Wednesday, May 6, 2015

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.

Presentation of petitions.

Messages from the Assembly.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Senator Latimer moves to discharge, from the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, Assembly Bill Number 222 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 723, Third Reading Calendar 459.

Senator Latimer moves to discharge, from the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, Assembly Bill Number 5138 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 3303, Third Reading Calendar 460.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The substitutions are ordered.

Messages from the Governor.

Reports of standing committees.

Reports of select committees.

Communications and reports from state officers.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, there at the desk is a privileged resolution by Senator Larkin, Number 1850. Would you read it in its entirety. The Senator would like the resolution open for cosponsorship. And after it's read, would you recognize Senator Larkin.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator LaValle.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 1850, by Senator Larkin, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 6, 2015, as West Point Day in New York State.

"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point and to call upon Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 6, 2015, as West Point Day in the State of New York; and

"WHEREAS, By an act of Congress, on March 16, 1802, the United States Military Academy was established within the borders of New York State, on the banks of the Hudson River; and

"WHEREAS, The Academy and its graduates are an integral part of the proud history of this state and nation; and

"WHEREAS, The leadership and sacrifices of the members of the Long Gray Line have helped this country withstand countless threats to our cherished democratic way of life; and

"WHEREAS, The alumni have excelled not only on the battlefield but in many fields of endeavor; and

"WHEREAS, The Academy continues to provide our country with able and dedicated future leaders; and

"WHEREAS, Its scenic campus is a mecca each year for thousands of visitors from across our state, continent and other countries; and

"WHEREAS, The United States Military Academy is in the forefront of our state's outstanding institutions of higher learning; and

"WHEREAS, Sixty-three years ago, the late James T. McNamara, then a member of the New York State Assembly, and a member of the Academy's Class of 1939, was the author of the State Legislature's first 'West Point Day' resolution; and

"WHEREAS, For decades, our nation has enjoyed the legacy of freedom and the United States Military Academy at West Point has played a vitally significant role in the maintenance of peace and freedom; and

"WHEREAS, The members of this Legislative Body are proud to commemorate this event, marking May 6, 2015, as West Point Day in New York State, and to welcome the following senior personnel from the United States Military Academy in attendance: Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, Superintendent; Command Sergeant Major David M. Clark; Colonel Barbara Sherer, Chaplain; Lieutenant Colonel Webster Wright, Public Affairs Officer; Major Andrew Marsh, Aide-de-Camp; Captain Patrick Howlett, Tactical Officer Company B-3; Sergeant Major U.S. Army (retired) David Brzywczy, Public Affairs; and Cadets in attendance: First Captain Austin Welch, Cadet Jett Dipalma, Cadet Elizabeth Judd, Cadet Joseph Laible, Cadet Gregory Larsen, Cadet Brandon Lloyd, Cadet Renee Mihail, Cadet Samantha Picco, Cadet Juan Carlos Rivera, Cadet Christopher Roberto, Cadet Kevin Schurr, Cadet Nicholas Tyler, and Cadet Christopher Whipple; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point and to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 6, 2015, as West Point Day in New York State; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York."

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Larkin.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, I'm sorry, just a point of clarification. What order of business are we up to? Because I missed the --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:We're in the midst of a privileged resolution, Senator Gianaris --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, sir.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:-- as was called by Senator LaValle. The privileged resolution has been read.

Senator Larkin.

SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you very much, Mr. President.

You know, it's a distinct honor for the 36th year to welcome some of the nation's topnotch leaders of today and leaders of the world tomorrow. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to stand up and give a warm welcome to West Point.

(Extended standing ovation.)

SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you, colleagues.

You know, I served 23 years, and I was very proud to serve with those from the Long Gray Line. They're leaders, they're future government leaders, they're future leaders, those who don't stay in the private sector. They have intelligence, they have competence, and they know what direction they're going in.

This year we really have a special guest with us, the superintendent of West Point. Never served with him, but we have a bond called the 25th Infantry Division. Thank you very much, General, for the service that you have given.

(Applause.)

SENATOR LARKIN:I live right outside the gate at West Point, and I take a lot of ribbing from some of those sailors -- where's he at? Don't duck, Tom.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR LARKIN:One guy said, "You lost 12 football games." I said "Yeah, but let me tell you about the battlefield." MacArthur, Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, Ridgeway, Clark. That's the battlefield.

And to carry on from Vietnam to what we're doing in the Middle East, we have distinguished leaders such as General Caslen. Take a look at his bio. When you can start to see what he has done as a leader of our nation, our armed forces, our integrated forces with our allies -- this is a product of 1975 at West Point.

And those that are here with him. I've talked to artillerymen. Of course I tell you, artillerymen, I've never been to Fort Sill. Favorite places, Benning, Knox and a lot of others.

But what do you mean to us in this country? The economy, if you talk about West Point, 4,000 cadets help feed the trough -- Highland Falls, Orange County, those surrounding areas. Workforce of over a thousand outside contractors doing -- now building us, finally building a new barracks. Am I right, sir?

So these are the people. Somebody said, "Well, I don't want my kid to go there. They can't get out a Friday night." I said, "Yes, they do. They go in the bathroom and learn how, that first week, to get that weapon, how do you disassemble that weapon. And how you study." This is not a fancy dance school, it's a school for leaders.

The class that's going in in June, it's called R-Day. The Congress across the country had over 18,700 and some applicants. They're taking a thousand. They don't have to worry about playing football, basketball, hockey or something else. They have to be prepared to lead men and women in times of disaster, no matter what it might be.

And their young cadets today, the firsties -- for you who don't know, that means they're seniors, in their college year -- after graduation, they'll be taking off and going to a basic course. And some of them this time next year will be in Afghanistan or wherever the mission is for them.

We, as New Yorkers and Americans, we have the right to be proud of these individuals. They're from every state in the union. We're proud of those from New York.

The most important thing, we can't turn our backs on something we don't like. These are the people that are going to defend us and make sure that what our Constitution says and the democracies that we want to carry on in the future -- they will be protecting that for each and every one in the United States of America, because they are committed.

Cadets go to West Point for four years. Then they're five years after that. They've committed a good portion of their life, their young life. They're proud. Those of you who had the opportunity to meet some of our visitors today met the best and brightest the nation has.

I, as I said, live just a hop, skip and a jump from the Academy. I take it with very great pride the moment I go in the gate, because I know those cadets that I see running, walking -- what are they really doing? They're preparing themselves for when we as a nation will call upon you to answer the call to protect our freedoms.

Mr. President, I would like to introduce the 59th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, Lieutenant General Caslen.

(Standing ovation.)

SUPERINTENDENT CASLEN:Thank you very much. Please have a seat. Thank you.

Senator Skelos and Senator Larkin and members of this distinguished Senate, good morning and thank you for having us here today. It truly is an honor to address you this morning on behalf of the entire staff and faculty and the Corps of Cadets of the United States Military Academy. And we truly thank you for this recognition.

I'm pleased to be here this morning representing the Academy, along with Cadet Austin Welch, who's our First Captain, and also 12 other cadets from across all of New York, representing more than 4400 members of the Corps of Cadets. And of that 4400, 287 of them come from the Empire State.

The United States Army has always had a strong presence in New York, dating all the way back from the American Revolution. New York has a rich history of military service. Many New Yorkers have served with valor and distinction, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We greatly appreciate the tremendous support provided by the State Legislature and from the towns and communities and families that support our mission in so many ways.

West Point's mission is to educate and train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character, committed to the values of duty and honor and country, and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.

We could not do this without the continued support of New York, New York State and the New York Legislature, and our surrounding communities outside our gates. So it's important to me as superintendent that we work hard to be good neighbors with all the communities, but that we also look for ways to continue to connect and build relationships and partners together on opportunities that will not only enhance the cadet development at West Point, but also to benefit the communities as well.

Our cadets represent what's been called "the next Greatest Generation." They desire to serve something larger than themselves, and in this case our nation. That desire to serve echoes the actions of those who served before them. They understand service, and they understand sacrifice.

We challenge our cadets daily, physically and intellectually, to achieve excellence. We instill the virtues of duty and honor and country and develop leaders who aspire to live honorably. This requires a dedicated team, many of whom are from our local communities, who are also committed to creating a culture of professional excellence needed to develop leaders of character for our nation. So as superintendent, I could not be more proud to lead such an amazing team of professionals.

If you haven't been to West Point lately, or if you've never been there, please come see us and come to see your Academy. Talk with our staff and faculty and spend some time with our cadets. I promise they will inspire you as they inspire me every day.

