Gaveled in 11:26 AM · Albany, New York · 2015–16 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
February 26, 2015
11:26 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR DAVID J. VALESKY, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone present to please rise and recite with me the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:With us this morning to offer an invocation is the Reverend Peter G. Young, from Mother Teresa Community here in Albany.
REVEREND YOUNG:Thank you.
Let us pray.
As we gather again on another cold day, we however have a future Hall of Famer here, and we're therefore optimistically thinking about a warm-weather day coming up.
We ask you, O God, for a former member of our Senate fellowship, for all his dedication on behalf of New York State citizens, he'll be enjoying God's reward.
May we pray for George Onorato and for all of our past and present Senators for their efforts to their constituents for the better state and operation of our great work.
Amen.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Wednesday, February 25th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Tuesday, February 24th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Yes, Mr. President, thank you.
Can we adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 589 and 622.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:All in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolution Numbers 589 and 622, signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Thank you, Mr. President.
Can we at this time take up Resolution 622, by Senator Murphy, have the resolution read in its entirety, and then call on Senator Murphy to speak on the resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 622, by Senator Murphy, honoring Mount Pleasant Police Officer Daniel Franco for saving the life of a 23-year-old male who had overdosed.
"WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values, lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the daily performance of their duties; and
"WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary police officers who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening danger; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mount Pleasant Police Officer Daniel Franco for saving the life of a 23-year-old male who had overdosed on heroin; and
"WHEREAS, A graduate of West Lake High School, Daniel Franco received his law enforcement training at the Westchester County Zone 3 Police Academy in Valhalla, New York; and
"WHEREAS, In January of 2008, Police Officer Daniel Franco began his law enforcement career with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and is currently assigned to its Patrol Division; and
"WHEREAS, On January 5, 2015, Police Officer Daniel Franco responded to the call of an unresponsive male at a home in Valhalla, New York; he found the young man not breathing and losing color in his face which, due to his training, he recognized as signs of a heroin overdose; and
"WHEREAS, Police Officer Daniel Franco took immediate action, locating the NARCAN kit in his patrol car and administering two milligrams of naloxone; due to his quick and astute actions, within seconds after the drug was administered, the young man began breathing and regaining color in his face; and
"WHEREAS, After two more milligrams of naloxone were administered by a paramedic, the 23-year-old young man opened his eyes and soon began communicating with the officers; and
"WHEREAS, Even though this situation could have been a dire one, Police Officer Daniel Franco's heroic efforts helped save the life of the young man; he is truly an inspiration to his fellow officers for his courage and decisive action; and
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated police officers who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; and
"WHEREAS, Police Officer Daniel Franco, through his spontaneous and heroic actions, demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of public servants across the community of the State of New York who respond when others are in need; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Mount Pleasant Police Officer Daniel Franco for saving the life of a 23-year-old male who had overdosed; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mount Pleasant Police Officer Daniel Franco."
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Murphy on the resolution.
SENATOR MURPHY:Thank you, Mr. President.
It is my distinct honor and privilege to recognize a hero from my district and the community of Mount Pleasant.
Today the sad reality is that the heroin epidemic continues to spread throughout our state. And as the vice chair of the New York State Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Abuse, it is my responsibility and our responsibility to protect our communities and shed the light on this incredible danger.
One way we can raise awareness on this issue is by acknowledging life-saving actions of our law enforcement and our first responders. And here today I would ask to stand Chief Oliva, from the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and Officer Franco, who is here today.
Heroes. I believe our state should take time to recognize you and thank you. Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
SENATOR MURPHY:On January 5, 2015, Officer Franco responded to a call of an unresponsive male in a house in Valhalla, where he found a young man literally blue. Using his training and the Narcan literally saved this kid's life and brought him back to life.
Officer Franco, I thank you on behalf of myself, as your State Senator, and the New York State Senate. Thank you.
And Chief Oliva, thank you for coming up and allowing us to present this to him.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Thank you, Senator Murphy.
We certainly welcome our special guests here to the chamber and hope that you enjoy your day here at the State Capitol.
The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Mr. President, since we are awaiting the arrival of a guest, which would be relevant to another action, can we move to the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 72, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 712, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 49.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 99, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 22, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 49.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 100, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 1520, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Klein to explain his vote.
SENATOR KLEIN:Thank you, Mr. President.
