution.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution by Senators Skelos, Klein, Stewart-Cousins, Golden, Lanza and Krueger, paying tribute to the distinguished life and accomplishments of the Honorable Roy M. Goodman, former New York State Senator.
"WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body recognize and pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of a distinguished former colleague, New York State Senator Roy Matz Goodman, whose career, purpose, and commitment remain a great example of what a noble calling public service should be; and
"WHEREAS, With sorrow and regret, this Legislative Body mourns the passing of Roy M. Goodman on June 3, 2014, and pauses to note significant accomplishments of his meritorious life; and
"WHEREAS, Roy Goodman was a 'larger than life' figure during his three decades as a Senator representing the 26th Senate District on the East Side of Manhattan, from which position he served as effective conduit to Albany state governmental leadership for several generations of Republican and Democratic mayors of New York City, was primary author of important changes in the New York City Charter, sponsor of over 1,200 laws designed to improve the lives of all residents of this great state, and was a public official committed to defining and solving problems as chair of the Investigations, Taxation, and Government Operations Committee of the Senate; and
"WHEREAS, In 1955, he married the late Barbara Furrer, and they had three children, his daughters Claire Goodman Pellegrini Cloud and Leslie Goodman, and his son Randolph, all of whom survive him, along with six grandchildren; and
"WHEREAS, Roy Goodman was a leader of the moderate wing of the Republican Party in the state, a fiscal conservative with a social conscience who championed tax cuts and waged a war on government waste, while insisting on keeping the social services safety net intact; and
"WHEREAS, One of the great loves of his life was the arts, which he viewed as important for the development of the mind, soul, and humanity of people, and he was able to bring state resources to bear in support of expansions of the arts as chairman of the Senate Special Committee on the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the leading legislative advocate of the arts in New York State, and a member of the National Endowment for the Arts Council, for which he was named Ambassador for the Arts by the National Endowment for the Arts 'in recognition of his unwavering support of the arts and cultural affairs,' and as a commissioner of the National Commission of Fine Arts, by appointment of President Ronald Reagan; the first President George Bush later named him to the National Council on the Arts; and
"WHEREAS, Roy Goodman was a Fellow for Life of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; a patron of the Metropolitan Opera; patron of the New York Philharmonic Society; and president of the Goodman Family Foundation, a philanthropic trust; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Pratt Institute, and he received honorary awards from The Kennedy Center for Distinguished Government Leadership in Arts in Education; Carnegie Hall; the National Arts Club; the City University of New York; Brotherhood-in-Action; the Junior Chamber of Commerce; the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; Odyssey House; the Ripon Society; the UJA-Federation of New York; the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; the Columbia Association for Promoting Well-Being of Police Officers; Our Town; the Statesman Father of the Year Award of the National Father's Day Committee; Lenox Hill Neighborhood Association; the New York City Police Foundation; the Fire Safety Foundation; Playwrights Horizon; Catholic Interracial Council; Stanley Isaacs Association; New York Benevolence Council; Artists Fellowship; South Street Seaport; Town Hall; the New York Foundling Hospital; Family Planning Advocates of New York; New York State Division of Human Rights; New York State Humane Society; Kennedy School of Government; and the U.S. Treasury Department for Patriotic Service; and
"WHEREAS, As a member of the then-dominant moderate-to-liberal wing of the Republican Party that centered around former New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller, U.S. Senator Jacob Javits, and former New York City Mayor John Lindsay, his talent and abilities were such that he was perennially considered as a likely candidate for Mayor of New York City, for United States Senator, for a post as a cabinet officer, and for New York State Comptroller; and
"WHEREAS, Roy Goodman grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, graduated with honors from Harvard College in 1951, and received a Master's Degree with Distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1953, and he then served as an officer in the Navy, and, in the early 1960s, after a brief career in investment banking, joined the family business, becoming president of Ex-Lax, Inc., at age 32, tripling its value in a short time and selling it for tens of millions of dollars; and
"WHEREAS, He was hooked by one of the great loves of his life, the love of public service, working first on the 1965 John Lindsay mayoral campaign and then becoming Finance Commissioner and Treasurer of the City of New York and served in the Mayor's Super Cabinet in Mr. Lindsay's first term, positions he held with distinction until 1968, when he left City Hall to run for a vacant State Senate seat, which he won; and
"WHEREAS, From 1972 through 1975, he served as chairman of the New York State Charter Revision Commission for New York City, which significantly revised city government structure, in a task accounted by most people as impossible, as most of the panel's members were Democrats, who viewed him warily and fought among themselves, even as then-Mayor Abraham D. Beame opposed the commission at every turn, and yet Roy Goodman was able to bring the group into agreement behind a set of recommendations adopted by city voters in 1975, at the height of the New York City fiscal crisis, with changes that greatly expanded the power of community boards, required balanced budgets and public disclosure of labor contracts, loosened mayoral control of spending and gave the city comptroller broad power to audit agencies; and
"WHEREAS, Roy Goodman ran for mayor of New York City in 1977, ultimately losing to Mario Cuomo and the mayoral winner, Edward I. Koch, with both of whom he became friends and the Albany go-between; and
"WHEREAS, As chairman of the Committee on Investigations, he conducted investigations and inquiries that resulted in many changes in law and rules, including medical precautions at boxing matches and controls on investments by public authorities; Roy Goodman also identified emerging issues and took on very tough battles, including convincing Albany leaders in 1984 to establish the first in the nation AIDS Institute to combat the emerging and still mysterious at the time AIDS crisis; he also was the first legislator to expose the scourge of crack cocaine in the mid-1980s; Roy Goodman's Investigations Committee also issued a scathing report detailing the breakdown in the city's mechanism to build schools, which resulted in the creation of a new School Construction Authority to take over the task of school construction; and
"WHEREAS, Senator Goodman's major initiatives included sponsorship of legislation to increase police patrols and toughen gun and ammunition controls; provide tax fairness for the owners of co-ops and condos; expand women's rights to choose and increase protections against domestic violence; cut the state income and corporate taxes; provide better housing and tenant protection; protect children against abuse; combat discrimination; and spearhead City Hall efforts to increase state aid for New York City; and
"WHEREAS, In 1981, Roy Goodman became the Republican Party chairman of Manhattan, a post he held for two decades, hosting Republicans from around the country at party dinners and events; Roy Goodman built the New York County Republican Party into a powerhouse organization which provided, as he put it many times, the 'high octane fuel' which led to the elections of Assemblyman John Ravitz and Councilmembers Charles Millard and Andrew Eristoff on Manhattan's East Side, who, along with Congressman Bill Green and Senator Goodman, formed the nucleus for years of moderate Republican leadership in government; and
"WHEREAS, After leaving the Senate, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Governor George E. Pataki appointed Senator Goodman president of the United Nations Development Corporation, an agency charged with building new offices for the United Nations and a park along the East River; and
"WHEREAS, Roy Goodman's commitment to public service extended to his friendship and mentoring of numerous individuals who served with him and served his community and the people of the State of New York with intelligence and caring dedication, contributing significantly to the quality of life of his constituents and the communities of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the memory and accomplishments of the Honorable Roy M. Goodman; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to his daughters, Leslie Goodman and Claire Goodman Pellegrini Cloud, and his son, Randolph Goodman."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
My colleagues, you heard the resolution on what I would call a giant of this chamber, Senator Roy Goodman. Senator Goodman served here with great distinction, and his accomplishments, as the resolution states, go on and on and on. And they're all real, every one of them. Anything that Senator Roy Goodman got involved with, he put his full effort into.
And not only did he love this house and this chamber and what the Senate stood for, but he also loved the City of New York, which he represented. The City of New York would often come first, as probably it should have, but he did it with such great passion.
And I am almost embarrassed to stand on this floor and make comment, because when Senator Goodman got up to speak, this entire chamber, including the gallery, would be totally quiet, because many of the words he used were above my pay grade. And he was such an incredible speaker and was just so eloquent on making his point, whether it be something for his beloved city or, as was mentioned, the arts, which he put an awful lot of his time into, not only the arts of New York City but for all of New York State.
Senator Goodman had many sides to him. While he was a very serious statesman -- and I referenced with Senator Krueger that I believe when he ran for office he put up signs that said he was the statesman of the Senate. And I don't think anyone would ever argue that. He was indeed the statesman of the New York State Senate.
And while he was a very serious and committed individual, he also loved entertainment and joking. He was fun to go to dinner with. He always had a repertoire of jokes or funny stories that would keep you on the heels of your feet for hours at a time. When we had a Senate function, he would often be part of the overall entertainment. I can remember doing a skit with him where I think he had me in a wig with long hair, I can't even remember what it was, it was so long ago. But I do know that our colleagues enjoyed it immensely, and the Senator was full of his good spirit.
As I said, you know, he indeed was a champion for New York City, a champion for the arts, and certainly was committed to so many good programs that were mentioned in the reso.
Senator Goodman would sometimes kid around. I know oftentimes he would call me "Tommy Boy," and he would tell me to come over because he maybe had another story that he wanted to tell.
But he was indeed a serious statesman. He was a giant of this chamber. And, Mr. President, I would say that it will be a long time before another individual like Roy Goodman will come through this chamber.
He will be missed, not only by his family, but all of us as friends. And it is just indeed an honor for me to stand before this house and make some simple comments about such a great man.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Libous.
Senator Krueger.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you, Mr. President. I'd also like to rise to pay my respects and honor to Roy Goodman.
Senator Goodman, as Senator Libous just referenced, was known in my community as "the statesman of the State Senate" and was the last of the Rockefeller Republicans.
His final campaign for office was also my first, and his graciousness and good humor were on full display from that campaign's beginning to end. When victorious against me after a six-week recount, he jokingly dubbed himself "Landslide Goodman."
In fact, Senator Roy Goodman and my father worked together and were friends, and he could never understand why my father couldn't convince me not to run against him. I think many people here now know me and know that that wasn't a possibility.
But after Senator Goodman retired, he continued to show personal warmth and a deep knowledge of his commitment to the public and to our community. He served here with distinction for 33 years. Senator Libous listed out some of his accomplishments.
I like to highlight the fact that as his replacement in the Senate, he and I continue to agree on issues of reproductive rights, tenants rights, progressive social issues that should be moving further ahead that he worked to try to get to move further ahead in his tenure in the Senate.
Even today, after 12 years in the Senate, people in my community still stop to talk to me about Senator Goodman and their memories of him.