So thank you very much for honoring us today. We could not be more pleased, more honored to be here today with all of you. Go Army, and beat Navy!

Thank you very much.

(Laughter; applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Amedore.

SENATOR AMEDORE:Mr. President, I rise today also to give honor, and it's a privilege to be here with our future leaders and so many individuals from West Point who truly hold the motto of duty, honor and country.

And one particular cadet I'd like to highlight, and that is Cadet Gregory Larsen, who was born and raised right here in the Capital Region, in the Village of Voorheesville, which is just a couple of miles down the road from the chamber here.

Speaking with Cadet Larsen, who is a senior and will be graduating just within a couple of weeks from now, he's going on, and his future is going on to serve in another part of the country, down in Texas, at Fort Hood. But he'll also be aspiring and working hard and will achieve, because I know he can do it, no matter how difficult the task will be to achieve that rank or the membership of the proud Army to be a Ranger for this country.

So to Cadet Larsen, Godspeed to you, and may you never stop believing in what this great country believes in. Thank you for your service.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Amedore.

Senator Nozzolio.

SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Thank you, Mr. President. On the resolution.

Every year I rise with great pride to have New York's finest here with us today -- finest for our state today, for our nation and world tomorrow.

I wish to thank Senator Larkin again for hosting this event, for calling attention to the importance for this body and the entire State of New York that West Point exists here, and we are very pleased to have the custodianship.

And thank you, Colonel Larkin, for your tremendous years of service to the people of the great State of New York.

(Applause.)

SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Having the cadets here always brings back many wonderful memories, and some not so wonderful, that I had as a collegiate athlete playing for Cornell against West Point. Always being beaten by West Point, but by beaten, it was the greatest competitor that we could possibly have.

It at times occurred to me then, and after watching many subsequent spring football games between Cornell and West Point I realized that the difference between the two teams was that the upper classmen and particularly those in first class, upper class, would in fact be in harm's way in just a few months after that football game. That leaving the athletic field, going into the field of battle defending our nation, protecting American interests, that separates you so much apart from your contemporaries.

You have the wonderful legacy of leadership from generals like Grant and Eisenhower to presidents like Grant and Eisenhower. One interesting aside I had just read, that it was actually because Dwight David Eisenhower, who himself was a great football player, was injured in football and as such had to retreat from being a player. But he loved the game so much he became a coach, and a coach while he was a student at West Point.

He describes his days as a coach, honing his leadership skills to eventually lead him to the skill set he needed to command the Allied forces during the most important critical time in our world history.

You have that legacy. You also carry the legacy of a former cadet, one of the last cadets who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, a football player by the name of Don Holleder. Don Holleder was from the greater Rochester area. He lived in a district that I represent, in Webster. A true All-American who could have gone on to play professional football, as he was an All-American in the late 1950s and into the early 1960s.

Don Holleder, who was Cadet Holleder, now has as his legacy the name of the athletic building on your campus. Don Holleder served America, he served our nation. Leaving the athletic fields at West Point and being on the battlefields of Vietnam, he lost his life. That's why, a beloved individual, the Holleder Athletic Center is in his memory on your campus.

Carry his memory and the memory of all the great leaders, because tomorrow you will be among those great leaders. It's an honor to have you with us today.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Nozzolio.

Senator Bonacic.

SENATOR BONACIC:Thank you, Mr. President.

This is West Point Day but, you know, sometimes I think it's Senator Larkin's Day.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR BONACIC:And it's richly deserved because of his love for the military and his love of West Point.

I have the privilege of living in Orange County, my home and where Senator Larkin is and where we have the great West Point Academy.

I'm really here to recognize all of you. You are our heroes today, and you will always be our heroes in America.

But one cadet I would like to introduce from our district, I'd ask him to stand up: Christopher Whipple, Cadet Christopher Whipple. Christopher Whipple is from Sullivan County. He's majoring in human geography and Chinese.

And I want to thank you all for the great courage and your willingness to sacrifice everything to protect our country and our freedoms. I always said that the strength of America is our people, and you are the best of the best of the American people. God bless you, and may the Lord always keep you safe.

Thank you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Bonacic.

Senator Addabbo.

SENATOR ADDABBO:Thank you, Mr. President.

First and foremost, I too want to thank Senator Colonel Bill Larkin. Without his efforts, we would not have West Point Day. So thank you very much, Senator Colonel, for your efforts here today.

And as the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Committee, ably and creditably chaired by our Senator Croci, I want to welcome our cadets and the graduates and leadership of West Point. I thank you so much for the path that you have chosen. For some, that path has already been paved with service and part of our military history, and I thank you. And for the cadets, a path that you have yet to pave, but thank you so much.

And my appreciation and prayers are with you each and every day. For without our military, we would not be elected officials and the democracy of this country would not have been protected.

I also have the great honor to affectionately acknowledge someone who was a cadet back in 1955, but in 1956 he graduated West Point. And it is my uncle -- Uncle Leo, as we affectionately know him around the house -- Retired Army Brigadier General Luciano Salamone.

Thank you very much, Uncle Leo, for being here. Thank you.

(Applause.)

SENATOR ADDABBO:Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Addabbo.

Senator Little.

SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.

And West Point Day is a very special day here in our chamber because we as Senators are able to not only recognize the cadets and the administration of West Point but give gratitude for being the host of one of our military academies.

But with no disrespect to General Caslen, I have to say that for a number of years I got up and said "Go Navy, beat Army!"

(Laughter.)

SENATOR LITTLE:My son David is a captain in the Navy. He's now the deputy commander of the air group on the Truman carrier. And I just want to tell you -- and everyone here already knows that -- how very, very proud I am of him as a parent. But I also know how proud your parents and your families are of you.

And we want to thank you for choosing the academic rigors of West Point, the ability to work year-round, no summers off, to know that at the end and the completion of your degree and your graduation from West Point -- and I have to tell you, one person once asked my son, about the Naval Academy, "Do you like it there?" He said, "Well, I really don't like it there, but I will like being from there."

(Laughter.)

SENATOR LITTLE:And you will have an education that is second to none.

But you also are willing to put yourselves in harm's way. And on behalf of our entire country, I thank you for your dedication, for your ability, and for your real sense of patriotism to volunteer to do this.

Thank you very much.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Little.

Senator Golden.

SENATOR GOLDEN:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise also to congratulate our great West Point.

And I had the good fortune of being with the general down at Fort Hamilton as we did a West Point Day down in Brooklyn, New York.

How many of these young men and women that have gone over the years into battle and have given their lives for this great nation, how many of them have come back wounded and scarred for life? Many. The red, white and blue of this great nation is because of the blood that was unfortunately spilled during combat over many, many, many, many years to keep that red, white and blue flying.

And this is the greatest nation in the world because of our military units and because of the great work that West Point does. We're proud of West Point, proud of Fort Hamilton, proud of Senator Ritchie, as we had Fort Drum Day here a little while ago. I've got to have a Fort Hamilton Day, I guess, soon.

But I've got to tell you, not only will you see the West Pointers out there doing what they do, but they're in the community. We have a race down in Brooklyn, New York, and we go from Brooklyn to Manhattan, the 9/11 run. And it was named after Andy -- that -- it's your gentleman that's in your community. What's the name of that group? Siva? Siller. The Siller race.

And when you see the actual companies all lined up, you'll see 120 men and women with backpacks on, in their fatigues, running through that tunnel as that fireman ran to give his life for this great, great, great city. It is the greatest thing to see them down there running that race.

But it was also great to see them at Fort Hamilton. And I've had a number of young men and women -- juniors, seniors, a couple of freshmen -- asking me about military life, asking me about West Point. That would not have happened if West Point Day did not happen in Fort Hamilton.

So I want to thank you, General. I want to thank you for your leadership, I want to thank you for all that you have done for our great nation. And I want to thank every one of you that are in West Point today, because you are the future leaders of industry, the future leaders of military and paramilitary units across this great nation.

Thank you for your service.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Golden.

Senator Ritchie.

SENATOR RITCHIE:Thank you, Mr. President.

I have the honor and privilege to represent the Tenth Mountain Division, so I get to see, pretty much each and every day, the sacrifices from our soldiers and their families. And sometimes when we don't get to see that, we forget what our soldiers and their families sacrifice to defend our country.

And I just want to take a moment to say that Senator Colonel Larkin never forgets that. Not a day goes by that he doesn't remind each and every one of us in here what the sacrifices are.