Last Sunday, myself, Senator Marty Golden and Senator Diane Savino released a report which is certainly important in light of what we're finding day after day, year after year, that unfortunately we need to protect our young people from dangerous sexual predators.
What we found was that presently there's dangerous sexual predators, Level 2 and 3 sexual predators that actually committed heinous crimes against children, living near universal pre-K programs. As a matter of fact, my office found that 13 sex offenders are presently residing within a thousand feet of UPK programs, because these programs were not affiliated with an actual grade school.
Most of these sexual predators lived in Brooklyn, a total of six. We also found that five sex offenders living near pre-Ks and kindergartens that do not partner with public schools.
You know, clearly the law that we presently have is clear: A dangerous sexual predator can't live within a thousand feet of a school. The problem is with the proliferation of all of our wonderful UPK programs, especially in the City of New York, any UPK program that's not affiliated with a public school, a stand-alone site, is not protected.
So what we're doing right now is allowing ticking time bombs to have access to our kids, and that needs to stop. I think we have taken this issue very seriously, especially in this house. We've already passed a lot of different bills that I think, not necessarily overall are Megan's Law in New York, but really I think make some changes, which is something that's very important.
It's clear we still have to protect our young people from dangerous sexual predators. The facts bear me out by stating that when you look at the facts here in New York, according to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, a dangerous sexual predator, upon their release from prison, if you look over an eight-year period, is 48 percent more likely to commit the same or similar crime.
So this is one of the only crimes that seems to exacerbate with age. So I think it's important that we continue to monitor them and continue to protect our children to make sure they're not in harm's way.
So of course I vote yes on this important piece of legislation, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Klein to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Sanders to explain his vote.
SENATOR SANDERS:It's sad that we have to make laws about what seems to be common sense. But I'm very grateful that the sponsors have put these bills together, I'm grateful they have.
In my own district I had a sexual predator living in a homeless shelter, a homeless shelter that had children and women. And you would think that there would be some type of rule or some common sense that would stop people from even saying this is a place where we should put such a person. But that did not -- that didn't happen.
So these laws that we're coming up with are actually very useful, and in my own district I have found the usefulness. So I certainly want to applaud the sponsors for coming up with these.
Thank you very much.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Sanders to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 101, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 2269, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Rivera to explain his vote.
SENATOR RIVERA:Thank you, Mr. President.
I stand, as I've done in years past, to make a distinction. We are voting on many sex offender bills today. And certainly I thank Senator Klein for introducing the bill we just passed a second ago, and I concur both with his comments and the comments of Senator Sanders.
The issue that I've made in the past, and I want to make sure that it's for the record, the distinction about the bill that we just passed, the Senator Klein bill, is very specific about Level 2 and 3 sex offenders. And I certainly think -- I share the concerns of everyone in this house that we need to make sure that people are protected from folks that are predators.
However, when the distinction is not made, then the conditions are very broad. And in this particular instance, the limitation that is trying to be established here -- I believe if it had the distinction of Level 2s and 3s, I would be voting in the affirmative. I believe in this particular instance it is too broad a determination, and so I will be voting in the negative.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Rivera to be recorded in the negative.
Senator Golden to explain his vote.
SENATOR GOLDEN:Thank you, Mr. President.
As Senator Klein has said, in the report that was out there the number just in Brooklyn was about six. Those are the ones that we could track down that we knew they were on our registry that didn't reregister.
That doesn't account for untold numbers that are throughout our city today, and throughout our state, that are living near our pre-Ks. And pre-Ks are popping up left and right in our communities. And it's unfortunate we're not able to track these individuals any better than we have been able to in the past.
I think the bill that I have protects our children from becoming prey to sex offenders, and is a priority. I believe this bill further protects our children from sex offenders from prohibiting all sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school. And this includes sex offenders who offended in other states. You can move in from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you can move next door and not register. It's crazy.
We need to put a set of real legislation out there, that we're doing today with Senator Avella, Senator LaValle, Senator Klein, myself, Senator Murphy, Senator Ortt, Senator Lanza, Senator Venditto, Senator Seward and other Senators, and protecting our children and keeping our children safe across our city and our state. It's a priority. That's what we are elected to do, is to keep our families and our children safe.
And this is a good bill. And many of the bills here today I hope do become law, because they would help protect those children.