My condolences go out to his family and his grandchildren, his daughters, his son. And yes, we just listened to this full resolution. We should all set as goals to be as broad-thinking and accomplished as Senator Roy Goodman was during his tenure.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator LaValle.
SENATOR LaVALLE: Thank you, Mr. President.
It was a great pleasure for me to know Roy Goodman in two ways, one as a staff member working in this Senate and then as a colleague.
As Senator Libous has said, and Senator Krueger, he was a giant here in this chamber. I would say he was blue-chip pedigree in every respect -- intellect, culture, his wit, probably only to be matched by Senator Al Lewis, from the other side, who could both of them go and tell joke after joke without any cues or any briefing from anyone. They were both terrific.
Roy Goodman created and was the chairman for many, many years of the Investigations Committee, and used that committee to cover many of the topics of the day that needed scrutiny. And that he did, with his intellect and following through on each and every subject area.
One of the funniest things that I can recall is going out to dinner with Roy Goodman and a bunch of other Senators. And as Senator Libous indicated, he would, through dinner just one joke after another after another. After dinner was done, the check comes, and Roy Goodman says, "Please, let me pick up the check." Now, Senator Goodman was a man of means. And so no one, no one at the table moved a muscle toward that check. And so he picked it up. Nor did anyone feel guilty that he picked that check up.
Roy Goodman, during the budget processes, would handle the area of the budget. And he was the first person to come in with an easel and huge colored pie-shaped pictures that dealt with the budget. That was a time before we had the Internet and could do things the way we do today using the computer.
In closing, we heard the resolution, and Senator Libous said it. Everything in that resolution could have been even understated, because he was intellectually -- and as I said, the pedigree of culture and the arts, he was the person to be able to talk about these various subject areas.
And so we honor his loss. And certainly to the people of the silk-stocking district that he represented for many, many years, it is a loss to them, the City of New York and New York State.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator LaValle.
Senator Stavisky.
SENATOR STAVISKY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I served very briefly with Senator Goodman when he was in the State Senate. However, I got to know him in the 1970s when he served as chair of the New York City Charter Revision Commission and my husband was on that commission.
And this was a group that studied all areas of New York City governance and in fact studied the governance of London, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and Stockholm, Sweden, firsthand. He arranged -- we paid our own -- spouses were paid for by the spouses. And I believe a foundation paid for their trip, so this was not a taxpayer junket.
On the other hand, it was a very informative trip. And I must tell you, I think Senator Goodman missed his calling when he was dealing with the ambassador from Washington, from the United States, to the Court of St. James in London. And that's where I think his talents really lay, in dealing with diplomatic issues, and he was at his prime.
His choice of language was remarkable, colorful. I remember thinking on one of those occasions that he was the first grown man I ever heard use the word "balderdash."
He was widely respected by everybody, and certainly obviously represented his district with distinction and with flair and with a bipartisan attitude that is often lacking in today's society.
And I remember his wife quite well, because she was very involved with Columbia University. She served as a trustee at one of the colleges when my husband was an adjunct professor in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia.
And I too extend my sympathies to his family. But they have, I'm sure, great memories of their father and of his service in the Senate.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator.
Senator Nozzolio.
SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President and my colleagues, I rise with heavy heart to mourn and celebrate the life of a great American, a wonderful New Yorker, a fine man, and a great contributor to this institution.
Roy Goodman was bright, articulate, erudite and extremely cheerful. He had a big heart, a heart that extended to all who joined this body. I served with him for I believe at least six years, and that it was an honor to be in his presence, to know what he was thinking, to live some of his life experiences, because he certainly was long on sharing those with us, particularly the new Senators.
I appreciated Roy Goodman. I appreciated the fact that we may not have always agreed on matters of substance, but Roy Goodman was never disagreeable. He was a gentleman's gentleman, one who had a great deal of respect for every member of this body.
He loved this institution, this institution of the New York State Senate. And that he certainly was a great Senator, one who cared about his constituents, one who loved his state and loved his nation.
We mourn his passing but are pleased to have shared time here in this body with Senator Roy Goodman.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Nozzolio.
Is there anyone else who wishes 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 MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Libous, it is my understanding that Senator Skelos would like to open up the resolution.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Yes, Mr. President. I would offer two things.
Number one, Senator Skelos would like to offer up the resolution to all members to go on. And if someone does not want to go on the resolution, to please let the desk know.
And I would ask my colleagues to join me in a minute of silence for Senator Goodman, please.
(Whereupon, the assemblage rose and respected a moment of silence.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. Anyone who wishes not to be on the resolution please, at your own peril, notify the desk.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I would like to, if we go back to motions and resolutions -- and we are on motions -- I'd like to adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 5714, 5723 and 5760. I believe 5723 we've already passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Yes, we did.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Okay?
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Yes. The motion is on the Resolution Calendar. All in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exceptions as noted, please signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Resolution Calendar is adopted, sir.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I believe there's a resolution at the desk by Senator Flanagan, Number 5801. Could we have it read in its entirety and call on Senator Flanagan.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Clerk will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5801, by Senator Flanagan, honoring the hard work, dedication and commitment of the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor individuals who have faithfully served the people and the government of the State of New York with dedication and conscientious service; and
"WHEREAS, The New York State Legislative Messenger Service was founded in 1973 as an avenue to provide job training and opportunities to individuals with a disability; emphasis is placed on understanding and amplifying an individual's strengths while providing support, training and structure to lessen any barriers created by their disability; and
"WHEREAS, This outstanding service plays a very important role in expediting the work of the New York State Legislature; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the hard work, dedication and commitment of the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service; and
"WHEREAS, For more than four decades, the New York State Legislative Messenger Service, located in the Legislative Office Building, has provided a communications network throughout the Empire State Plaza and neighboring state buildings for Senate and Assembly legislators and their staffs; and
"WHEREAS, The dedicated members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service can always be relied on to provide swift and dependable service; and
"WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Kevin Kather, Director, and Beth Bonesteel, Assistant Director, the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service, whom we see hurrying about their rounds, include Daniel Benes, Michael Cohen, Nancy Comley, Bill Crowe, Michelle Daly, Adam Denenberg, Robert DeSieno, William Faulkner, Sharon Forkeutis, Marcus Gagnon, William Gerard, Barbara Gosstola, Katherine Griffin, Kimberly Lapp, Barbara McDonald, Kathy O'Brien, Patrick O'Hara, Kadija Oliver, Francis Rotundo, Kathleen Schleich, Barb Wojtowicz, and Valerie Zeh; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to recognize and pay just tribute to the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service, individuals who embody the true American spirit, demonstrating personal determination and significantly contributing to the workings of the New York State Legislature; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the hard work, dedication and commitment of the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger Service."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:To speak on the resolution, Senator Flanagan.
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Libous.
Today is a great day. We just heard the accomplishments of a former colleague who was legendary in his own right, and an intellectual giant. And we have with us -- really, this is great for everyone -- but these are all the people who work for the Legislative Messenger Service. And we thought it was appropriate to take time out of their busy day to honor them and give them plaudits for the work they do, and really recognize them and thank them.
So there are a couple of different things that I think everyone might want to know. They deliver over 95,000 newspapers a year. They deliver, on average, 72,000 packages a year. It is common to deliver over 550 deliveries a day. They have messengers who do computer operations, telephone coordinators. They deal with 600 legislative and state offices, including the LOB, State Capitol, all the agency buildings.
So while we may think they all come just to our offices and help us out every single day, they're all over the place. And everyone recognizes how important the function they perform for everyone.
They also have training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. And I want to read a quote from their website, because I think it's spot on: "Yes, we may have a disability, but we are so much more. We are independent, productive, and part of the community. We are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. We love our families. Our dreams are just like yours and, like you, we know what it takes to get there.
"Treat us as equals. Recognize all the uniqueness that makes all of us special. So let us drop the word 'disability' and recognize we are all the same."
Now, this came from the staff who helped put this together, of course. We have great people to help us. Some of the words to describe our amazing legislative messenger service: Remarkable work ethic, loyal, joyful, team-oriented, supportive, friendly, incredibly hardworking, professional, dedicated, energetic, helpful, positive, humorous, efficient, kind, caring, compassionate.
They are led by two wonderful people, who in terms of years of service are really like newbies compared to some of the people who work there.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:So we have Kevin, Kevin Kather, who is the head of the service. He only has 11 years of service. And Beth is the assistant director, with almost 15 years. But I want to just underscore for everyone, if you take in total the years of service of the legislative messengers, it's over 500 years of service.
So I'm going to ask, as I call your name, if you would be kind enough, if you can, to stand up. We would certainly appreciate it, because I do think it's important.
This first gentleman is like the John Marchi of the messenger service, and that's Frank Rotundo, who has almost 41 years of service.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:He maxed out a long time ago.
Barbara McDonald has almost 40 years of service.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Bill Gerard comes in slightly over 37 years. Not here, okay.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:And I think the mayor of the Capitol and the LOB, Barb, has somewhere around just south of 35 years of service.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Bill Faulkner, 34 years of service. He's not here either, okay.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Nancy Comley, 33½ years. Nancy.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Adam. Adam Denenberg, almost 28 years. Adam.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:A fine lad, Patrick O'Hara, with 27 years of service.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Kimberly Lapp, 26 years. Kimberly.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Sharon Forkeutis, 24½ years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Valerie Zeh, 24½ years as well.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:And Valerie and Sharon started on the same day.
Now we have Michael Cohen, at 21 years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Kathy O'Brien, who's one of the messenger coordinators, she's got 21 years as well.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Billy. Where's Billy? Billy Crowe. Billy, 17 years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Robert DeSieno, 16 years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:I mentioned Beth and Kevin.
Katherine Griffin, nine years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Daniel Benes, six and a half years. Okay, he's not here either.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:All right. Michelle Daly, five years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:And a man who walks with a swagger from the messenger service, good man Marcus. Marcus, nine and a half years.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Kathleen Schleich at three and a half years, roughly.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:And then last but by certainly no means least, Kadija Oliver, with less than a year, but part of the team.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Mr. President, let me just close on this. I think I can take the liberty of trying to speak for my colleagues to a limited extent.
We are grateful, we are proud, we are lucky, we are fortunate. And I feel like when I interact with the messengers, it always helps keep things in perspective. We should all be as congenial and as good-spirited as they are. They do fantastic work for all of us and for the public.