I know when I am invited to a ceremony at Fort Drum, sometimes it's a celebration when the soldiers are coming home to see their families. Sometimes it's during a deployment, when the sergeant major the last time told me he had been away from his family for 55 months and was going back to Afghanistan. And sometimes it's to go to a remembrance ceremony where the soldier has given all for his country.

So it's an honor for me today to have two cadets from my district in the Class of 2017 here today, Cadet Brandon Lloyd and Cadet Nicholas Tyler.

I want to thank you for your leadership and your decision to attend West Point. And I want to commend you for all that you're doing. And I want to thank you for your decision to serve and defend our country. And I can guarantee you that none of us in this chamber will ever forget what you're giving to stand up for your country. And I want to thank you once again and tell you how proud not just myself but all our community is of what both of you boys are doing.

Thank you, Mr. President.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Ritchie.

Senator Breslin.

SENATOR BRESLIN:Thank you very much, Mr. President.

This is a day that I look forward to every year, and I know Colonel Larkin starts telling me in January to make sure I'm here on West Point Day. And then to tell me it's on May 6th. And I'm sure he told everyone else on both sides of the aisle, May 6th. "And you know, Neil, there's a breakfast, 10 o'clock, you're going to be there." And that started about two months ago. And he's come to me a few times today already, and we've chatted.

But this would not be the day that it is if it wasn't for Bill Larkin. He's a very special human being who's meant so much to West Point, but he's meant so much to us here in this chamber. Just a tremendous person.

And, you know, when I look across the chamber at those young faces that are going to protect us, we're all humbled by you. And because of you, and particularly your predecessors now, you give this chamber the ability to debate issues and be an open, open democracy, the greatest democracy in the world, where no idea goes without debate and without conclusions.

And so you are our future. You are going to protect this body for years to come.

And I'm also blessed to have one of your members to be here from Albany, New York. Juan Carlos Rivera, please stand up.

(Applause.)

SENATOR BRESLIN:Now, later you can tell me what geospatial information service is, which you're majoring in, and I won't try to explain it.

But I'm also going to go beyond you just a slight bit. We're also privileged -- Juan Carlos is a graduate of Albany High right here in Albany, and so we're fortunate to have your parents with us. And I would suggest that a lot of the cadets there would say "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my parents." And I can tell you, as you've taught me, how special they are. And I'd like your parents to stand up and be recognized, Mr. and Mrs. Rivera.

(Applause.)

SENATOR BRESLIN:Thank you very much.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the former county executive of Albany, now retired. I'm sure a lot of you don't remember who he was.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR BRESLIN:Sometimes I don't. And that's my brother Michael, who's West Point Class of 1961. Michael?

(Applause.)

SENATOR BRESLIN:Michael was a major in the Army and a Vietnam veteran and taught at the College of the Americas, and on and on and on. I hear it every Thanksgiving, every Christmas.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR BRESLIN:But he also, coincidentally, is still part of the interview process for West Point. And I know that he spoke very favorably about you, Juan Carlos, and was one of the people who interviewed you.

So now you know why this is such a special day. We have you, Juan Carlos, we have your other cadets, your leadership, Colonel Larkin, who does such a phenomenal job, and it's the one day of the year I get to praise my older brother.

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Breslin.

Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, just to make it unanimous, good job again, Colonel. It's a great event each year.

I don't have a cadet here this year, but this is probably a little different spin on what's going on here today, and this is what I think of when we have this day every year.

What I think of is we pick up the paper, all of us every day, we see inhuman activity by supposed humans. We see violence, needless violence conducted by people as young as you and even younger. And we think about that and say to ourselves, What in the world is going on? What is happening to our country when it's not achievement that's reported, it's not achievement what's done, but it's the opposite, the total opposite?

I have eight grandchildren, three children and eight grandchildren, and I always think of what is this world going to be as they grow up. And you're scared to death -- I'm scared to death.

The main benefit of this day, to me, is I leave here knowing that there is a future, there are people who do work hard to achieve, who do try to stop things that are wrong in our society, to show an example, to not say what can I get out of government, but what I'm going to give to government and to the people of this great country.

So thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you show the rest of us, many of whom aren't doing our fair share. You're doing way beyond.

So I hope Senator Larkin is here forever, and I hope you'll be here or your fellow classmen over the years will be here to continue to remind me and everyone else how lucky we are and we do have a solid future.

Thank you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator DeFrancisco.

Senator Murphy.

SENATOR MURPHY:Thank you, Mr. President.

Colonel Larkin, thank you. Thank you for letting me be part of this. This is an incredible day here, and I had the privilege of being in your office and individually meeting every one of these cadets.

Senator Golden, Tunnels to Tower was the race. It's inspirational when you see these cadets lined up with the American flag running through. And when you're coming down a lane and it's towards the end of the race and you're huffing and puffing, they give you the inspiration. Like they're giving us the inspiration here in America. Because that's what we need nowadays.

General, I look and see quality candidates. It makes me feel really good about America, what you're doing up there. Incredible. I'd just like to recognize two, not one but two from my district. I'd like to recognize Christopher Roberto.

(Applause.)

SENATOR MURPHY:Christopher will be graduating this year and is a chemistry major. And I've taken a little chemistry, and I really don't care, particularly, to know how isopropomethylene was made. But God bless you. God bless you, and we wish you the best.

Another one, Kevin Schurr. Kevin?

(Applause.)

SENATOR MURPHY:Kevin is from Somers. I've known Kevin's mother and father for quite a long time, and the family that he comes from.

I am honored and privileged to know that you will be protecting us. We wish you the best.

General, thank you for everything you do, and God bless.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Murphy.

Senator Serino.

SENATOR SERINO:Thank you, Mr. President.

First I'd like to thank Senator Colonel Larkin. You know, I love listening to him speak, he's got such a passion and pride when he talks about West Point and your service. And it's wonderful that you do this event today. Thank you. It warms my heart.

And second, I would like to acknowledge two people. I have a cadet. Would Cadet Renee Mihail stand, please? Hi, Renee.

(Applause.)

SENATOR SERINO:We have a couple of things in common that I'll go through briefly. But Renee, of course, is graduating this year. She lives in Putnam Valley with her parents, Dr. Cliff Mihail and Deb Eldridge.

But she grew up in Wappingers Falls, and I did as well. Right now your major, which is really impressive, is Arabic and comparative politics. That's wonderful.

And the second thing that we have in common, if you look around this room, we're in, as you are, you're in the minority. We have 63 members, and there's only 11 women, so ...

And the other item that I want to tell you about too is I am so fortunate, and I always brag about it, I have Sakima Brown, who is a graduate of West Point.

(Applause.)

SENATOR SERINO:She's the Class of '98, and I brag about her all the time, as I hope and I know someone will do about you as well.

So thank you, and I wish you the best of luck.

And then the second person that I would like to mention that's a constituent of mine is Brigadier General Salamone, who's the Class of '56, my constituent, and Senator Addabbo's uncle.

So thank you, and thank you for having us be a part of this wonderful day with you. Thank you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Serino.

Senator Flanagan.

SENATOR FLANAGAN:Thank you, Mr. President.

A couple of things. General, I am inspired -- actually, when you come in and you stand up and you get up to the podium, I feel like the principal has arrived, we have to sit up straight, stand up. And I look at someone like you as a leader and think I would follow whatever this gentleman told me to do. I really feel strongly about that.

But I do have a somewhat rhetorical question. This is my 13th year in the Senate. And you must be changing the admission standards, because every year these cadets look younger and younger, and I know I'm not getting any older.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR FLANAGAN:But I do want to recognize one cadet who happens to be from my district. Samantha, would you please stand up? Samantha Picco.

(Applause.)

SENATOR FLANAGAN:I checked with Senator Lanza on how to say this properly: She is majoring in kinesiology and will be a graduate next year.

But simply put, thank you for your service now, for your prospective service.

And Godspeed to all of you. Thank you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Flanagan.

Senator Croci.

SENATOR CROCI:Thank you, Mr. President. On the resolution.

Almost an order of personal privilege, though, Colonel.

I would just say thank you, General, and to the Corps for coming up today; Colonel, for your inspiring words in our prayer; and to Colonel Larkin for ensuring that we remember what New York provides the nation in having one of the premier military academies in the United States right here in the Empire State.

Thank you all for coming. Thank you for sharing your experiences at the Point, which is, as we know, an incubator for leadership. You all are practitioners of the art of leadership. No one knows that more than your senior officers and commanders who have been in combat.