I want to thank Senator Klein and the Majority Leader, Senator Dean Skelos, for putting that study together and coming up with facts, some real facts that we could look at and actually review and actually be able to come up with some good legislation that will in fact protect our children and our families.
I vote yes.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Golden to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54. Nays, 1. Senator Rivera recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 102, by Senator Murphy, Senate Print 2950, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Yes, Mr. President. As is our tradition in this house, we acknowledge Senators who have passed their first bill. This would be Senator Murphy's first bill passed in this chamber.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 103, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 2981, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 106, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 3811, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 107, by Senator Venditto, Senate Print 3925, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Venditto to explain his vote.
SENATOR VENDITTO:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
As we know, and as many people around the state know, the State Court of Appeals recently ruled unanimously that only the state has the power to determine where sex offenders can and cannot live. This invalidated effectively about 130 local laws that were more restrictive than the state law and what it said on the subject.
Many residents spoke out in a loud, clear voice -- I know they certainly did in Nassau and Suffolk counties, I'm sure they have around the state -- in opposition to the decision that was made. Today we are responding with very swift and very effective legal action.
It is the legislative intent of the law to empower local municipalities to decide where sex offenders can and cannot live. And so we leave it in the hands of our cities, our towns, our counties, our villages, their legislatures, their executives, to be as restrictive as need be, to work with the residents of the jurisdictions that they represent and to come up with sensible laws in drawing the lines.
You know, whatever our politics may be, and it's said in so many different ways today, we can all agree that there is no more valuable commodity, no more precious gift than our children here in New York State. We hear it said, we say it ourselves around our districts every day: The future is only as bright as our young people.
Today we take an important step in securing that future and doing the right thing as far as the safety and protection of our children is concerned.
As a new Senator, more importantly as a new father, I'm very thankful and proud to be sponsoring this legislation and will be very happy when it's signed into law.
And thank you all for a few moments of your time. Mr. President, I vote in the affirmative.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Venditto to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Serino to explain her vote.
SENATOR SERINO:As some of you know, before being elected to the State Senate I served as both a town board member and as a county legislator. Ensuring that our localities have the tools they need to meet the unique needs of their communities will remain a priority to me.
When it comes to keeping our children safe from predators of any kind, it is especially critical that we empower our municipalities. This bill guarantees that our localities have the power to do all that they can to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
I am proud to cosponsor this critical piece of legislation. I vote yes.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Serino to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54. Nays, 1. Senator Rivera recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Again, and according with the tradition of our house, so we acknowledge the passage of Senator Venditto's first bill.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 108, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 3926, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The bill is passed.
Senator Marcellino, that completes the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Thank you.
While we are still awaiting our special guest, I think Senator Peralta, who has the resolution, would like to obviously have our guest hear the resolution before we read it. So if we could stand at ease until our guest gets here.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Senate will stand at ease temporarily.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 11:47 a.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 11:52 a.m.)
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Thank you, Mr. President.
We have an announcement that the Health Committee will meet today in Room 124 at 12:00 p.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Senate Committee on Health will meet at 12:00 noon in Room 124 of the Capitol.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:May we have Resolution 589, by Senator Peralta, read in its entirety, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 589, by Senators Peralta and Espaillat, celebrating the many contributions and legacies of Dominican-Americans, in conjunction with the observance of Dominican Heritage Month, and paying tribute to Pedro Martinez.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:I apologize for interrupting the reading, but can we have some order in the house, please?
There's background noise. Can staff just take their places? Can people who are visiting keep it down, please?