And so when people talk about people who are public servants, here are an exemplary group of people that I think we should all stand up and a give a thunderous round of applause.
(Extended standing ovation.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Mr. President, a glaring political failure. Probably because the name was so hard to pronounce, Barbara Wojtowicz. Barbara.
(Applause.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:With over 23 years of service, Mr. President. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:You will understand if your mail is late tomorrow.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Maziarz.
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Very briefly. I couldn't beat what Senator Flanagan said. I just -- they do an excellent job. Thank you. When my constituents ask me what makes the New York State Senate run, I tell them the great messenger service that we have.
I do have to admit that I appreciate and like the Buffalo Bills fans more than I link the New York Giant fans. Right, Adam?
ADAM DENENBERG:Right!
(Laughter.)
SENATOR MAZIARZ:All right.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Griffo.
SENATOR GRIFFO:I just wanted to add my voice. Thank you all so much for your hard work. Job well done each and every day. Not only do you do it in a responsible way, you're so respectful and courteous, and you just make everybody smile. Even when we're having a difficult day, we all feel better because of the interaction we have together.
So thanks for your hard work, thanks for a job well done. God bless you all.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: First of all, you look great for 500.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Secondly, you know, everything has been said by John, but I want to praise Senator Flanagan. This is a great idea. You know, in all the stuff we do around here, we always seem to be attracted to those people who are asking us for something or complaining about something. We try to move things and get bills.
And sometimes you don't give the recognition to those people who do everything right and make our jobs easier, and we just take it for granted. Because I've never heard a messenger complain, I've never heard a messenger be anything but cheerful and friendly and efficient.
So thank you, John, for doing this. We should have done this years ago when you guys were only 400 years old, okay.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: So thank you very much.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Kennedy.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I too want to rise and just congratulate each and every one of you on the tremendous work that you do for each and every one of us every single day.
You know, we rely upon you. We see you not just as colleagues of ours and employees of the State of New York, but we've come to recognize you as our friends. And when we're walking down the hall and you're coming at us and we're having a tough day and you're smiling us and you're asking us about our family -- and you know more about us and than even we know about us sometimes -- it really goes a long way to showing the type of people that you are, the type of commitment that you have to your job, to us as Senators, to the State of New York, and to the people that we all serve with each and every one of you.
So thank you for your service. Thank you for your smiles. Thank you for your friendship. And keep up the great work.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Breslin.
SENATOR BRESLIN:Thank you, Mr. President.
As I look over at the messengers who are my coworkers, my friends, people I can put my head onto your shoulder and get advice from, and you're also, for the most part, my constituents. And when the building is empty, I'm generally here during the off season, and thank you for inviting me to your parties -- your birthday parties and Christmas parties and other parties. You have made my life better. You have made my life better for allowing me to be part of your team in many respects.
And to your leader, Kevin, for all you've done, and for each and every one of you, you've made our lives better.
And to Senator Flanagan, what a wonderful, wonderful gesture to bring you out here, where you belong, to be with us.
And it's again my pleasure to know you and your families. And as -- I won't identify the person, but I know frequently on a day when I say "How you doing?" and I get the reply "So far so good." And you know who you are.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR BRESLIN:And that's what all of us should think about, to have that smile every day to make people's life brighter. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Ball.
SENATOR BALL:Hey guys, how are you? It's an absolute pleasure.
I do want to thank Senator Flanagan for doing this. And whoever created this program, I don't know who did, but whoever did do this should truly be commended, and this Legislature should be commended.
And I echo the comments of previous colleagues that talk about how this can be a very tough place sometimes, a very tough Capitol. you know, when I think about leaving this Capitol and putting up the spurs on my political career and I think about what I'm going to miss -- because there's a whole heck of a lot of stuff I'm not going to miss. When I think about what I'm going to miss, I consider many of you friends.
I know many of you got to know Hannah, the dog I was supposed to not maybe have in the Capitol or whatever, but I did have in the Capitol all the time, and how close many of you became to her and how close you are now to Tito.
And when I think about leaving, I know we're supposed to do a party next week, and I told Christa on my staff, I said three things. Number one, Tom O'Mara is going to pay, that's number one.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR BALL:Number two, we've got to make sure it's at McGeary's. And number three, please make sure that you invite the messengers. And that offer absolutely stands.
And I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this a more tolerable, better, humane place. You guys are not just the legislative messengers. For this Capitol, you're messengers from God. And you allow insight for all of the leaders that are here about why we should be here and what we should be fighting for and the humanity that brings us all together.
So God bless you each and every one of you, and I look forward to keeping in touch for many years.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Mr. President. I want to stand to add my thanks also.
I've been in this State Capitol in one capacity or another for 18 years now, which is more than I care to remember, but originally as a staff member in the State Assembly, then as a member of the Assembly, and now the last four as a member of the Senate.
And there's never been a day when, encountering one of these fine public servants, where a smile hasn't come on my face even on the most stressful of days. People that take great pride in their work without whom this building could not function, and yet they do it with such a humility and such grace and humor that it makes working here a little bit nicer each day when we cross their paths.
So I want to add my words of thanks to all of them and look forward to continuing to see them in the years to come.
Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I too want to join my colleagues and thank Senator Flanagan for the resolution, but thank certainly all of you.
And while I don't have the opportunity to give an example for each and every one of you, I'm just going to pick out three folks that have inspired me in your ranks. And certainly all of you have been pretty exciting to work with.
But Marcus, where's Marcus? Marcus, if --
(Applause.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:If you could teach the members of this chamber how to extend their hand like you extend your hand in friendship to all of us, it would be a wonderful place.
And I just want to say that it's been a pleasure working with you, and I want to continue to work with you, because every time I see you, you say "Hello, Senator," you always extend your hand of friendship, and that's something very, very special.
Where's my girlfriend Barbara? Where is she? Barbara, where are you? Barbara.
(Laughter; applause.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:And again, I apologize, I can't name -- we'd be here forever. But Barb, you have brought sunshine to so many of our lives, just like your other colleagues have. Every time we see you, you're smiling. You know every one of us by name, you know everything -- as I think Senator Kennedy said, you know more about us than we do.
And it has been exciting to work with you. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues. And keep that smile on your face, because we love it.
Thank you.
(Applause.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:And where's my hockey buddy Adam? Where is he, Adam? Adam, Adam, Adam. I miss you, I haven't seen you as much since I've been in the Capitol.
But Adam and I talk about hockey, or we have over the years, and he was pretty much up to speed on the Binghamton Senators. And of course, Adam, you know it was no coincidence we named the team the Binghamton Senators.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:But anyway, I know that the Rangers aren't doing too good and --
ADAM DENENBERG:They're going to lose anyway.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:What's scary is he's usually right. He's usually right.
But again, I have always enjoyed talking hockey, in particular, and sports with you. And you've certainly brightened up my life, and everybody else here. And thank you for who you are and certainly sharing those stories with us.
But to all of you -- and again, I'd love to go through each and every one. But you really have -- you've done something very special for us over the years. What, some 500 years total, that's a long time. And I'm not sure that Senator Flanagan is quite that old yet, but maybe 450.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:But thank you. I mean from all of us here, we enjoy working with you, we enjoy being a part of what you do every day, and thank you for bringing a lot of cheer -- not a little cheer, but a lot of cheer into our lives.
God bless each and every one of you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Larkin.
SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you, Mr. President.
You know, I look around here and I see 500 years. But when Bill Conklin from Brooklyn, Kenny LaValle and I were staff members, some of you weren't even planned on.
But those first months was a gentleman by the name of Mr. Russo. Who remembers Russo from the background there? Gentleman, right? Was he a gentleman?
(Response of "Yup," "Yes.")
SENATOR LARKIN:Can't hear you.
(Shouts of "Yup.")
SENATOR LARKIN:But Russo had the heavy stick, right, Ken? But we would take great appreciation by you coming to us.
You know, we moved from this building over to the other building, and there was confusion on floors and mail got stressed out the first month or two. But I remember running between here and 813 and then, Kenny, you were in 814, and we were back and forth in different rooms. But I never saw one of you saying "Huh, can't do it, it's terrible." I heard you all say "Don't worry, there's always tomorrow."
You know, John Flanagan put this together. You know, John has a soft heart because he knows deep down what you mean to us, speaking for all of us. You know, you represent a group of young Americans that have a challenge, and you accepted the challenge and you made things better for everybody else. You made other people realize what they can do and how they can better theirself.
You know, we're a better society because of you young people. What did you do? "Good morning, Senator." "Good morning." "Good morning." "Oh, you've got a lot of mail today. Is any of it any good? I hope so." And when you'd bring a box to us, you'd say, "Hope there's some goodies in it."
Never, never did I ever see one of you that had had a down day. You might have had a down day inside, but the exposure that you gave to us said to each and every one of us, if we could stop and greet you, thank you for making our day. Thank you for the work you do. Because without you, this place would be a zoo.
Thank you, and God bless you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you. Thank you. I just want to add my thanks to all of you as well.
I only have 18 months here; you guys have 500 years. But you know, in my short time here I've the opportunity to meet a lot of nice people, but none nicer than all of you. There's people within your ranks who have invited me to their home. And I'll tell you how touching that is to me that as I walk through the hall, like the rest of you, you always say hello, you make time to visit. And I appreciate that. I appreciate all of your service.
I just want to congratulate you on this special day. You are really very, very deserving of this recognition. And I just want to add my thanks to say thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Skelos.
SENATOR SKELOS:Thank you, Mr. President.
Marcus, let me start off that Senator Libous mentioned how you have a great handshake, and you do. Senator Breslin, be careful of a primary.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR SKELOS:He's a great young man.
And Adam, I've known you for so many years. And my son's name is Adam.
And Barbara. Barbara has the way, and so many of you do, to stop you in the hall, especially when you think things are horrible, and really by the smile and asking about whether it's about my wife or my son Adam, who many of you have seen grow up over the years, all of you have a way of putting life in perspective. And for that, we thank you.
You know, we all think that this place goes because of us. This place really functions because of you.
So I know all of us, Republicans and Democrats here, we respect what you do and we love you as a group and we love you individually.
So thank you very much.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Anyone else wishing to speak?
Seeing none, the question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:I hear none.
The resolution is adopted.
Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations. God bless you. See you soon.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, we want to open the resolution up to all the members of the Senate. If for some reason somebody does not want to go on the resolution, please let the desk know.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The resolution will be open to all. Anyone who doesn't want to be on the resolution just let the desk know.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, could you please call on Senator Tkaczyk for the purpose of an announcement, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Tkaczyk.
SENATOR TKACZYK:Thank you, Mr. President.
I have a very special young man in the chambers today that I would like to introduce to everyone. His name is Tyler Benjamin Searles. Could you please stand?
(Applause.)
SENATOR TKACZYK:Thank you, Senator.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:That's because he's a Marine.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR TKACZYK:Tyler Benjamin Searles last year achieved the Boy Scouts' highest honor of Eagle Scout. And we will be passing a resolution --
(Noise from chamber.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator {gaveling}.
SENATOR TKACZYK:I'll wait, sure.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I think they're taking a picture. And then I think once . . .
(Pause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Tkaczyk, for your indulgence. Please start again.
SENATOR TKACZYK:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise today to recognize a constituent from the Town of Ravena, Tyler Benjamin Searles, who is here with us today. Tyler is also joined by his parents, Alicia and Brian Searles. And I want to note that Brian Searles is the director of Senate Revision. He's one of our employees, he's a member of our family.
Tyler attained the Eagle Scout rank, and we will be passing a resolution in a few days recognizing his many achievements. But I wanted to especially make sure he got here today and was recognized for his accomplishments because he won't be here in a few days.
After graduating from high school, Tyler enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. And he went to basic training on November 18th and graduated February 14th. He completed his school of infantry in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on May the 8th. He is currently stationed in the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms in California, and will be leaving in a few days to return to California. He is scheduled for deployment to the Middle East in September for seven months.
One of the projects that Tyler engaged in to obtain his Eagle Scout recognition was to help his local VFW post in Ravena, Post 9594. They had a program called a Medical Equipment Loan Program, and what this program did was to provide medical equipment to anyone who needed it. And we're talking about crutches, wheelchairs, walkers.
The program was being taken over by the Knights of Columbus, but they needed someone to help with the transfer, to take care of the equipment, to clean it, to recycle what wasn't going to be used. Tyler did that on his own and cleaned up the space, recycled what could be used, and made sure that the things that were going to be used were transferred to the folks who were doing the loan program.
This is a young man who his family is incredibly proud of, we are all proud of. This is a young man who inspires people like me every day to work as hard as we possibly can for our young people who are going out and doing the right thing and going out and doing things like enlisting in the Marine Corps and serving our country.
Please join me in congratulating Tyler on his accomplishments and to give him Godspeed and good wishes on his future endeavors. And I'd like to also add that he's a member of our family because his dad is one of our employees in the State Senate.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Tkaczyk, thank you for bringing Tyler to the chamber today and certainly recognizing him.
And Tyler, I just want to join my colleague in saying thank you to you, certainly for not only your service but for what you've contributed and for the great things that you do.
And I did want to add this, that certainly your dad has been a good and trusted and loyal employee for the New York State Senate. And certainly I can see that the acorn did not fall too far from the tree and that you're following in his footsteps and certainly making him proud of the accomplishments that you not only have done to date but will continue to do.
So Tyler, it's exciting for us to have you in the chamber, and again I thank Senator Tkaczyk for doing it.
And certainly, Brian, you should be very proud of your son. He is an outstanding young man. And it's just an honor to have you in our family here in the Senate and to be able to share his great qualities with all the members of this house.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Sanders.
SENATOR SANDERS:Thank you, Mr. President.
First I'd like to draw attention and thank my colleague for having this, and to say that as the father of a Marine, you really have done something extraordinary, sir. And an Eagle Scout on top of that. You've been busy, and it shows.
To my now colleague, from the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, folks have done it, they've gone before you, they've upheld a very proud legacy. I'm sure that you will not let us down. And this is what your armed forces looks like.
So I want to congratulate you and wish you Godspeed. I look forward to when you come back safe and sound and we can have some stories that perhaps cannot be told in public.
Semper Fi.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Tyler, you have the best wishes of the Senate. We offer you the courtesies of the house, and thank you and God bless you.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I believe we have a resolution by Senator Rivera at the desk, Number 5760. Please read it in its entirety and call on the good Senator.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The clerk will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5760, by Senator Rivera, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2014 as Immigrant Heritage Month in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, Generations of immigrants from every corner of the globe have built our country's economy and created the unique character of our nation and state; and
"WHEREAS, Immigrants continue to grow businesses, innovate, strengthen our economy and create jobs in New York State; and
"WHEREAS, Immigrants have provided the United States of America and New York State with unique social and cultural influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of each; and
"WHEREAS, Immigrants constitute a vital segment not only in our state's community and economic affairs, but also our state's democracy; and
"WHEREAS, Immigrants comprise more than a quarter of our state's workforce, and for that reason the care and well-being of these individuals is not only a priority for this body, but a necessity for the economic health of this state; and
"WHEREAS, Immigrants account for nearly a third of New York's economic output in metropolitan areas and produce more than a fifth of new York's gross domestic product; and
"WHEREAS, Foreign-born students seeking educational opportunities in New York contribute billions of dollars to the state in their journey to success; and
"WHEREAS, Immigrants have been tireless leaders not only in securing their own rights and access to equal opportunity, but have also campaigned to create a fairer and more just society for all Americans; and
"WHEREAS, Despite these countless contributions, the role of immigrants in building and enriching our nation has frequently been overlooked and undervalued throughout our history and continuing to the present day; and
"WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and increased recognition of the contributions of immigrant communities at the local, state and national levels; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2014, as Immigrant Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and to the events commemorating Immigrant Heritage Month throughout New York State."
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Rivera.
SENATOR RIVERA:Thank you, Mr. President.
My colleagues, I rise today to pause for a second so that we can think about all of the people across the State of New York which add to the character of the State of New York and add value to the State of New York. And in particular I'm talking about all the immigrant communities that make up our districts, our state, all the way from the Bronx to Western New York to the northern part of the state and all across.
Just in my district, I represent about 318,000 folks just in that small district in the Bronx. Whether you have a Puerto Rican community that has been vibrant and growing there and been there for a long time; a Dominican community that is actually, in the Bronx, the largest Dominican community outside of Santo Domingo; whether you have African communities, whether it's from Ghana or the Ivory Coast; Albanians, Hondurans, like the Garifuna community that we've honored on this floor before; the Vietnamese; the Mexican community; the Italian community that made up so much of one part of my district for a long time, and some of them moved away but are still there -- all of these communities make up the greatness that is the State of New York, but certainly the Bronx.
And just some of the numbers mentioned in the resolution, whether we're talking about the fact that immigrant populations comprise more than a quarter of our state's workforce, the fact that they account for nearly a third of the economic output of the entire state or that they produce more than a fifth of New York's gross domestic product.
So whether it's the cultural heritage, whether it's the economic benefits, these are millions of New Yorkers that are immigrants that make New York their home. And these New Yorkers, we need to stop for a second and recognize them and know that without them, New York wouldn't be the state that it is.
So I, Mr. President, take a second to thank all of these immigrant communities for making New York their home. Because of their presence here, we are a better state. Whether it's in the Bronx, in Brooklyn, all the way up in Buffalo, in the northern parts of the state, everywhere, these communities make our state better, more vibrant, and I'm glad that we are taking a second to recognize them on this floor.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator.
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 Senator Kennedy has a previously adopted resolution at the desk, Number 5615. He would like the title read only, and then he would like to be called on to speak on the resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The clerk will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5615, by Senator Kennedy, mourning the death of Richard L. Berger, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:On the resolution, Senator Kennedy.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise today to remember Richard L. "Rick" Berger and honor his many accomplishments as a devoted husband and father, a decorated serviceman, and a businessman who was very successful as a leader in our community.
Mr. Berger passed away earlier this year on February 25, 2014, at the age of 67. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends as they mourn this tremendous loss to our community.
Rick was born on January 19, 1947, in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Bowling Green University in Ohio and proudly served this nation as a member of the United States Air Force, where he climbed the ranks to become an Air Force captain. We thank Mr. Berger and his family for sacrifice and valiant service to our country.
After leaving the Air Force, Rick began a career in business and quickly demonstrated the talents and skills necessary to succeed and help companies grow. A hardworking man full of grit and determination, Rick proved himself and worked steadily through all sorts of business work in our community and throughout the United States. He served as a vice president, president and CEO of several companies and helped drive them to success.
Mr. Berger's long career took him all over the country. And fortunately for those of us in Western New York, it led him to Buffalo. Rick's most indelible impression in business came when he cofounded the business consulting firm inVentures Group in Buffalo.
Mr. Berger distinguished himself in his profession, and he demonstrated sincere dedication to our community. He supported and served on the boards of several key community groups such as the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, the Library Foundation and Riverkeeper. And he worked on the Westminster Economic Development Initiative. He was also an elder at the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
It's folks like Rick Berger that have made Buffalo a great place to start a business and an even better place to raise a family. Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy, their son, Troy, and his sister Lin Blakely.
A compassionate man who worked hard to support his family and help his community thrive, Rick Berger leaves behind a legacy that will remain as a comforting memory to all who knew him.
I know members of Rick's family are watching with us today, along with his friends and colleagues at inVentures Group. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family as they mourn his loss with us. May he rest in peace.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Thank you, Senator Kennedy.
The resolution was previously adopted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I believe Senator Tkaczyk has a resolution at the desk, Number 5358. If you would read its title and please call on the Senator.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:The Secretary will read the title.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5358, by Senator Tkaczyk, honoring student-athlete Nick Gwiazdowski upon the occasion of becoming the first Capital Region wrestler to win an NCAA Division I wrestling title.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Tkaczyk.
SENATOR TKACZYK:Thank you, Mr. President.
I have another very special young man in the chambers today, and I'd like to introduce him and talk to him and also recognize that his parents, Suzanne and John Gwiazdowski, are also here in the chamber with us.
And Nick is from Duanesburg. We don't all have difficult-to-say names in Duanesburg.
But this is an incredible young man that needs to be recognized. While he was in high school at Duanesburg, Nick was a two-time New York State champion. He posted a 50-0 record in his senior season. None of his opponents that year finished their match. He had 43 pins and seven forfeits. That year he won the Junior Wade Schalles Award, which is given to the high school wrestler with the most pins in the country. He was a two-time team captain of Duanesburg and finished high school with 199 victories.