We are faced right now with a world ever-changing, a world in which it seems to be a bad movie replaying itself over and over again. For those of us who have served in the peacetime military and in wartime military, I think we all see what's happening in the world, and it stands to reason that these young men and women will in their careers see combat overseas.

To that I say that you are well-prepared in attending the institution you attend. Under the leadership of your General, the Superintendent, and all the fine officers and senior NCOs that you have, you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, you are well-prepared to defend this great nation. And I'm very proud to be standing in the same chamber with you as you go off to face the threats that the United States will soon face.

So to that I say, General, Godspeed to you and to the Corps of Cadets in all of your endeavors, with the exception of football.

Thank you.

(Laughter; applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Croci.

Senator Hoylman.

SENATOR HOYLMAN:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise to acknowledge the cadet that represents the 27th Senate District. Elizabeth Judd, if you could stand.

(Applause.)

SENATOR HOYLMAN:I wanted to thank Elizabeth for coming here today, Senator Larkin and the chair of our Veterans Committee for arranging today.

You know, Elizabeth is graduating in a couple of weeks. She tells me she's sad because she's leaving New York, she's going down to Virginia where she's going to enroll in IED school, improved explosive device school. And that takes an incredible amount of courage and intelligence, bravery. And I wanted to thank her for her years of service and years of service ahead.

Elizabeth, we had the Women of Distinction awards last night, but I think you'll be back soon where we can give you that award in person in the future.

Thank you so much, Mr. President.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Hoylman.

And now to close, Senator Larkin.

SENATOR LARKIN:I have two cadets, one from Stony Point and one from Highland Falls. Would you please, Cadet Laible and Cadet Dipalma, please stand up.

(Applause.)

SENATOR LARKIN:You know, it's a privilege to introduce two future leaders of our great country. Both of you, one has decided what he wants as a major and the other says "I'll take it as it goes along." General, he's from Highland Falls.

But, you know, you're leaving here today, you came before to the Capitol, you're going into the other house -- and you have to understand this isn't just about coffee and danish and a little dinner after and cookies to take home, it's to say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for raising that hand and saying "I want to serve my country and my fellow citizens." You're an inspiration.

You make your fellow youngsters that look at the Academy -- and they say, If they can do it, I can do it, because I want to show that I am proud to be an American and I want to join an organization that its principles are duty, honor and country.

That's something the rest of the nation could abide by. Thank you, and God bless you.

And General, it's been a long ride. What a great leader you are. Thank you very much.

Ladies and gentlemen, West Point.

(Extended standing ovation.)

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.

(Response of "Aye.")

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Opposed, nay.

(No response.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The resolution is adopted.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, would you take up a previously adopted resolution by Senator Gianaris, and would you read it in its entirety.

SENATOR SQUADRON:Mr. President. Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron, why do you rise?

SENATOR SQUADRON:Thank you, Mr. President.

In accordance with Section 14, Chapter 28 of Mason's, I move to suspend the rules, suspend Rule 7, subdivision 9 specifically, which interferes with the immediate consideration of a resolution removing Senator Dean G. Skelos from the office of Temporary President and Majority Leader of the Senate and relinquishing the emoluments attached to those two positions.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron, there is no resolution before this house.

SENATOR SQUADRON:Mr. President, I am not offering a resolution at this moment. The fact is that presenting a resolution under Rule 7, subdivision 9, requires the consideration -- or the control of the Temporary President.

In this case the resolution would censure and remove the Temporary President. Therefore, the Senate must consider this resolution outside the normal rules of the Senate, which is why I am making the motion I'm making, because I believe the Temporary President is conflicted in his judgment on this resolution.

So --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron --

SENATOR SQUADRON:So, Mr. President, again, I am making a motion to suspend the rules.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron, I appreciate your effort. We have five members who have risen to require that that be placed in writing. We do not have a writing.

If you reduce it to writing, certainly you can present it to the Secretary of the Senate and we will have the opportunity to take it up in due course.

SENATOR SQUADRON:Mr. President, it has been in submitted in writing. It is currently before the desk.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:It is not before the desk, Senator Squadron, as it has not been recognized.

We are currently on an agenda. Senator LaValle has asked us to consider a matter that is properly before this house. And so we will continue with our business as usual.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will read.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris, why do you rise?

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, the motion by definition is a motion to suspend the rules. So any citing of the rulings by you is counter to the purpose of this very motion.

So -- so the very purpose of the motion that's been made by Senator Squadron, which by the way has been delivered to the clerk and is in the hands of the floor team of the Majority, is to suspend the rules to allow us to proceed with the resolution that Senator Squadron referenced.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris, as I think we've already made clear, it has to be submitted in writing. I understand that it was just walked up. It is not before this house. It will be before this house in due course, which is not now, and it's certainly not when you choose to place something before the house.

When it is placed in writing and presented to the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate, it will be taken up in due course.

We do have an agenda, and we do have an item that is before the house, and so I would ask that we allow this process to proceed.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, by what authority are you suggesting that it is not properly before this house?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris, we have a matter that's before the house currently. There is no reason, there is no reason at all to substitute the matter that is currently before this house for any other matter that has not been properly brought before this house.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:So I will -- I will ask Senator LaValle to continue, and I will direct the Secretary to read the resolution that is properly before the house.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, with due respect, it is not your determination whether it's properly before the house, it's the determination of this body.

And I will refer you to Mason's Section 270 -- I'm sorry, 282, subdivisions 1 and 2. A motion to suspend the rules may be made at any time and further, for further clarification, a motion to suspend may be made during the order of business of motions and resolutions, which we are currently under.

So I ask you again, under what authority are you denying this motion when --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- the rules make it clear that it's in order at any time?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senate rules take precedence over Mason's. Mason's are there as a complement, but certainly not as a substitute.

Senator Hannon, why do you rise?

SENATOR HANNON:Point of order.

Just making a motion does not wipe out the existing rules of this Senate duly adopted at the beginning of this session. We have those rules, and one must make motions within them. Just making a motion does not suspend them. If the motion is made and adopted, then it would be suspended.

But Mr. Gianaris is in error, and it does not properly lie.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Your point is well-made, Senator Hannon.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. -- Mr. -- Mr. -- Mr. President. Mr. President, if --

SENATOR LaVALLE: Excuse me. Mr. President, we have a resolution --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President --

SENATOR LaVALLE: -- before this house honoring --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, I will not -- I will not allow --

SENATOR LaVALLE: -- the memory --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- this body to move forward without taking a proper look at the rules.

SENATOR LaVALLE: I --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator LaValle.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Senator Hannon's point is not well-taken. If there is a rule that is contradictory to Mason's, which you conceded was complementary, then --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- the rule would take precedence.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will read the resolution that is properly before this house.

(Inaudible cross-talk.)

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- under what rule does the chair --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris.

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- I've been given no guidance. There is no Senate rule that tells us we cannot have discussion right now.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Senator --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- if there is some, please --

SENATOR LaVALLE: -- I had moved --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- please enlighten us.

SENATOR LaVALLE: -- so that we could honor your predecessor's memory. I would like the clerk to start reading the resolution.

SENATOR GIANARIS:We have much business, and it is important me for me to do that, but this is also important.

And if someone can cite me a rule that Senator Hannon or the chair said takes precedence, which I concede, we can move the discussion forward.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:{Gaveling.} Senator Gianaris --

(Inaudible cross-talk.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:-- address the chair. Thank you. I appreciate it.

There are rules in this house.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Yes, sir.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:We do not substitute -- we do not substitute those rules on a whim.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Under which Senate rule are you denying the ability to consider this motion, Mr. President?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:There is nothing before the house, Senator Gianaris.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Under which Senate rule?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:We are -- we are going in circles. There is nothing properly before this house.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Yes, we are going in circles, sir, because you refuse to recognize --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will read.

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- a motion that's properly before --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, I appeal the ruling of the chair that this motion is out of order.

SENATOR LaVALLE: There is -- there is nothing to appeal, Senator Gianaris.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:There is nothing -- there is no ruling of the chair, Senator Gianaris, for you --

SENATOR GIANARIS:You have ruled this motion is not in order, have you not, Mr. President?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:There is nothing before the house, Senator Gianaris --

SENATOR GIANARIS:You have ruled that the motion is not properly before the house, have you not, Mr. President?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Have you or have you not ruled --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:I have -- I -- Senator Gianaris, there is no motion before the house for me to rule on.