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT VALESKY:Conversations should be taken out of the Senate chamber.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
"WHEREAS, The citizens of this great Empire State are proud to celebrate the contributions of Dominican-Americans to New York State's unique heritage; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the many contributions and legacies of Dominican-Americans, in conjunction with the observance of Dominican Heritage Month, and to pay tribute to Pedro Martinez; and
"WHEREAS, In February 2015, Dominican communities across the State of New York will join in celebrating Dominican Heritage Month by recognizing the many contributions and legacies which are attributed to these fine Dominican-Americans; and
"WHEREAS, The following dates and events are of great significance and serve as a distinct reminder of the rich heritage celebrated in Dominican communities: Monday, January 26, 2015, marks the 202nd anniversary of the birth of patriarch Juan Pablo Duarte; and Friday, February 27, 2015, is the 171st anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic; and
"WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these important celebrations of one of our state's most vibrant communities; this much-anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will foster greater appreciation for Dominican culture and serve to promote the spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York State; and
"WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those esteemed individuals who distinguish themselves through exceptional performance, outstanding achievement, and peerless commitment to excellence; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Pedro Martinez upon the occasion of his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, on January 6, 2015; he will be officially inducted on Sunday, July 26, 2015; and
"WHEREAS, Pedro Jaime Martinez was born in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic, in 1971, the fifth of six siblings living in a palm-wood house with a tin roof; as a child, he learned the game of baseball using broomsticks and tree branches for bats; and
"WHEREAS, Despite his humble circumstances and diminutive frame, Pedro Martinez's superlative work ethic and transcendent talent caught the eye of traveling professional scouts and subsequently, in 1988, he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers; and
"WHEREAS, Pedro Martinez is recognized for being one of the most dominant pitchers of his era; and
"WHEREAS, During a spectacular 18-season career, Pedro Martinez won 219 games, three Cy Young Awards and struck out 3,154 batters; he led the league in ERA five times and in strikeouts three times; furthermore, his winning percentage is sixth-highest of all time and first for pitchers after 1950; and
"WHEREAS, In the year 2000, when there were more runs scored than in any other season in baseball history, Pedro Martinez managed an astounding 1.74 ERA; and
"WHEREAS, Known for his sparkling intellect, unique wit, and engaging personality, Pedro Martinez's career has brought pride, pleasure and joy to countless millions; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to honor Pedro Martinez for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments, which are a tribute to his skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate the many contributions and legacies of Dominican-Americans, in conjunction with the observance of Dominican Heritage Month, and to pay tribute to Pedro Martinez; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ambassador Anibal de Castro; Consul General Maximo Corsino of the Dominican Republic in New York; and Pedro Martinez."
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Peralta on the resolution.
SENATOR PERALTA:Thank you, Mr. President.
It is truly an honor to have the great Pedro Martinez here. In the immortal words of Saturday Night Live parody character Chico Escuela that said "Baseball has been berry, berry good to me" -- but in this case we can say that Pedro has been very, very, very good to baseball.
He has been very good to not only baseball but to the Dominican Republic. He's been good to all of us for honoring us with his presence today here.
Thank you so much, Pedro. Bienvenido, Pedro Martinez. Welcome to the Capitol. It is truly an honor to have you here with us today as we celebrate Dominican Heritage Month in our great Empire State. As a Dominican, I am proud to stand here with you today.
And as you know, Dominicans love two things: baseball and politics.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR PERALTA:And tomorrow we celebrate the 171st anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic.
For you, Pedro, it has been a long trip from Manoguayabo, a journey that will reach its highest altitude when you are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July. You will be the second Dominican to enter such a prestigious group, following the footsteps of Juan Marichal -- right now who is the only Dominican Hall of Famer, but in July there will be two.
You are one of the best pitchers our national pastime has ever had. Growing up in Manoguayabo, you learned our amazing game of baseball using broomsticks and tree branches for bats. You probably also made gloves out of milk cartons, played with baseballs made out of socks or hardened lemons. For us Dominicans, I understand that.
Your life became an inspiration to countless kids who dream of one day becoming Pedro Martinez. You had an outstanding career, a career spanning 18 seasons playing at the highest level, winning 219 games, three Cy Young Awards, and striking out 3,154 batters. But who's counting?
(Laughter.)
SENATOR PERALTA:Your engaging personality brought pride and joy to millions. You are truly an example for all of us on and off the field. And playing in New York, in Queens, you understood what New York fans were all about.
I want to read a couple of quotes that you were quoted in throughout your career. The first one is: "I actually realized that I was somebody important because I caught the attention of 60,000 people, plus the whole world watching a guy that, if you reversed time back 15 years ago, I was sitting under a mango tree without 50 cents to pay for a bus." That was one of the quotes. But you are very special today.
Second quote: "I doubt that I will get involved with politics. That's something I don't have in me."
We're very glad that you did not get involved in politics, because if you dominated politics the way you dominated baseball, some of us would have a lot to worry about.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR PERALTA:And third: "Some of the things that I have done are really, really special."
You are special, Pedro Martinez. Thank you so much for what you have shown us on the field and off the field.
We are so proud to present to you this resolution as we congratulate you, Pedro Martinez, on your election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations, felicidades, Pedro {in Spanish}.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Peralta.