This is really special, because Duanesburg is such a small school. His graduating class was probably less than 70 kids. And we recognized a couple of weeks ago some outstanding coaches, one of them being Joe Benna, who was Nick's coach at Duanesburg.
In his first year in college, Nick compiled a 30-to-9 record at Binghamton. He won the 2012 Colonial Athletic Association Conference Tournament and was named the 2012 Conference's Rookie of the Year. When his coach there, Pat Popolizio, left Binghamton for North Carolina State, Nick followed him there and this year really shined. He was the Atlantic Coast Conference champion and then beat the two-time defending champion to become the NCAA champion in his weight class.
Just as impressive, while he was compiling these amazing accomplishments, Nick was also an outstanding student. He was on the honor roll while wrestling for Duanesburg in high school, and was named to the All-American Team by the National Wrestling Coaches Association at both Binghamton and North Carolina State.
These are tremendous achievements by a great student-athlete and role model, and I can't imagine the hard work that Nick did to get to this level. But we are really incredibly proud of his accomplishments. I know his parents are incredibly proud. The entire town of Duanesburg is incredibly proud to know him. I even have kids who have wrestled him in the past come up to me and say "I wrestled Nick. I wrestled an NCAA champion and lost." But they're incredibly proud that they got to know Nick.
I can't wait to see what he does in his next two years at NC State. But I would like to welcome my colleagues in recognizing Nick to our chamber and congratulating him on his tremendous success so far.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Nick, congratulations for your achievements. We wish you well in the future, and when you win the next Olympics, come back and see us.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I want to stand up and congratulate Nick also.
Nick, I know this would surprise you, but this body wrestled at one time many, many years ago. What are you laughing for?
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:He's waiting for you to stand up, sir.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:You might look like this one day.
But I wanted to say, as the Senator in Binghamton, I'm not sure you're aware of this, but Binghamton lost its wrestling program for a number of years. And I would like to take some credit for getting back it back for them, because I did work with I believe one of the Baldwin brothers, I can't remember -- I want to say Billy Baldwin. Thank you, Eric. It was Billy Baldwin. And I know it was killing him to work with a Republican, but he told me that I was one of the nicer ones that he had ever met.
But we did reinstate the wrestling program in Binghamton. I'm glad that, you know, you at least spent a bit of your time there. And I want to say congratulations to you and certainly, as Senator Tkaczyk and Senator Marcellino have said, that we hope to have you back here one day with bigger and greater accomplishments.
But congratulations for what you've done so far. And, you know, Binghamton is a great place, and I'm glad to see that the wrestling team is certainly paying off and producing champions like yourself. Congratulations.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:Senator Libous, the resolution was previously adopted.
SENATOR LIBOUS:She's got me working today.
Can we return to motions?
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:We will return to motions.
SENATOR LIBOUS:On behalf of Senator Felder, on page 36 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 671, Senate Print 7062, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:So ordered.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, at this time I would call an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332. There will be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
ACTING PRESIDENT MARCELLINO:There will be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
The Senate will stand at ease until the Rules Committee returns.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 1:03 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 1:41 p.m.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:I believe there's a report of the Rules Committee at the desk. Can we have the report read at this time.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Senate will come to order.
There is a report of the Resolution Calendar at the desk, and the Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Skelos, from the Committee on Rules, reports the following bills:
Senate Print 698, by Senator Grisanti, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate 902, by Senator Martins, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate 1187A, by Senator Maziarz, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law;
Senate 1205, by Senator Carlucci, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law;
Senate 1593B, by Senator Grisanti, an act to amend the Executive Law;
Senate 1876A, by Senator Bonacic, an act to amend the County Law;
Senate 2838B, by Senator Parker, an act in relation to requiring;
Senate 3054, by Senator Hannon, an act to authorize the assessor;
Senate 3246, by Senator Carlucci, an act to amend the State Administrative Procedure Act;
Senate 3361, by Senator DeFrancisco, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate 3476A, by Senator Hannon, an act authorizing the assessor;
Senate 3563, by Senator Seward, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law;
Senate 3592, by Senator O'Mara, an act to amend the General Municipal Law;
Senate 3981B, by Senator Lanza, an act to amend the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law;
Senate 3983, by Senator Lanza, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate 4067, by Senator DeFrancisco, an act to amend the Social Services Law;
Senate 4095, by Senator Robach, an act to amend the State Finance Law;
Senate 4337B, by Senator Young, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate 4461B, by Senator Klein, an act to amend the General Municipal Law;
Senate 4714A, by Senator Larkin, an act to amend the Retirement and Social Security Law;
Senate 4848, by Senator Latimer, an act to amend the Education Law;
Senate 4998, by Senator Lanza, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law;
Senate 5133, by Senator Zeldin, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law;
Senate 5317, by Senator Marcellino, an act to amend the General Municipal Law;
Senate 5786, by Senator DeFrancisco, an act to amend the Insurance Law;
Senate 5857, by Senator Boyle, an act to authorize;
Senate 6142A, by Senator Golden, an act to amend the Social Services Law;
Senate 6164, by Senator Grisanti, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate 6360A, by Senator Valesky, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law;
Senate 6467A, by Senator Golden, an act to amend the General Municipal Law;
Senate 6478A, by Senator Ranzenhofer, an act to repeal Chapter 154 of the Laws of 1921;
Senate 6574, by Senator Ritchie, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law;
Senate 6629, by Senator Ball, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate 6672A, by Senator Klein, an act to amend the Insurance Law;
Senate 6726, by Senator Golden, an act to amend the General Municipal Law;
Senate 6848, by Senator Marcellino, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate 6959A, by Senator Flanagan, an act in relation to extending;
Senate 7047, by Senator O'Mara, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law;
Senate 7050A, by Senator Gallivan, an act in relation to the Town of Eagle;
Senate 7093, by Senator Hoylman, an act to amend the Penal Law;
Senate 7109, by Senator Gallivan, an act providing;
Senate 7111B, by Senator Grisanti, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate 7191, by Senator Nozzolio, an act to amend Chapter 159 of the Laws of 1929;
Senate 7229B, by Senator LaValle, an act in relation to authorizing;
Senate 7325A, by Senator Martins, an act to incorporate;
Senate 7352, by Senator Martins, an act to amend the Local Finance Law;
Senate 7480, by Senator Hannon, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate 7485, by Senator LaValle, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law;
Senate 7592, by Senator Hannon, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate 7601B, by Senator Hannon, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate 7687, by Senator Marchione, an act to authorize the assessor;
Senate 7688, by Senator Marchione, an act to authorize the assessor;
Senate 7689, by Senator Marchione, an act to authorize the assessor;
And Senate 7711, by Senator Farley, an act relating to a certain agreement.
All bills reported direct to third reading.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President. Can we move to accept the report of the Rules Committee.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:All in favor of accepting the Committee on Rules report signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Rules Committee report is accepted.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, at this time could we have the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will read today's active list, noncontroversial.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 177, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 3598, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Rivera recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 246, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 4324A, an act to amend the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 300, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Magee, Assembly Print 8679, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Krueger to explain her vote.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise to explain my vote no on this bill.
Well, of course an obvious role for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to play is to ensure that alcohol, beer and wine and other liquor-industry activities are related to economic development in this state. It is also crucial that we not forget a community's right to have a say in whether there is overutilization of licenses, too much going on in their specific community, too many licenses, too many retail activities.
And I am very concerned that with this change in law we would find that communities had much less say over their own destinies when it comes to alcohol, beer and wine, and I am voting no. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Krueger to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 300, those recorded in the negative are Senators Avella, Díaz, Gianaris, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano and Squadron.
Ayes, 47. Nays, 10.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 315, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 6624, an act to amend Chapter 130 of the Laws of 1998.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
The Secretary will read the substitution.
THE SECRETARY:On page 18, Senator Lanza moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 8853 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6624, Third Reading Calendar 315.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Substitution so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 315, by Member of the Assembly Farrell, Assembly Print 8853, an act to amend Chapter 130 of the Laws of 1998.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 333, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 6718B, an act to amend Chapter 154 of the Laws of 1921.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect upon enactment into law by the State of New Jersey.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 366, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Robinson, Assembly Print 9057, an act to amend Chapter 322 of the Laws of 2007.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 445, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 6579A, an act to amend the Local Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Lay it aside.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Lay the bill aside.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 489, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 2331B, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 7. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 521, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 5372A, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 524, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 7142, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 530, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 2016, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 566, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 7140, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54. Nays, 3. Senators Perkins, Rivera and Serrano recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 593, by Senator Ball, Senate Print 6563A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 595, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 2932A, an act to amend the Banking Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 608, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Magnarelli, Assembly Print Number 8819, an act to amend the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 625, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 6903B, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 53. Nays, 4. Senators Ball, Bonacic, Marchione and Zeldin recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 643, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 1032, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 644, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 1448, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 647, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 2036, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 650, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 2749A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 651, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 2918, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of April.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Bonacic and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 654, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 3521A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 657, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 4062, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 660, by Senator Latimer, Senate Print 6861A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 60th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 661, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 6873, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 664, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 985A, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 666, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 5212A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 666, those recorded in the negative are Senators Ball, DeFrancisco, Griffo, Marchione, O'Mara, Ranzenhofer and Seward.
Ayes, 50. Nays, 7.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 666, those recorded in the negative are Senators Ball, DeFrancisco, Farley, Griffo, Marchione, Nozzolio, O'Mara, Ranzenhofer and Seward.
Ayes, 48. Nays, 9.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 668, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Braunstein, Assembly Print Number 9757, an act to amend the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 679, by Senator DeFrancisco, Senate Print 6206, an act to amend the State Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator DeFrancisco to explain his vote.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, I know we had a spirited debate on a similar bill dealing with yogurt, and at that time I think I mentioned that it's important, these types of bills designating different state symbols, for education purposes with our young people.
And in this case, this was an idea brought to us by Irene Manna's fourth-grade class in Skaneateles. You probably don't know this, but the wood frog is already the unofficial amphibian of the state. And a young girl in that class, Lili Winkelman, thought why is that? She loves frogs; why should it be unofficial? And she said, "What do we have to do," to her teacher, "to make it happen?"
So she contacted our office, and we put in a bill, and it's also supported in the Assembly by an Assemblymember.