The Secretary will read.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, there is a motion that is in the possession of the clerk and in the possession of the Majority. If you want to rule it's out of order, that's your right. We have the right to appeal that motion --

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 1773, by Senator Gianaris --

SENATOR GIANARIS:You can hide from the public --

THE SECRETARY:-- honoring the accomplishments and celebrating the life of former New York State Senator George Onorato.

SENATOR GIANARIS:{Inaudible} -- shameful what's going on here --

THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- refuse to let us even consider --

THE SECRETARY:-- to recognize and commend those individuals of distinguished purpose --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- on the floor of the Senate whether an indicted --

THE SECRETARY:-- whose lives have been committed to public service in the --

(Inaudible cross-talk.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Excuse me. Excuse me.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Charged, not indicted. But --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris, we have been patient. A press release is not a substitute for a proper motion or resolution before this house. You are out of order. We do not have a member of this -- we do not have a member of this house that is under indictment.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Well --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:I would ask you to sit and allow us to continue with the agenda of this house --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:-- in the proper order that it -- in the proper order that it is before this house.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:You are out of order. Please sit.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, I concede that the member I referred to is not under indictment. I apologize for that.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Would the clerk continue to read, please.

SENATOR GIANARIS:That particular member is not under indictment, but others are.

Now, would you let us or let us not consider a motion that was properly placed before the house pursuant to Mason's, which is not contradictory to the Senate rules? If you want to rule against us, that is your right, Mr. President. But then we have the right to appeal and be heard on the appeal. And that's all I'm asking.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Would the clerk continue to read, please.

THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those individuals of distinguished purpose whose lives have been committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct of the legislative process in this noble Empire State; and

"WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of former New York State Senator George Onorato, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

"WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato, who served western Queens as a member of the New York State Senate from 1983 to 2010, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the age of 86; and

"WHEREAS, A life-long resident of Queens, New York, George Onorato was the youngest of five children born to Italian immigrants, Maria Racana and Biagio Onorato, on November 5, 1928; and

"WHEREAS, Before graduating from Long Island City High School, George Onorato attended both Public School 84 and Junior High School 141 in Queens; and

"WHEREAS, George Onorato proudly served his country as a member of the 118th Medical Battalion in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952; he was recognized with the prestigious Presidential Citation for his extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy; and

"WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge from the military, George Onorato held the position of Secretary/Treasurer of Bricklayer's Local No. 41 for 15 years; and

"WHEREAS, In 1983, George Onorato was elected to the esteemed seat of New York State Senator; throughout his legislative career, he was a strong advocate for New York's working families, consumers, senior citizens, veterans, and young people; as Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Labor, he was able to draw on his extensive experience with organized labor to address the needs of working men and women throughout New York; and

"WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato was particularly interested in ensuring better access to health care for all New Yorkers, improving educational opportunities for children and college students in New York City and throughout the state, and spurring job creation, as well as developing more equitable tax policies; and

"WHEREAS, An advocate for environmental conservation, Senator George Onorato strived to reform energy laws to ensure adequate power supplies, promote greater air quality protection, and enhance conservation measures; and

"WHEREAS, In addition, Senator George Onorato championed efforts to make New York State government operations more open and accountable to the public; and

"WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato played a role in shaping many major New York laws that were enacted over his 25 years of service as a member of the Senate Minority leadership team and later as Assistant Majority Leader/Liaison to the Executive Branch; he also was both a past Treasurer and President of the Conference of Italian-American Legislators; and

"WHEREAS, Active in his community, Senator George Onorato was instrumental in building an aquatic center for the Boys and Girls Club in Astoria, New York; and

"WHEREAS, In 2001, Senator George Onorato received the distinguished Ellis Island Medal of Honor by fulfilling the American Dream through his personal accomplishments and dedicated service to his beloved Queens community; and

"WHEREAS, The passing of Senator George Onorato, a deeply respected and highly regarded public servant, will be deeply felt in the New York State Legislature and in the communities he served with such passion and devotion; and

"WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato distinguished himself by his sincere dedication and substantial contributions to the welfare of those he so diligently represented for nearly 40 years; his unprecedented record of service to the people of western Queens leaves an enduring legacy that few will surpass, yet many will emulate; and

"WHEREAS, Senator George Onorato was a gentleman who was dedicated to his constituency and to the belief that government can be a positive force for improving people's lives; and

"WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife, Josephine Onorato, and his second wife, Athena Georgakakos, Senator George Onorato is survived by his three children, Joanne, George, and Janice; six grandchildren, Sophia, Anastasia, Joseph, Mia, George, and Louis; and two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Skylar; and

"WHEREAS, Loyal friend, trusted advisor and ardent fighter for the causes in which he so strongly believed, the accomplishments of Senator George Onorato are legend; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the accomplishments and celebrate the life and extraordinary achievements of former Senator George Onorato, recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of public service and dedicating ourselves anew to the causes and people he served; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of former Senator George Onorato."

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris on the resolution.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Mr. President.

First let me thank Senator Onorato's family, who's with us, for indulging us and sitting patiently through some of the festivities on the floor.

I do want to say, slightly off topic, that we do intend to return to this issue, my friends in the Majority. And if they think that we're not going to have the Senate take a stand on such an important and publicly important thing, they're sadly mistaken.

But I don't want to intrude any further on the memory of my predecessor and the great work he did.

But I do want to recognize that with us from Senator Onorato's family are his daughter Janice -- if you could stand up as I call your names -- his daughter-in-law Moreen Fried, his niece Valerie, and his niece Maria Onorato-Filocamo. We thank them for --

(Applause.)

SENATOR GIANARIS:We thank them for making the trip. Some of them came from pretty far to be with us today on this eventful day.

And I want to just say a couple of words myself and then allow any of my colleagues that wish to join in in memory of Senator Onorato, who I've known -- I can't say my whole life, but since I was a child.

He was an institution in Astoria and the neighborhoods of western Queens that I now represent. And I think, perhaps unlike how some of my colleagues across the aisle feel about me today, everyone loved George Onorato. He was always ready with a smile and a joke. He was dignified. He was a great golfer. And he thought about the working people of this state, having come out of the labor movement himself.

I really got to know him well when he actually had his first serious competitive election, which happened to be about 14 or 15 years after he was first elected. But that's a symbol of his popularity back home. And I worked on that campaign very hard. He came through with flying colors, of course, and served another decade here in this chamber.

He was a mentor to me when I was in the Assembly and he was my colleague in this house.

And I know we all know how much he loved both his wife Josephine and his second wife Athena. And I think again, up here, the Sergeants-at-Arms and the Senators are very familiar with Athena and how she accompanied him up here and how much they loved each other.

And so I thank my colleagues for allowing us to consider this resolution today, and I thank the Onorato family again for joining us.

And I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gianaris, thank you for that.

Senator Farley.

SENATOR FARLEY:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise because I knew Senator George Onorato very well. I served with him throughout his entire Senate career. And I'd like to extend my sympathy to the Onorato family who are here.

You know, George was a very unique Senator. I didn't know anyone that was more of a gentleman and more liked by every one of his colleagues. He had a dry sense of humor which was truly unique, and one that I can still smile at some of the things that he did and said.

George was not only a great Senator, he was a wonderful human being. And as Senator Gianaris said, he was a superb golfer. And I mean one that was really an outstanding golfer and a good athlete. But he was always very proud of his union activities as a bricklayer and as a man of the people.

George Onorato served Queens very well. You know, we come up here and try to represent our people with dignity and honor. And Senator Onorato certainly was a credit to Queens, to his family, and to the State of New York. He was a great Senator and a great guy, and he will be missed.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Farley.

Senator Savino.

SENATOR SAVINO:Thank you, Mr. President.

I had the unique opportunity of having not only been George Onorato's colleague and sitting with him for the remaining years that he was in the Senate as a co-Senator, but I was a constituent of his for probably most of my adult life. I did a little back of the envelope calculation a few minutes ago and I realized I voted for George Onorato more times than I voted for myself.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR SAVINO:Although hopefully I'll catch up with that soon.

Growing up in Astoria and living in Jackson Heights for a short period of time, I always lived in George's district. And in fact, he was the first Senator I ever voted for. And I can still remember, you know, as a young woman, knowing who George was. And you would see him out and about in the community, in the local restaurants.

And he was a gentleman, he really was. He was a sweetheart. He was very dapper, always well-dressed, always, you know -- and it kind of belied his reputation as a laborer. He was a brickie, and proud of the labor movement, an incredibly proud individual. He was, I believe, the first elected union official in the New York State Senate, and I was the second one, who were active union leaders at the time.