Senator Espaillat on the resolution.
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to recognize a great Dominican American, a great Dominican, someone that now will join the high-kicking Dominican Dandy in Cooperstown, Juan Marichal.
For over three decades, Juan Marichal, who pitched for the San Francisco Giants, stood alone as the only Dominican in the Hall of Fame. And who could have thought that with the likes of the Alou brothers, the great Rico Carty, the great Manny Mota and so many others, there would be only one for 30 years. But he will no longer be alone, because now he will be there with the great Pedro El Grande. That's what they call him, Pedro El Grande. Pedro the Great.
And who could forget -- and it hurts me deeply to say it, because I am a pinstripe guy --
(Laughter.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:-- but who can forget the day he struck out 17 Yankees.
(Laughter; catcalls, applause.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:Who could forget that, Pedro?
But I am also a Licey-ista. And that's his team in winter baseball in the Dominican Republic, where he did his own thing over there. Tremendous.
But we can never forget the day he struck out 17 Yankees. And Pedro is a major, a major impact on baseball and sports. I'm glad to say here today in Albany, Pedro, today, that today you are our daddy.
(Laughter; applause.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:And so some of the things that he's done, an eight-time All-Star player, All-Star Game baseball player. Obviously a World Series Champion, 2004, who can forget that. This is very painful, Pedro, but I love you.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:A three-time Cy Young Award winner. Three times. The Triple Crown in pitching. For you to win the Triple Crown in pitching is accomplished only by those pitchers who lead the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned runs. So three times Pedro El Grande won the Triple Crown of pitching.
And so he was also many times an MVP. He won an American League Championship. And of course for five years, five seasons, he won the ERA, the Earned Run Average Championship for his league, as well as a three-time Strikeout King.
Now, Pedro is known for his splitter, his fast ball. But if he got a little bit nutty with you, he would also pitch high on you. And so Pedro is a guy that was respected on the mound.
You know, the great Juan Marichal and Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson, they pitched with a high mound, and they were high-kicking pitchers. The mound was lowered, so it became more difficult for pitchers to dominate the game. But even with a lower mound, Pedro El Grande dominated baseball.
And so we're happy to have him here celebrating Dominican Heritage Month. Tomorrow, the 27th, is the anniversary of Dominican independence.
Pedro is a national, a national hero in the Dominican Republic. After he was approved to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, thousands of people went through the streets to receive him at the airport, and a major concert with hundreds of thousands of people were there to share that special moment with him and his lovely wife Carolina, who's here with us today as well.
So we are happy to have you here. You are a special person anywhere in New York or in Massachusetts. And, Mr. President, let me just finish by saying these words in Spanish, because I think that they are emblematic of the way we all feel today, those of us that had the privilege to be born in that small island called the Dominican Republic {in Spanish}.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Espaillat.
Senator Seward on the resolution.
SENATOR SEWARD:Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm delighted to rise to extend my support for the resolution honoring Dominican Heritage Month and also, of course, our special guest, Pedro Martinez.
You know, I stand before you to do so because -- a couple of reasons. First of all, my son-in-law is from the Dominican Republic, and so my two granddaughters are half-Dominican.
And I've visited the Dominican Republic, and I've always been struck by certainly the pride that the Dominican people have in their independence and in their democracy in the DR. It's a wonderful country, and a very hospitable country, and very hospitable people.
But also I rise as a resident of the Cooperstown area, and very, very proud to represent the National Baseball Hall of Fame here in the State Senate.
And I want to, on behalf of all of the residents in that part of the state, in the Cooperstown area, Pedro, we want to welcome you to the Baseball Hall of Fame, where you will be enshrined, your plaque will be enshrined in the last weekend in July.
And I stand to applaud you here today, and I will be there in July to applaud your induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
You know, Juan Marichal has been mentioned, the other Dominican -- the Dominican Dandy, who's in the Hall of Fame, returns every year for the induction ceremony. And it's great to see him in Cooperstown. The fans love him. And I know, Pedro, you will, along with Juan, carry on that great tradition of coming back to Cooperstown every year to honor baseball and to honor baseball legends. It's great for the community, it's great for baseball, it's great for all baseball fans.
So I rise in full support of this resolution. This is a great day, certainly for the Dominican community here in New York State. It's a great day for the baseball Hall of Fame to be able to count you among its esteemed members.