And each of the class members wrote these reasons why, wrote letters to me, the reasons why and arguing why this should happen. And they're outstanding letters and making more cogent arguments than many of us do here on a regular basis.
And the arguments given for this particular bill was: Did you know that wood frogs actually recognize their brothers and sisters? There was a study done, and there was a little paint put on them, and they were sent back into some area, and they all gathered together by family.
Wood frogs actually are able to freeze their organs, their organs freeze in the middle of winter -- and that's important in Syracuse -- in the middle of winter, and they revitalize in the spring.
Wood frogs are also being used for research in diabetes. And that's done because they can accept much more sugar in their system than we can.
So there's many, many reasons and good reasons why this designation of "unofficial" should be taken away from the wood frog and the official amphibian of the state should be the wood frog.
Last point. We talk about, all the time, how voting is down in our communities, how people are not interested in government, how people just should be civically responsible and involved. Well, here's a fourth-grade class on their own initiative that's suggesting legislation, lobbying for legislation, and gaining a stake in our system.
So I congratulate Lili Winkelman and the fourth-grade class at the State Street Intermediate School in Skaneateles, and I'm happy to see that this is going to pass unanimously today in this session.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator DeFrancisco to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Squadron to explain his vote.
SENATOR SQUADRON:I want to congratulate Senator DeFrancisco on this occasion. I'll vote aye, Mr. President.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Squadron to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Bonacic to explain his vote.
SENATOR BONACIC:Thank you, Mr. President.
You know, I don't know too much about frogs. When I was young, Kermit the Frog was the one that I kind of liked because he was always portrayed in a positive way.
I want to tell you a little story about a frog that I've come to know better in the last six months, and that is the cricket frog.
And what I have seen happen over the last decade is the empowerment of the DEC to wrap themselves around the protection of some kind of species -- in this case, the cricket frog -- and in my district, in Florida, Glenmere Lake, in a draft report, they said for three miles around this lake -- a draft report, now; it's not official regulation -- no construction could take place for the protection of the cricket frog.
That means if you owned a house and wanted to put a porch on, you had to go through DEC, you had to have it surveyed out, you had to hire people to make sure you didn't interfere with that cricket frog.
So when we start empowering a particular species, what happens is the DEC gets more empowered and dilutes property rights in the name of overregulation. And for that reason, I'm voting no on this particular bill.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Bonacic to be recorded in the negative.
Senator DeFrancisco, you've already explained your vote. We're on explanation of votes.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I have a point of order.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:What is your point of order, Senator DeFrancisco?
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: My point of order is in view of the fact that the argument is not germane to this bill, that I'm asking that it be stricken from the record.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Absent a frog in his throat, the record will stand as is.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 679, those recorded in the negative are Senators Ball, Bonacic, Libous, Perkins and Zeldin.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 5.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 694, by Senator Griffo, Senate Print 3907, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 694, those recorded in the negative are Senators Addabbo, Avella, Breslin, Dilan, Gianaris, Gipson, Kennedy, Krueger, Montgomery, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins. Also Senator Little.
Ayes, 38. Nays, 19.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 697, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 5360, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 697, those recorded in the negative are Senators Avella, Carlucci, Parker, Perkins and Sanders.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 5.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 703, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Zebrowski, Assembly Print Number 9124A, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 704, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 5525, an act to repeal.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 704, those recorded in the negative are Senators Avella, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders and Squadron.
Ayes, 50. Nays, 7.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 709, by Senator Libous, Senate Print 978, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the first of April.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 715, by Senator DeFrancisco, Senate Print 1974, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 721, by Senator O'Mara, Senate Print 3471, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 721, those recorded in the negative are Senators Avella, Dilan, Gianaris, Kennedy, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Tkaczyk.
Ayes, 44. Nays, 13.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 731, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Farrell, Assembly Print Number 9344, an act in relation to establishing.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator DeFrancisco to explain his vote.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, this bill was passed by both houses last year and vetoed by the Governor. It basically sets up a commission to review management/confidential employees' salaries that haven't been raised in a substantial period of time.
The Governor vetoed the bill on the grounds it should be part of the budget. We put it in our one-house budget this year and tried to engage on this topic because it was budget time. We couldn't get engagement, we couldn't get this to be part of the budget. So we are passing it again, I believe as is the Assembly.
Hopefully the argument that it should be part of the budget will not be considered by the Governor if he's considering a veto, in view of the fact that we attempted to do just what he requested. This is an important bill that we should do.
I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator DeFrancisco to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 733, by Senator Libous, Senate Print 982, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 738, by Senator Young, Senate Print 5318A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 741, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 6481, an act to authorize.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54. Nays, 3. Senators Bonacic, Larkin and O'Mara recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 742, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Lentol, Assembly Print 9241A, an act to amend Chapter 672 of the Laws of 1993.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 775, by Senator Ball, Senate Print 6778A, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Excuse me. In relation to Calendar Number 775: Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Montgomery and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill continues to be passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 786, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 4979B, an act to amend the Retirement and Social Security Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 790, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 5720A, an act to amend the Civil Service Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 828, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Schimminger, Assembly Print 9518, an act to amend the Highway Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 836, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 2450A, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 836, those recorded in the negative are Senators Addabbo, Avella, Gianaris, Gipson, Kennedy, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Stavisky and Tkaczyk.
Ayes, 42. Nays, 15.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 851, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 5864, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 851, those recorded in the negative are Senators Kennedy, Krueger, Perkins, Rivera and Sanders.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 5.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 855, by Senator Little, Senate Print 6322, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 859, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 6762A, an act to amend the Military Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 865, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 7324, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 867, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 4414, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 868, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 5333, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 876, by Senator Valesky, Senate Print 7305, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Montgomery and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
Can I see the negatives again by show of hands, please.
Reannounce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 876: Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 879, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 2003, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 887, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 6480A, an act to authorize.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Can we have some order in the house, please.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54. Nays, 3. Senators Bonacic, Larkin and O'Mara recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 888, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Cusick, Assembly Print 8862, an act to amend Chapter 306 of the Laws of 2011.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 894, by Senator Díaz, Senate Print 259, an act to amend the Banking Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 917, by Senator Espaillat, Senate Print 7359, an act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 918, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Paulin, Assembly Print 6367, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 924, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 7293A, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 978, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 2472, an act to amend Chapter 47 of the Laws of 1931.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect upon the enactment into law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1004, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Zebrowski, Assembly Print 9225B, an act to amend Chapter 329 of the Laws of 2009.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1011, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 6523, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 52. Nays, 5. Senators DeFrancisco, Gipson, Krueger, Montgomery and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1017, by Senator Serrano, Senate Print 5600, an act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect January 1, 2015.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 52. Nays, 5. Senators Ball, DeFrancisco, Griffo, Marchione and Zeldin recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1019, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Gjonaj, Assembly Print 9387B, an act to amend Chapter 465 of the Laws of 1994.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1023, by Senator Sanders, Senate Print 5428A, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1031, by Senator Felder, Senate Print 5369B, an act to direct.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1032, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 6404, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Krueger recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1040, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 7464A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1074, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 5249A, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators DeFrancisco and Libous recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Also Senator Hannon. Ayes, 54. Nays, 3.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator DeFrancisco to explain his vote.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I just wanted to explain my vote.
I think it's a wonderful idea for individuals who are receiving public assistance to complete a course of instruction in financial literacy.
The reason I voted no is I don't think those times in that course should count towards the employment time requirement. If it was an additional requirement, fine. But to count towards when you're supposed to be working I think is not appropriate. That's why I voted no.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator DeFrancisco to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 1074, those recorded in the negative are Senators Ball, Bonacic, DeFrancisco, Griffo, Hannon, Libous and Seward. Also Senator Ranzenhofer. Also Senator Larkin. Also Senator Nozzolio. Also Senator Marchione.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 46. Nays, 11.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1076, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Magee, Assembly Print 7706, an act to amend the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1125, by Member of the Assembly Weinstein, Assembly Print 9354, an --
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Excuse me, Mr. Secretary.
First I want to note that on Calendar Number 1090, during motions, it was starred at the sponsor's request.
So now we'll proceed to Calendar 1125, and the Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1125, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Weinstein, Assembly Print 9354, an act to amend Chapter 507 of the Laws of 2009.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Klein to explain his vote.
SENATOR KLEIN:Thank you, Mr. President.
This is an extremely important piece of legislation which started back in 2009 during the subprime mortgage crisis. I think everyone knows by now not only did the subprime mortgage crisis disrupt and destroy our financial markets, it also caused many hardworking homeowners throughout the country, and especially here in New York State, to lose their homes.
One of the things we did back then was legislation that I sponsored back in 2009 which took important steps in protecting homeowners from further deception and intimidation by the banks when we passed historic landmark legislation. The legislation is very simple but I think goes a long way towards helping distressed homeowners.
First and foremost, the legislation requires a 90-day notification before someone is served with foreclosure. Next, and probably the most important part of the legislation, is a settlement conference. The settlement conference is mandatory during that 90-day period, and it requires that the bank and the distressed homeowner work out some type of modification to keep the homeowner in their home.
I think everyone knows what happened previously is a lot of people were duped into purchasing mortgages which sounded good in the beginning because they had very, very low interest rates but then rose to very high interest rates. When homeowners noticed or saw that was happening, they contacted their banks in many cases and in most cases were told "Call us when you're in foreclosure." I think everyone knows that's too late, because that's when you lose your home, that's when your credit rating is destroyed, that's when you lose the American dream of homeownership, which I think is everyone's intent to keep alive for years to come.
So this legislation made an awful lot of sense, and it saved thousands and thousands of homeowners throughout the State of New York their homes because they were able to get help, they were able to work out some type of agreement to modify their mortgage and keep them in their homes.
Well, unfortunately we're not out of the woods yet. I put forth a report last Friday which showed that just in New York City alone there's potentially 30,000 homeowners potentially facing foreclosure, and 80 percent of those individuals are in predominantly minority neighborhoods. And I also think we have to ask ourselves the question why are African-American and Latino homeowners four times more likely to be facing foreclosure.
So I think the continuation of this program will continue to help thousands of homeowners throughout the State of New York be able to make sure that we can keep the American dream of homeownership alive not only for this generation but for future generations.