And during the final years of his term here, he got to do something that he had dreamed about his entire term in the Senate, and that was to become the chair of the New York State Senate's Labor Committee. And during his two years as chair of the Labor Committee, we did a lot of very good things under George's tutelage.

When he was chair of the Labor Committee, we passed the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights, the first in the nation to correct a 75-year injustice that affected women, particularly women of color. George helped get that bill through.

The Wage Theft Prevention Act, which has kind of been a bone of contention for some people, happened under George's watch because he knew that workers were being cheated out of their wages even now with the protections in the current law. He helped me get that done.

Misclassification in the construction industry, which he understood better than anybody, having been a brickie. He knew that workers could be cheated all the time or misclassified to make sure that they didn't get compensated correctly.

So George used his time in the Senate well. He represented his community well. He left his mark on Astoria and Long Island City and Jackson Heights. He left his mark on me and helped shape me as a legislator. And in the end, he left his mark on working people, which is what he lived to do.

So I want to say George's family, thank you for sharing him with us here in the Senate and the people of Astoria and Long Island City and Jackson Heights. And we will never forget George Onorato or his lovely wife Athena.

I didn't have the opportunity of knowing his first wife, but I can tell you that Athena made him very happy and he made her very happy. And my fondest memories of George and Athena is wherever you saw them walking along, they always held hands. It was so sweet. And it was something I will never forget about them.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Savino.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Thank you.

Like Senator Farley, we both served with Senator Onorato. When he came to this chamber he was, as I'm sure all of us are, very proud of our roots, what we accomplished. And certainly his union roots never left him, were always a part of him.

But everyone knows that George Onorato was a very gentle but persuasive individual. He had great respect for this institution. And when he left, a lot of golf scores went up in this chamber.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR LaVALLE: He was always with a partner at his side, and they were a lovely couple as they walked the halls here.

So I'm glad to join this resolution and speak on the resolution for a great Senator who was part of this chamber.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator LaValle.

Senator Robach.

SENATOR ROBACH:Yes, Mr. President, let me add my condolences to the family on the passing of George.

And let me just say, too, I admired him a great deal. He not only loved his district and used to always say, you know, count your blessings in this business, and give that good advice.

But what I loved about George the most, he really was more of a statesman than a politician. He did not have to have the limelight. Early on as the Labor chair here, rather than sponsor the bill, he would often try to get groups together to make something happen that would really impact people in a way that he thought was beneficial.

And I really think that should be the template of government, but it's really getting kind of rare and rarer in politics today, where people are more focused on outcome rather than themselves sometimes.

So he really was a selfless person who really was a throwback, I think -- a renaissance person -- to a time when it was really about achieving a result, getting things done, and doing it in a good way.

And I will not only miss his smile, his demeanor, but I think he really was a role model to all of us on a good way to conduct business and get things done in the best way possible.

On a humorous note, somebody had mentioned golf. And very early, George Onorato and Ralph Quattrociocchi, who I had worked for earlier, were very good friends, both Italian-Americans, same age, enjoyed Italian food, but they both enjoyed golf. I'll just say this. One of them was very good, and one of them was terrible, I'll let you figure out which one was which.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR ROBACH:We'll miss you, George. God bless your family.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Robach.

Senator Stavisky.

SENATOR STAVISKY:Thank you, Mr. President.

I think you understand the genuine affection that the people in this chamber have -- not had, but have for your father and uncle, I guess, and members of the family.

I sat next to George for about six or seven years back in the second row there. And George provided insights -- I was elected in 1999. And George gave me insights into legislation, into ideas. And he certainly was -- I couldn't have sat next to a more engaging individual, because George had a story, he had an experience, he was a masterful storyteller.

And yes, his love for his colleagues and the labor movement, for men and women who work with their hands, it demonstrates that you don't have to be a lawyer, that working men and women deserve representation on a fair and equal setting. And in fact George epitomized the labor movement.

A couple of years ago the bricklayers were here, and I tried it downstairs in the concourse. Not easy. Not easy.

George believed in opportunity for everybody. He was a very proud veteran; he used to talk about some of his experiences. And it was really the way he said things, the way he presented issues that I think made George unique.

And yes, we used to watch George and Athena holding hands walking throughout the concourse. And it demonstrates the love that he had for Athena, which was mutual. And I do remember Josephine, his first wife, and they had the same type of relationship.

Lastly let me say that I think George would be very proud of his successor today, because his successor today, Senator Gianaris, has brought so many issues to the floor for debate. And George epitomized talking about issues -- not people, not politics, but issues.

So again, we recognize the Onorato family and thank them for George's services.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Stavisky.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, can we take up a previously adopted resolution, 1359, by Senator Farley. Would we read it in its entirety. The Senator would like to open it for cosponsorship. And then would you recognize Senator Farley to speak and present his guests who are in our chamber.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator LaValle.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 1359, by Senator Farley, congratulating the Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team and Coach James Giammattei upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Class A State Championship.

"WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

"WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this state, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team and Coach James Giammattei upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A State Championship on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at the Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls, New York; and

"WHEREAS, The Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team won their second consecutive New York State Championship with an exciting 54-49 victory over Greece Athena High School; and

"WHEREAS, With this victory, the Scotia-Glenville High School Tartans became the first Section II boys' basketball squad to ever repeat as state champions; they also extended a remarkable 53-game winning streak dating back to last season; and

"WHEREAS, The team's overall record of 26-0 is outstanding, and the team members were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large; and

"WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by the Tartans is due in great part to the efforts of Coach James Giammattei, a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and

"WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, from the opening game of the season to participation in the championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of scholarship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and

"WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team members have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on their school; and

"WHEREAS, Coach James Giammattei has done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward their goals; and

"WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and Coach James Giammattei and these outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team; its members: Joe Almond, Diamond Corker, Joe Cremo, Michael Palleschi, Scott Stopera, Rhys TenEyck, Daniel Clune, Sean Degraffenreid, Trevor Martin, and Christian Corker; Head Coach James Giammattei; Assistant Coaches Glenn Stopera, Michael Rauch, and Mark Mortenson; and Manager Jonathan Sharer on their outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Scotia-Glenville High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, and Coach James Giammattei."

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you.

Senator Farley.

SENATOR FARLEY:Thank you very much, Mr. President.

This is a very exciting day for me. And also in the chamber -- in the gallery, rather -- I do have the Shenendehowa team, which we're going to introduce in just a moment.

But I want to speak about Scotia-Glenville, where my children live.

Mr. President, this is an incredible accomplishment. This was the Class A champion two years in a row. And, you know, their family and friends and everybody in the Capital District area is absolutely thrilled with what has happened in Scotia-Glenville with this team.

It's no coincidence we honor them here today, because just last year I had them all here in the chamber. After we left, they were all up at the podium, I had a picture taken with them, and they have that holding the gavel. They're an incredible grownup of young men, and what they have accomplished is unbelievable.

They had a perfect 26 and 0 record, and this is their second New York State championship. They had an exciting 54-49 victory over Greece Athena. We have the Senator here from there, and I know that he is very proud of them. I don't know whose that is.

But anyway, they have a streak that goes back to 53 games. So I'd ask that the Scotia-Glenville team and whoever is with them, their family, if you would please stand so that this chamber can give you a big round of applause. There they are.

(Applause.)

SENATOR FARLEY:Incidentally, Senator Breslin, Joe Cremo, their captain and one of their stars, is going to be attending the University at Albany. And they're on their way to the big dance next year, I'm sure, with him there.

And with that, I'd ask that the Shenendehowa resolution be read, if we could. And Senator Marchione and I will speak to it, if we can.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator LaValle.

SENATOR SQUADRON:Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Can you take up the previously adopted resolution --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron, why do you rise?

SENATOR LaVALLE: -- by Senator Marchione, 1360, read it in its entirety, open it for cosponsorship --

SENATOR SQUADRON:I rise to again make a motion in accordance with Section 14 --

SENATOR LaVALLE: -- and then Senator Farley will sit down.

SENATOR SQUADRON:-- Chapter 28 of Mason's to suspend the rules, particularly Rule 7, subdivision 9, which interferes with the immediate consideration of a resolution removing Senator Skelos as Temporary President and Majority Leader.

Out of deference to the house, and certainly to the honored memory of Senator Onorato, absent a motion, we did move on previously. That motion stands. It has been in writing at the desk now for a number of minutes.