Congratulations, and thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Seward.
Senator Gianaris on the resolution.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Mr. President.
I also rise to welcome our esteemed guest to the chambers today. I understand there were some fans outside with Red Sox paraphernalia waiting for him. I don't know what they were doing in the State of New York, but apparently there are some. And as you would expect, the Yankee fans had a strong reaction to that.
But I wanted to speak, as a representative from Queens, on behalf of all the Mets fans in New York State to say --
(Laughter; applause.)
SENATOR GIANARIS:-- to say thank you, thank you for the great joy that you brought us for the years you were pitching for the Mets, and hopefully they'll get back to the status they had when you were playing for them soon enough.
Muchisimas gracias, Pedro Martinez.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Gianaris.
Senator Díaz on the resolution.
SENATOR DIAZ:Thank you, Mr. President.
Let me wait till they're finished so they could listen too.
(Pause.)
SENATOR DIAZ:Thank you, Mr. President.
Ladies and gentlemen, today I join my colleagues Senator Adriano Espaillat and Senator Jose Peralta in cosponsoring this great, outstanding, marvelous, brilliant and wonderful resolution honoring Mr. Pedro Jaime Martinez.
Mr. Pedro Jaime Martinez started his career in the Major League with the Los Angeles Dodgers and played with the Expos of Montreal, the Boston Red Sox, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. Today this chamber "ha tirado la casa por la ventana," meaning this chamber has thrown the house through the window.
Today, as a proud Puerto Rican, I am honored to join not only my colleagues Senator Espaillat and Senator Peralta, but I am also proud to join other Dominican elected officials in the state and the city such as Guillermo Linares and Victor Pichardo in the State Assembly; Fernando Cabrera, Rafael Espinal, Julissa Ferreras and Ydanis Rodriguez in the City Council, and Antonio Reynoso also in the City Council.
Today is a day to remember. Today is a day for the history books. And today is a day for every Hispanic to feel proud and grateful for all the achievements obtained by Mr. Pedro Jaime Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. Martinez, for accepting Senator Espaillat's invitation to be in this chamber. And thank you, Senator Espaillat and Senator Peralta, for allowing us to be part of this unique day that even one of my staff members, Angel Gaud, a Dominican, came all the way from the City of New York to be a witness of this event.
I want to conclude by saying, in Spanish: {reciting Dominican National Anthem}.
(Applause; shouts from the gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Díaz.
Senator Serrano on the resolution.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you, Mr. President.
How do I possibly follow that?
(Laughter.)
SENATOR SERRANO:That was wonderful, Senator Díaz.
But I just wanted to lend my voice to congratulating and honoring the Dominican community as a whole, and thank the sponsors of this resolution for once again giving us the opportunity to say thank you for all the significant contributions that the Dominican community has made to our specific districts but to the entire state and nation as a whole.
And what a special treat to have Pedro Martinez here today. As many of you know, I represent the South Bronx, I represent Yankee Stadium, and I'm a die-hard Yankee fan. And I always remember whenever Boston was coming to play at the stadium, there was this buzz in the neighborhood. Hours before the game started, there was this excitement. And whether you were a Boston fan or a Yankee fan, it didn't matter, because there was this party atmosphere along 161st Street.
And I live right up the block from the stadium, so when a big play happens on TV and I'm watching the game, I turn down the volume, I hear out the window the cheering. So that's how close I am to the stadium.
But especially when Pedro Martinez was pitching, there was this excitement, there was "what's going to happen." And whether you're a Yankee fan or not, you have to respect greatness. And though I forever will be a Yankee fan, I respect greatly great baseball players.
And you, Pedro Martinez, respected the sport, you respected your craft, and you really uplifted baseball for generations to come. So thank you for being here.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Serrano.
Seeing no other Senators wishing to be heard, the question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The resolution is adopted.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Yes, Mr. President.
(Noise from the gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Marcellino.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Yes, thank you, Mr. President.
I am sure Pedro will be here to take pictures with those who wish to do that, so that will be great.
We want to open this resolution, at the request of the sponsors, for cosponsorship, the usual procedure to be involved. Anyone not wishing to be on the resolution notify the chair.
Mr. President, is there any more business before the house?
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Marcellino, there is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Then I move that we adjourn until Monday, March 2nd, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, March 2nd, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
(Whereupon, at 12:18 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
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