I vote yes, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Klein to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator DeFrancisco recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1194, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 89A, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 60th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Krueger recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1196 has also been starred at the sponsor's request during motions, so we will now go on to Calendar Number 1197.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1197, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 680, an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator DeFrancisco recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1198, by Senator Little, Senate Print 1005A, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1199, by Senator Montgomery, Senate Print 1413, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senator Balls and Zeldin recorded in the negative. Also Senator Griffo.
Ayes, 54. Nays, 3.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1200, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 2108, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Montgomery and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1202, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 2366, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 7. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1203, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 2467, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of April.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1204, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 2526A, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect April 1, 2015.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1205, by Senator Ball, Senate Print 2648, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 1205, those recorded in the negative are Senators Avella, Dilan, Gianaris, Montgomery, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders and Stavisky.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 8.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1206, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 3626D, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1208, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 4596B, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 16. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1209, by Senator Grisanti, Senate Print 4642A, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Grisanti to explain his vote.
SENATOR GRISANTI:Yes, thank you, Mr. President.
My fellow colleagues, a couple of years ago we tried to increase the historic tax credits from $5 million to $12 million. All across this state there are buildings that need refurbishing, they need help, they need these historic tax credits. The $5 million does a great job for some of the lower-end construction projects.
When you see the blight in your communities, you see no economic development in the areas around that blight. We need to increase the historic tax credit. This particular piece of legislation raises the cap to $7 million in the years 2016-2017, to $9 million in the years 2017-2018, and up to $12 million in years 2018-2019.
Every single one of us has in our district properties that are full of blight. And for those that have had the $5 million used in the historic tax credit, you see that you have construction jobs right off the bat. A perfect example, the Lafayette Hotel lay dormant, 300 construction jobs; now that it's completed using the $5 million tax credit, there are over 270 jobs at the end. The property is back on the tax rolls, and it created economic viability within that region.
This needs to be increased. We need to do this immediately. It is just as important as brownfields, which we need to get that done this year. But the historic tax credits, we cannot wait any longer. I ask the Assembly to get it passed. I ask all my colleagues to support this, because you will have construction jobs, you will have permanent jobs at the end, put properties out of blight and back on the tax rolls.
I vote aye, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Grisanti to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Krueger recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1210, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 4666, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1211, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 4679A, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Gipson and Rivera recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1212, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 6146, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1213, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 6202, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1214, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 6303, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1215, by Senator Griffo, Senate Print 6655, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1218, by Senator Sanders, Senate Print 6852, an act to direct.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1219, by Senator Valesky, Senate Print 7180, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1220, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Farrell, Assembly Print 9394, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Krueger and Squadron recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1221, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 7397, an act to amend the Economic Development Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1222, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Barrett, Assembly Print 9215, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1223, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 7503, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Rivera to explain his vote.
SENATOR RIVERA:Thank you, Mr. President. I stand quickly to explain my vote.
As I've done in the past when we're talking about bills that relate to sex offenders, I always believe we should make a distinction between Level 1s, 2s and 3s. I believe that certainly Level 3s are people that we need to be protected from. And most of these bills that have to do with where folks can work, where folks can live, where folks can study, whether it's a library or what have you, I do believe that we need to have those types of bills.
In this particular instance I do not see a distinction between the levels, so I would have to vote in the negative.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Rivera to be recorded in the negative.
Senator Ranzenhofer to explain his vote.
SENATOR RANZENHOFER:Thank you, Mr. President.
This is a very, very important bill which will protect people in our neighborhoods and, most importantly, will protect the very people that we are charged to care for, and those are the people living in these group homes.
This measure goes a long way to offering that protection, that safety for our very vulnerable people that live in our community. I vote aye.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Ranzenhofer to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Those recorded in the negative are Senators Rivera and Montgomery.
Ayes, 55. Nays, 2.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1224, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 7734, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1225, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Santabarbara, Assembly Print 8479, an act to amend Chapter 266 of the Laws of 1981.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1226, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 7764, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1227, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 7774, an act to amend Chapter 433 of the Laws of 1997.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
Senator Libous, that completes the noncontroversial reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, it does. Could we call on Senator Valesky, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Valesky.
SENATOR VALESKY:Mr. President, would you lay Calendar 445 aside for the day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Calendar Number 445 has been laid aside for the day.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, Senator Ranzenhofer has a resolution at the desk, Number 5714. Could we read it in its entirety and then call on Senator Ranzenhofer.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will read Resolution Number 5714 in its entirety.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5714, by Senator Ranzenhofer, commending Bunkers in Baghdad for its dedicated efforts in support of our armed service members at home and abroad.
"WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this nation, and the great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their lives and careers to the service of others; and
"WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality of life of members of the United States Armed Forces are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Bunkers in Baghdad for its dedicated efforts in support of our armed service members at home and abroad; and
"WHEREAS, Bunkers in Baghdad is a not-for-profit charity that collects and sends new and used golf balls, clubs and equipment to our troops deployed in 30 countries around the world, with a focus on the brave men and women currently serving in combat zones; and
"WHEREAS, This esteemed organization has been highly active in New York State, providing numerous donations to members of the New York State National Guard on assignment overseas; in addition, they have made substantial contributions to soldiers stationed at Fort Drum, New York, and at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base, as well as to Marines and Army recruiting stations across the state; and
"WHEREAS, Bunkers in Baghdad has admirably collected and shipped more than five million golf balls and over 150,000 golf clubs to troops serving overseas over the past six years; and
"WHEREAS, A proud supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project, Bunkers in Baghdad has provided golfing equipment to aid in the rehabilitation of injured soldiers at veterans' hospitals across New York State and the entire country; and
"WHEREAS, Through its Bunkers Buddies program, the group has worked with over 165 schools in 42 states, helping collect children's letters and pictures to be enclosed in golf care packages for our deployed troops; and
"WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous accolades, Bunkers in Baghdad had the honor of ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange in 2009; and
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and associations 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 Bunkers in Baghdad for its dedicated efforts in support of our armed service members at home and abroad; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Joseph M. Hanna, Esq., president and founder of Bunkers in Baghdad."
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Ranzenhofer.
SENATOR RANZENHOFER:Thank you, Mr. President.
We are here today to commend the efforts and the great work of Bunkers in Baghdad. As you heard from the resolution, this is a not-for-profit organization which does a lot for our veterans and our military that are serving overseas.
We are joined today in the gallery by, as you mentioned, the president and founder of Bunkers in Baghdad, Joe Hanna. And also with Joe today is Joshua Beams and Andrew Tramontana.
This is an organization which has been in existence for only six years and has collected over 5 million golf balls and 150,000 golf clubs. If you just do the math, it's just an incredible undertaking by these very, very hardworking individuals. And they are committed to helping our veterans and our active military that are serving.
When you are in the service, obviously you're putting your life on the line, but there is also a lot of free time that you have. And I think this organization was created to help those individuals that are serving overseas to be active while they are not engaged at the moment.
This organization has the support of 350 professional sports franchises across the State of New York, including the Buffalo Sabres, the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Bisons, the Syracuse Crunch, the New York Rangers, the New York Islanders. They are also supported very strongly by Callaway Golf and Arnold Palmer Enterprises.
They work with schools in the Bunkers Buddies program from Buffalo to Rochester, Albany, New York City, Long Island and Syracuse. They also work with our VA hospitals all across the state, from Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, Batavia, Bath, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Rochester, Rome, Brooklyn, New York City, Hicksville, and Staten Island.
This is an organization which just in a few short years has done tremendous work. They work with the Wounded Warriors Program. They help folks that are injured rehabilitate and get back into better health. And they just do admirable, admirable work.
And I just want to close by offering this chamber a challenge. So far they have collected 5 million golf balls. I want to offer everybody in this chamber the opportunity to drop off your used or lightly used golf balls in my office to help this organization. Because they can't do it by going out by themselves; it's groups like us, other groups across the state which help them collect the golf balls and the golf clubs.
So in the next two weeks, if you have some spare time -- or you don't have some spare time, because you're not able to get out on the golf course -- and you have those golf balls lying around in your closet or in a golf bag, drop them off in my office and I'm sure that the Bunkers in Baghdad organization who is here with us today will be very, very appreciative of those efforts.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you, Senator Ranzenhofer.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Congratulations on your efforts. We participate in our office in the Cellphones for Soldiers program, another great program that aids veterans.
The only comment I want to make, I have played golf with Senator Ranzenhofer before. And I'm not so sure giving the golf balls to him is the best way for you to gather golf balls, because he uses them at an incredible rate. He loses a lot of golf balls. And I would suggest you find another drop-off point to increase your efforts.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: So thank you very much.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The resolution is adopted.
We welcome you to the chamber, and we commend you for your efforts. Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:We're going to stand at ease temporarily.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Senate will stand at ease.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, before we do, just to be fair to members, we are probably going to take on another calendar shortly.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:So I would ask members to remain close to the chamber.
The Senate is at ease.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 2:49 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 3:23 p.m.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator LaValle.
SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, thank you very much.
The Senate will stand at ease until 4 o'clock p.m. of this very day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Senate will stand at ease until 4 o'clock.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 3:23 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 4:32 p.m.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Senate will come to order.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Could we please have the reading of the supplemental active list dated June 10, 2014.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Going to the supplemental active list dated June 10, 2014, the Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:On page 17, Senator Dilan moves to discharge, from the Committee on Transportation, Assembly Bill Number 3491A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 391A, Third Reading Calendar 289.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Substitution so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 289, by Member of the Assembly Magnarelli, Assembly Print Number 3491A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 30th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:On page 19, Senator Grisanti moves to discharge, from the Committee on Environmental Conservation, Assembly Print Number 4741 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 3703B, Third Reading Calendar 339.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Substitution so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 339, by Member of the Assembly Sweeney, Assembly Print Number 4741, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect December 1, 2015.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 397, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 2437B, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Tkaczyk recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 416, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print --
SENATOR LIBOUS:Lay the bill aside for the day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Lay it aside for the day.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 456, by Senator Maziarz, Senate Print 6957, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 580 is high, by Senator Stavisky.