I'd also like to point out, Mr. President, Rule 4, which we didn't discuss previously -- and I'll give you a moment -- Rule 4, about the presiding officer, which you are acting as. You shall decide all questions of order subject to appeal of the Senate.

By any measure, this is a question of order. And by any measure, an appeal to the Senate is appropriate. So appealing your decision, I believe the rules spell out the process. I will now speak on my motion to suspend the rules under Mason's, since the Senate rules are silent on the matter.

The rule --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron.

SENATOR SQUADRON:Yes.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Squadron --

SENATOR SQUADRON:Yes, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:-- I will respond.

And I will direct your attention to Rule 12 in the rules that speaks specifically to suspension of rules. And we'll resolve this issue once and for all.

One -- and I'm not making a ruling, Senator Squadron, I'm merely reading from the rules.

SENATOR SQUADRON:And, Mr. President, are you --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:I'm reading from the rules --

SENATOR SQUADRON:Are you deciding a question of order?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:I am not deciding, I am reading from the rules. Because you mentioned that there were no rules -- no portion of our rules addressed the issue, and I'm correcting that statement.

If there's a resolution, the resolution -- there are two ways to suspend the rules. One is by resolution. We don't have a resolution before the house. The second way is by motion, and that motion has to be presented at least 24 hours in advance to the Secretary, not walked up the day of.

So, Senator Squadron, as I had stated earlier, there is nothing properly before this house.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR SQUADRON:Mr. President, this is a question of order?

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, you cited Rule 12. I don't see anything in Rule 12 that refers to {inaudible}.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:I'm sorry, Senator Gianaris.

SENATOR GIANARIS:You cited Rule 12, Mr. President, and I'm trying to come up with -- I can't see anything in Rule 12 that conforms with what you just cited.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Well, Senator -- Senator Gianaris, as I know for a fact that you and I both can read, Section -- Rule 12, Section 1 and Section 2 both address this issue, either as a resolution or as a motion. It's there, it's clearly there. And if anyone wants to reference it, they can.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, just because you say it, it doesn't make it so.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Thank you, Mr. President.

SENATOR GIANARIS:If you would --

SENATOR LaVALLE: We are conducting the business of the Senate right now. Would the clerk read the resolution, please.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will read.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President -- Mr. President, you cited language that does not exist. You can't make up rules as you --

(Inaudible cross-talk.)

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 1360, by Senators Marchione and Farley, congratulating the Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team and Coach Tony Dzikas upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association --

(Inaudible cross-talk.)

SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, you cannot single-handedly make up the rules of the Senate.

THE SECRETARY:-- Class AA State Championship.

SENATOR GIANARIS:If you want to rule against us, that's your right. Rule 12 says nothing remotely close to what you just referred to. So please --

THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit" --

SENATOR GIANARIS:-- don't misinterpret the rules and make up rules to get your way in this --

THE SECRETARY:-- "nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and" --

(Continued inaudible cross-talk.)

THE SECRETARY:-- "WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team and Coach Tony Dzikas upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA State Championship on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at the Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls, New York; and

"WHEREAS, The Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team won their" --

(Continued inaudible cross-talk.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:{Gaveling.} Senator Gianaris, I will ask you to please sit, allow the chamber to proceed. This was presented as a motion for suspension of rules.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Correct.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:You can say whatever you would like. You are obstructing our performance here. Please sit down, allow the chamber to proceed. There is a matter properly before this house. You know what the rules of this house say, you have them before you.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Read them -- read them to me, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Please allow the chamber to continue.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Read me --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:We have done with this issue.

SENATOR GIANARIS:Read me the rule, Mr. President --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:We are moving on. The Secretary --

SENATOR GIANARIS:Read me the rule that you cited that --

(Continued inaudible cross-talk.)

THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, The Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team won their first New York State Championship since 1987 with an exciting 76-63 victory over Brentwood High School; and

"WHEREAS, The team's overall record of 25-1 is outstanding, and the team members were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large; and

"WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by the Plainsmen is due in great part to the efforts of Coach Tony Dzikas, a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and

"WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, from the opening game of the season to participation in the championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of scholarship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and

"WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the Shenendehowa High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team members have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on their school; and

"WHEREAS, Coach Tony Dzikas has done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward their goals; and

(Democratic Senators exiting the chamber.)

THE SECRETARY:"WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and Coach Tony Dzikas and these outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team; its members: Kevin Huerter, Erik Kromer, Drew Lewis, Luke Hicks, Mike Pizziketti, Thomas Huerter, Evan Paddock, Petar Bebic, Matt Alverson, Mike Collins, Michael Gillooley, Brandon Fischer, Evan Warner, and Mike Spulnick; Coach Tony Dzikas, and Assistant Coaches Don Joss, Josh Koopman, Yac Sangare, Dolph Beyer, and Ryan Losanno on their outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to members of the Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, and Coach Tony Dzikas."

(The Democratic Conference exited the chamber en masse.)

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, would you recognize Senator Marchione and then Senator Farley.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Before we do so, Senator LaValle -- thank you.

To the Shenendehowa High School, please accept my apologies for the lack of decorum demonstrated by my colleagues in the chamber today.

Senator Marchione.

SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you, Mr. President.

And I echo that sentiment. I'm very sorry that this occurred. I guess you can say that here in the chamber sometimes it's as exciting as being on a basketball court.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR MARCHIONE:And you actually have witnessed something that I have never witnessed before, and I'm really -- I apologize to you for having -- having to have you witness such a thing in our chambers.

But I'm thrilled to have you here. Congratulations to all of you. Coach Dzikas and the Shenendehowa -- I'm so sorry, Tony, I just killed your name and I know it. I'm just thrilled to have you here. You guys are really true champions.

They captured the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA State Championship on Monday, March 22nd, at the Glens Falls Civic Center. This team's overall record was 25 to 1, absolutely outstanding.

The team was loyally and enthusiastically supported by family and friends and actually the entire community. And I know that because my family supported you. I know that my son and my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren attended many, many of the games that you guys played.

The athletic talent displayed by all of you is due in part to the great efforts of your coach, who is skilled and an inspirational tutor, an outstanding coach and a trusted mentor, and I know that firsthand.

From the opening game to the championship, the Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team demonstrated athletic skill, good sportsmanship, scholarship and teamwork. Athletically and academically, this team has proven itself an unbeatable combination of talent and perseverance. Coach, you've done a superb job guiding, molding and inspiring this team towards its goal.

The Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team and your coach are champions on and off the court. I'm proud to recognize your achievements today. Congratulations to all of you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Farley.

SENATOR FARLEY:Thank you, Mr. President.

Both Senator Marchione and I represent the largest school district in the Capital Region, Shenendehowa -- somebody that has a history of success, not only academic but athletic. They're legendary in their championships.

You know, and I do apologize for what has happened here. And for all the years that I've been here, I've never seen, quite frankly, such rudeness.

And Senator Sampson, I appreciate your being here.

You know, the Senate is a chamber that really loves to honor people that succeed. And Dr. Robinson, I believe who's here, is a superintendent I've known for many, many years. And you can so proud of what has happened at Shenendehowa. They not only win, they're academically superb, they do well.

You know, Senator Marchione and I share that school district and everything that you've done. And you know what we want to do after this chamber is over, if we could invite both Scotia-Glenville and Shenendehowa down on the floor after we get done, if you can stick around that long, and we will try to show you some hospitality.

We're very proud of you. And I'm going to ask that the Shenendehowa people stand up and get the applause of this Senate that is here to honor you.

(Standing ovation.)

SENATOR FARLEY:We want to you to know that we love you.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Farley.

Senator Little.

SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.

I just want to say that I got to see you play. Because born and raised in Glens Falls, New York, the home of the New York State Basketball Championships, we were very proud to host all of you and have you go there.

I know that you spend a great deal of your season and your games getting to Glens Falls. And you certainly did. And I did not see you play on Sunday, but I saw the games on Saturday. And you know what's really, really fantastic is you both belong to Section II. There are five classes, am I correct, AA, A, B, C and D. Lake George won the C, Section II, you won the A and the AA. So the five classes, three state championships were in Section II.

Congratulations to all of you, and I wish you much success. And for those of you who will be back next year, I hope to see you in Glens Falls.

Thank you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, will you --

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:I believe this matter is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be on the resolution, please advise the desk.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Would you take up previously adopted Resolution 126, by Senator Gallivan, read it in its entirety. The Senator would like it open for cosponsorship. And then would you recognize Senator Gallivan.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 126, by Senator Gallivan, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 3-9, 2015, as Correctional Officers and Employees Week in the State of New York.

"WHEREAS, The operation of correctional facilities represents a crucial component of the criminal justice system in the United States, and correctional personnel play a vital role in protecting the rights of the public to be safeguarded from criminal activity; and

"WHEREAS, There are over 60,000 corrections officers and employees in the State of New York who oversee the state's correctional facilities and are responsible for the care, custody, and maintenance of more than 83,000 inmates charged to their care; and

"WHEREAS, To carry out their responsibilities, corrections officers work under demanding circumstances and face danger in their daily work lives, which sometimes results in the loss of life; and

"WHEREAS, In 1984, former President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187, which designated the first full week in May as 'National Correctional Officers Week' in honor of corrections officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect the public from dangerous criminals and to help prisoners work toward becoming productive members of society; and

"WHEREAS, In 1996, Congress expanded and renamed this special week 'National Correctional Officers and Employees Week' in recognition of all those employed with city, state and federal correctional departments; and

"WHEREAS, In accordance with the federal government's recognition of the indispensable contributions that corrections officers make every day to protect our citizens from harm, it is proper and befitting for the State of New York to honor all corrections officers and employees; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 3-9, 2015, as Correctional Officers and Employees Week in the State of New York; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York."

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Gallivan.

SENATOR GALLIVAN:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise to ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing correction officers throughout New York State, who perform a very, very worthwhile, necessary and dangerous job.

They are quite often understaffed. We deal with them in the budget trying to advocate on their behalf to ensure that they're properly staffed and that their working conditions are such that they can keep the facilities that they oversee and they work in safe and secure, not only for themselves but for all of the people that are in there as well, whether it's the inmates, visitors, whatever they may be, and ultimately go home safely to their families.

The resolution said many, many things. I think we are very worthy as a body in recognizing the correction officers across the state and thanking them for the job that they do.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Gallivan.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, can we take up a previously adopted resolution by Senator Carlucci, 1557, read the title only. Senator Carlucci would like to open the resolution for cosponsorship. And then would you recognize Senator Carlucci to speak on the resolution.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:If you do not wish to be a cosponsor on the resolution, please notify the desk.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 1557, by Senator Carlucci, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 6, 2015, as the First Annual New York State Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Carlucci.

SENATOR CARLUCCI:Thank you, Mr. President.

And thank you for taking up this important resolution. Today we're asking Governor Cuomo to proclaim May 6th as Suicide Prevention Day in the State of New York.

And unfortunately we have a painful statistic. Approximately 30,000 Americans lose their lives every year to suicide. That means that every 15 minutes, someone in the United States loses their life to suicide.

Today we're fortunate, though, because in the gallery I have with us my Student Advisory Council, where we meet on a regular basis and we talk about issues that are affecting students, whether it's in the school or it's in the community.

And one of the issues that we've really highlighted is suicide prevention. We've seen the startling numbers, and we say to ourselves we've got to get real and deal with this issue. And one of the ways that we can do that is about talking about the stigma attached to suicide, and that by talking about this we can really shed some light in often what's some very dark corners of many people's lives.

So I want to pay tribute to our Student Advisory Council, who really -- the students up there are the overachievers in our community who hopefully one day will be here on the Senate floor, in the Assembly, elected in their own right.

But today we ask Governor Cuomo to proclaim May 6th as Suicide Prevention Day in the State of New York. And I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this resolution and fighting suicide in New York State and making sure that we can help people in our great state.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Carlucci.

And I will ask the members of the Student Advisory Council if you would please stand.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you for coming.

Senator LaValle.

{Gaveling.} If members would please take their seats.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: I was just waiting for the members to take their seats so we can begin.

Mr. President, I just want to check on Senator Carlucci's resolution, 1557. Did I indicate that the Senator wanted it open for cosponsorship?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Yes, you did, but we can always do it again.

If anyone does not wish to be a cosponsor on that resolution, please notify the desk.

(Pause.)

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President, can we now have the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 119, by Senator Croci, Senate Print 2942, an act to amend the Penal Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay it aside.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 152, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 427, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay it aside.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 156, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 2217A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay it aside.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 157, by Senator Amedore, Senate Print 2290, an act to amend the Highway Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay it aside.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 158, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 2966, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay it aside.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 459, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Buchwald, Assembly Print 222, an act to amend the Tax Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay it aside for the day.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside for the day.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 460, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Paulin, Assembly Print 5138, an act to amend the Tax Law.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Lay that aside for the day.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is laid aside for the day.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Can we now have the controversial reading of the calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The Secretary will ring the bell.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 119, by Senator Croci, Senate Print 2942, an act to amend the Penal Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Croci to explain his vote.

SENATOR CROCI:Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank my colleagues. This important piece of legislation could not be more timely. I think we've all watched with horror what happened in Garland, Texas.

And terrorists who attack this country don't do so alone. They have support networks that help them, both abroad and, believe it or not, within our midst in this country.

So it is extremely important that we continue to tighten the laws and the penalties for individuals who would support terrorist acts on our own soil, the most insidious attacks on the United States.

I compliment the Senate for its work here today, and I thank my colleagues for their support.

I vote aye.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Announce the results.

THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 119: Ayes, 38.

Absent from voting: Senators Addabbo, Breslin, Comrie, Díaz, Dilan, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hamilton, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kennedy, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Panepinto, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is passed.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 152, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 427, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Announce the results.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 38.

Those absent from voting: Senators Addabbo, Breslin, Comrie, Díaz, Dilan, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hamilton, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kennedy, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Panepinto, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is passed.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 156, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 2217A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 38.

Absent from voting: Senators Addabbo, Breslin, Comrie, Díaz, Dilan, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hamilton, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kennedy, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Panepinto, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is passed.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 157, by Senator Amedore, Senate Print 2290, an act to amend the Highway Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator Amedore to explain his vote.

SENATOR AMEDORE:Mr. President, thank you. I rise to explain my vote.

And how fitting that we pass this legislation today, on West Point Day. And we want to again thank Senator Larkin for his fine job in bringing the West Point cadets here.

This bill honors Lieutenant Todd J. Clark, a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Army overseas. Lieutenant Clark was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 8, 2013, while serving as senior advisor to the Afghan National Army.

He was a decorated soldier who served in the Army with honor and pride for so many years. And sadly, he left behind a wife and two children and so many other loved ones.

This bill honors the memory of a true American hero by renaming a road in his hometown of Guilderland as the Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark Memorial Highway. Mr. President, I'm glad and honored to vote aye.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Amedore.

Senator Ritchie.

SENATOR RITCHIE:Thank you, Mr. President.

I would like to thank Senator Amedore for bringing this important piece of legislation forward. Though Lieutenant Colonel Clark was a native of Albany, he was also one of my constituents, was stationed at Fort Drum, just outside the gates with his family.

He served his country bravely for 17 years. It's a tremendous loss to his family, his friends, and to his country.

And I don't know if my colleagues remember, but during our first Fort Drum Day we had a number of soldiers here with General Milley, and Lieutenant Colonel Clark was one of those soldiers who walked the halls, who met with my colleagues, who showed his support for his country and was a true patriot.

So once again, Senator Amedore, I want to thank you for acknowledging his sacrifices and honoring his memory. And I know for many of us, we will not forget that. Thank you.

I vote aye, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator Ritchie.

Announce the results.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 38.

Absent from voting: Senators Addabbo, Breslin, Comrie, Díaz, Dilan, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hamilton, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kennedy, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Panepinto, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is passed.

The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 158, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 2966, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Announce the results.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 38.

Absent from voting: Senators Addabbo, Breslin, Comrie, Díaz, Dilan, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hamilton, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kennedy, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Panepinto, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The bill is passed.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Can we go back to motions and resolutions.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Motions and resolutions.

Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: On behalf of Senator Golden, on page number 25 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 325, Senate Print Number 4081, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:So ordered.

SENATOR LaVALLE: We're just going to pause for just a minute, Mr. President. So if the members could just remain in their seats.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Thank you, Senator LaValle.

(Pause.)

SENATOR LaVALLE: Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Can we lay aside the active list. The supplemental active list that was at the desk, could you lay that aside for the day.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:The supplemental active list is laid aside for the day.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Is there any other business at the desk?

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:There is no other business at the desk, Senator LaValle.

SENATOR LaVALLE: Hearing none, I move to adjourn until Monday, May 11th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.

ACTING PRESIDENT MARTINS:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 11th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.

(Whereupon, at 1:42 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)