The clerk will now go on to Calendar Number 609, by Senator Martins.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 609, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 6921A, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2015.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 617, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 93B, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 19. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Serrano recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 659, by Senator Maziarz, Senate Print 6450A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 693, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 2855, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of September.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 718, by Senator Young, Senate Print 2190B, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 736, by Senator Grisanti, Senate Print 1710B, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 743, by Senator Little, Senate Print 6947, an act making certain findings.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 757, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 4162, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 30th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 765, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 7178, an act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 2. Senators Krueger and Squadron recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 767, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 7188, an act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 805, by Senator Young, Senate Print 6543B, an act to direct.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 823, by Senator Young, Senate Print 5124, an act to authorize.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 845, by Senator Young, Senate Print 4334, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 862, by Senator Marchione, Senate Print 6952A, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 866, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 7533, an act to amend Chapter 154 of the Laws of 1921.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect upon the enactment into law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 869, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 5811, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 872, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 7150A, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 875, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 7271, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 881, by Senator Young, Senate Print 2679A, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 882, by Senator Young, Senate Print 3081A, an act to amend the Municipal Home Rule Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:On page 52, Senator Ritchie moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 9380 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6660A, Third Reading Calendar 889.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The substitution is so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 889, by Member of the Assembly Galef, Assembly Print 9380, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Lay it aside.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Lay the bill aside.
THE SECRETARY:On page 58, Senator Seward moves to discharge, from the Committee on Insurance, Assembly Bill Number 9604 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7317, Third Reading Calendar 968.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The substitution is so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 968, by Member of the Assembly Morelle, Assembly Print 9604, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 974, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 6830A, an act to amend the State Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1037, by Senator Addabbo, Senate Print 7270, an act to amend Chapter 100 of the Laws of 2013.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Addabbo to explain his vote.
SENATOR ADDABBO:Mr. President, thank you very much.
I want to take a moment on behalf of my constituents in Breezy Point to say thank you to my colleagues for passing this extender. During Superstorm Sandy, over 500 homes were destroyed or damaged in Breezy Point, and many of my constituents are still homeless. And this extender allows them to deal with unique street-fronted issues that are unique to Breezy Point.
So once again, on behalf of my constituents, I want to say thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Addabbo to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1107, by Senator Young, Senate Print 2619, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1111, by Senator Little, Senate Print 3735, an act to direct.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:On page 72, Senator DeFrancisco moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 8725A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 6193B, Third Reading Calendar 1115.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The substitution is so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1115, by Member of the Assembly Stirpe, Assembly Print 8725A, an act in relation to a certain agreement.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Krueger recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1116, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 6568, an act to enact.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 10. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1118, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 6694B, an act authorizing.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 7. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1119, by Senator O'Mara, Senate Print 6786, an act in relation to making certain findings.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message present at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1120, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 6833A, an act to establish.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1121, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 6975, an act to legalize, validate, ratify and confirm.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message present at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1122, by Senator DeFrancisco, Senate Print 7030, an act to amend Chapter 690 of the Laws of 1937.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message present at the desk.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1123, by Senator O'Mara, Senate Print 7046, an act to amend the Town Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:On page 73, Senator Avella moves to discharge, from the Committee on Transportation, Assembly Bill Number 280C and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7089, Third Reading Calendar 1124.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The substitution is so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1124, by Member of the Assembly Kim, Assembly Print 280C, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1127, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 7133A, an act in relation.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1132, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 7279, an act to amend Chapter 168 of the Laws of 2012.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message present at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:On page 74, Senator Grisanti moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 9231 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7388, Third Reading Calendar 1133.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The substitution is so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1133, by Member of the Assembly Ryan, Assembly Print 9231, an act to amend the Village Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:On page 74, Senator Bonacic moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 9443 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 7479, Third Reading Calendar 1134.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The substitution is so ordered.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1134, by Member of the Assembly Gunther, Assembly Print 9443, an act to amend the Town Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Ball recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1135, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 7498, an act to amend the Nassau County Civil Divisions Act.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 1. Senator Krueger recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1136, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 7596A, an act authorizing.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:A home-rule message is present at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 56. Nays, 2. Senators Ball and Krueger recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1153, by Senator Grisanti, Senate Print 7666A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1154, by Senator O'Mara, Senate Print 7675, an act to amend the Local Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is a home-rule message present at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
The Secretary will continue.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1267, by Senator Hoylman, Senate Print 7093, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
Senator Libous, that completes the noncontroversial reading of the supplemental active list of June 10, 2014.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Could we do the controversial reading of the supplemental active list.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will ring the bell.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 889, by Member of the Assembly Galef, Assembly Print 9380, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Explanation.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:An explanation has been requested by Senator Krueger, Senator Ritchie.
Can I have some order in the chamber, please.
Senator Ritchie.
SENATOR RITCHIE:This bill is a straight extender. Legislation was originally enacted in 2001; it established the ability of local taxing jurisdictions to negotiate tax agreements with nuclear power facilities located within their jurisdiction.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Through you, Mr. President, if the sponsor would please yield.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Ritchie, do you yield?
SENATOR RITCHIE:Yes.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Krueger.
SENATOR KRUEGER:How many nuclear power plants are participating in this agreement currently?
SENATOR RITCHIE:Senator Krueger, I could not answer that question.
This bill gives local communities the ability to enter into an agreement, and it gives the local community control.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Through you, Mr. President, if the sponsor would continue to yield.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Ritchie, do you yield?
SENATOR RITCHIE:Yes.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Krueger, you may continue.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you.
So we don't know how many power plants are already using this PILOT alternative to paying a property tax. Has there been any analysis of any location where we can take a look and see how much they are receiving in a PILOT versus where they would be projected, the amount they would be projected to receive if they just continued like other utilities under a normal property tax assessment?
SENATOR RITCHIE:I was asked by Oswego County, which has three nuclear facilities located there, to put this extender in. And as the assessments were before this bill, it was pretty tough for them to figure out what a stable tax rate was.
So this bill actually allows them to enter into an agreement so they can have a PILOT if they so choose, so that the community will know during that 15-year period what the tax rate will be.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Through you, Mr. President, on the bill.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Krueger on the bill.
SENATOR KRUEGER:I thank the sponsor for her answers to my questions.
Here's my dilemma. I do understand that the history with certain utilities and apparently with nuclear utilities is that they like to fight the assessments that the local communities they are in apply to them. They are large corporations with deep pockets, with lots of lawyers. And so they apparently, based on what has gone on in various parts of the country, and I believe New York State -- I don't know if Oswego County is the case -- they have succeeded in wearing down their local governments, who really don't think they can afford to have these --
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:May I have some order in the chamber, please.
Senator Krueger, you may continue.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you, Mr. President.
So these towns find themselves outgunned in their ability to successfully assess these large corporate utilities and get the property tax they deserve.
So they may believe that a longer-term PILOT arrangement in negotiations with the utility allows them to have a continuous stream of tax revenue. And that, by the way, may be true, that they get a continuous stream of tax revenue. But they get it at a much lower rate than is appropriate and should be appropriately assessed on these utilities.
So my frustration here is not with the towns, who I empathize with, and the counties, but with the fact that we've set up a system where we leave our localities unprotected and uninsured by us, the State of New York, to negotiate legitimate property tax assessments.
After all, if you're a small town, you will find it very difficult to have the resources to challenge an international nuclear corporation. They probably -- they could have more lawyers on staff than you might even have workers in your town.
And yet this provides the corporation the out that they want without any ability to determine whether, over time -- and this would extend the law through 2031. The law was 2001 till now. This extends to 2031 -- towns may go into deals that are absolutely not in their financial best interest. They simply have been outmanned and outgunned in negotiation.
I think this is an outcome of the mistakes we made with deregulation of our energy industry and that the State of New York actually ought to come up with a mechanism to assure that these localities can have adequate representation in negotiations, to assure that they have the plant, they are taking on the costs and burdens of that plant, they should have the right to be able to assess and receive property taxes from that site. We shouldn't leave them out there unable to successfully fight for their own property taxes.
Rather than extending this law till 2031, I would far prefer that we took on developing a law that said the State of New York should represent the localities in their negotiations on property tax with the utility companies, so that the localities aren't left hanging but, rather, the State of New York, with our power, with our expertise, through our state agencies, through Tax and Finance, through the Division of Real Property -- ORD. I forgot what the D -- ORPTS, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President -- within Tax and Finance, that with their expertise they could in fact negotiate fair taxes with these large utilities.
So I appreciate what the sponsor is trying to do. I appreciate that her locality came to her and asked for this extension. I believe that if we all had the dialogue -- and I don't know how many utilities this is applying to right now in New York State. The sponsor doesn't either.
I think we could end up with a far better result if, rather than extending this law till 2031, we actually created a mechanism where the State of New York would take on the responsibility for assuring that the correct assessment was negotiated with each utility company wherever they were in the State of New York, and it would be a win for the communities and, frankly, a win for the state.
Because we know when corporations aren't paying their fair share, then somebody else has to come up with that revenue or that community turns to us saying, Help, we don't have the money we need to meet our basic service needs. And we also know that when there's a large utility somewhere, there are real costs and impacts on that community.
So I personally believe they deserve our help, but not this way. I'll be voting no, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Thank you.
Seeing and hearing no other Senator who wishes to be heard, the debate is closed. The Secretary will ring the bell.
Will members take their seats, please.
Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Ritchie to explain her vote.
SENATOR RITCHIE:Thank you, Mr. President.
Though I respect Senator Krueger's comments, she forgot one critical part. Not only does it stabilize the rates for the local community, it actually is to their benefit to protect and make sure that the hundreds of jobs from those three nuclear facilities are kept in Oswego County.
Each and every time the unemployment rates come out, Oswego posts one of the highest numbers. And those jobs at the three nuclear facilities are sought-after jobs, they're high-paying, there is a line of people who are looking to get in there.
So not only does this bill help local communities stabilize their tax rate, it also helps protect those hundreds of jobs that are in Oswego County.
I vote yes, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Ritchie will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 889, those recorded in the negative are Senators Krueger and Squadron.
Absent from voting: Senators Bonacic, Espaillat, Parker and Sanders.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 2.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The Secretary will reannounce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 889, those recorded in the negative are Senators Krueger and Squadron.
Absent from voting: Senators Bonacic, Espaillat, and Sanders.
Ayes, 53. Nays, 2.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:The bill is passed.
Senator Libous, that --
SENATOR LIBOUS:Is there any further business at the desk, sir?
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:Senator Libous, that completes the reading of the controversial calendar.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Now I'll make my statement. Is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:There is no further business before the desk.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Then we're going to adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11th, at 11:30 a.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO:On motion, the Senate will stand adjourned until Wednesday, June 11th, at 11:30 a.m.
The Senate stands adjourned.
(Whereupon, at 5:06 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.