Gaveled in 11:21 AM · Albany, New York · 2015–16 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
February 2, 2016
11:21 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR FREDERICK J. AKSHAR II, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone present to please rise and repeat with me the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Reverend Dr. Willie Hairston is with us this morning to give the invocation. He is the pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church from Nyack, New York.
Pastor?
REVEREND HAIRSTON:Most holy and eternal God, we are thankful for this day, we are thankful for this marvelous opportunity. We are thankful that You have allowed us to serve.
We pray that the things that is done here, the things that is said here, will be helpful to all humankind and be pleasing in Your sight.
This we pray, amen, amen.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, February 1st, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, January 31st, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Recognize Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Mr. President. The following amendments are offered to the following third reading calendar bills:
Senator Ritchie's bill, on page 9, Calendar Number 30, Senate Print 6399;
Senator Boyle's bill, on page 11, Calendar Number 67, Senate Print 3357;
Senator Little's bill, on page 8, Calendar Number 12, Print Number 6381A;
Senator Lanza's bill, page 8, Calendar Number 19, Senate Print 6388;
Senator Murphy's bill, page 8, Calendar Number 21, Senate Print 6390; and
Senator Funke's bill, on page 9, Calendar Number 32, Senate Print 6421.
I now move that these bills retain their place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The amendments are received, and the bills will retain their place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I also wish to call up the following bills, which were recalled from the Assembly and are now at the desk: Print Numbers 6379, 6382, 6384, 6385, 6387, 6389, 6394, 6398, and 6420.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 10, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 6379, an act to amend the Business Corporation Law;
Calendar Number 13, by Senator Marchione, Senate Print 6382, an act to amend the State Law;
Calendar Number 15, by Senator Amedore, Senate Print 6384, an act to amend the Social Services Law;
Calendar Number 16, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 6385, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law;
Calendar Number 18, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 6387, an act to amend the State Finance Law;
Calendar Number 20, by Senator Felder, Senate Print 6389, an act to amend the Family Court Act;
Calendar Number 25, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 6394, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law;
Calendar Number 29, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 6398, an act to amend Chapter 412 of the Laws of 2015; and
Calendar Number 31, by Senator Croci, Senate Print 6420, an act to amend the Executive Law.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Mr. President, I now move to reconsider the votes by which these bills were passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 51.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: And are the bills now restored to their place on third reading?
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Yes.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The amendments are received.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: All right, would you please, Mr. President, recognize Senator Valesky.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Valesky.
SENATOR VALESKY:Thank you, Mr. President. I have three motions, all on behalf of bills sponsored by Senator Carlucci.
The first, being Print 6380, it has been recalled from the Assembly and is now at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 11, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 6380, an act to amend the Correction Law.
SENATOR VALESKY:Mr. President, I now move to reconsider the vote by which this bill was passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 51.
SENATOR VALESKY:Mr. President, I now offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The amendments are received.
SENATOR VALESKY:Mr. President, I wish to call up Senator Carlucci's bill, 6386, recalled from the Assembly, which is now at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 17, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 6386, an act to amend Chapter 584 of the Laws of 2015.
SENATOR VALESKY:I now move to reconsider the vote by which this bill passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 51.
SENATOR VALESKY:I now offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The amendments are received.
SENATOR VALESKY:And finally, also on behalf of Senator Carlucci, on page 8 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 28, Senate Bill 6397, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The amendments are received.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you now recognize Senator Gianaris.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Serrano, I wish to call up Senate Print Number 6426, recalled from the Assembly, which is now at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 37, by Senator Serrano, Senate Print 6426, an act to amend Chapter 899 of the Laws of 1984.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 51.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Is the bill on Third Reading Calendar, Mr. President?
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:So ordered.
SENATOR GIANARIS:I offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The amendments are received.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Mr. President, can we now do the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 56, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 396, an act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 56, those recorded in the negative are Senators Comrie, Hoylman, Montgomery, Perkins, Persaud, Rivera and Sanders.
Ayes, 44. Nays, 7.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 58, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 3636A, an act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 51.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 68, by Senator Addabbo, Senate Print 3604B, an act to amend the Civil Service Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 51.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The bill is passed.
Floor Leader, that completes the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
Would you recognize Senator Gianaris for a brief introduction, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Mr. President.
We are joined today in the gallery by the members of the student government and two adults who have joined them from the Growing Up Green Middle School in western Queens, which is part of my district. You can see them all up there waving at us.
They're here, obviously, to learn about how government works and to see it firsthand, and joined by parent coordinator Erin Acosta and the dean of students, Paul Hinchey.
And I just want to say a brief word about the tenacity of this group. This was a group of kids that went through the Growing Up Green grade school and upon graduation were so committed to staying with Growing Up Green that we helped them get a middle school established so they could stay with the great administration there at Growing Up Green.
And so we're happy to have them here with us today. And if you could give them the courtesies of the house, I'd appreciate it.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Gianaris, thank you.
On behalf of the entire New York State Senate, we welcome you here today. Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Now can we return to motions and resolutions, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Motions and resolutions.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Can we take up Resolution 3550, by Senator Ritchie, and read it in its entirety, and then recognize Senator Ritchie. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3550, by Senator Ritchie, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2, 2016, as Canada-Quebec- Ontario Day in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, Canada is New York's primary export market, with $34.2 billion worth of merchandise goods exchanged and 17 percent of New York's worldwide exports sold to Canada in 2014; in addition, 680,900 New York jobs are supported by Canada-U.S. trade; and
"WHEREAS, New York and Canada share an international border measuring 445 miles in length with 17 international border crossings, featuring several important international trade corridors including the Quebec-New York Corridor, the Capitol Corridor, and Continental One, as well as the second-busiest crossing between Canada and the United States at the Peace Bridge; and
"WHEREAS, The New York-Canada partnership boasts the largest bilateral tourism industry in the United States, with over 6.9 million Canadians visiting New York, accounting for over $1.7 billion in expenditures in 2012; and
"WHEREAS, Reflective of this strong security relationship, the Eastern Air Defense Sector, headquartered in Rome, New York, is staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces Detachment; this unit supports NORAD's integrated warning and attach assessment mission and the U.S. Northern Command's homeland defense mission; and
"WHEREAS, Over 19 million New Yorkers depend on Canada and its vast energy reserves to fuel our state, importing over $4.7 billion worth of energy from Canada in 2014; and
"WHEREAS, Quebec more specifically has been an important supplier of clean, renewable energy to New York for decades; and
"WHEREAS, New York is the primary international market for Quebec, with the total value of bilateral trade amounting to $7.4 billion in 2014; and exports to New York represent 11.5 percent of Quebec's U.S.-bound exports, with an emphasis on unwrought aluminum, petroleum products, refined copper and hydroelectricity; and
"WHEREAS, Quebec established its first office abroad in 1940 in New York City, and has maintained this important commercial, investment, educational and cultural link to New York and neighboring states for 75 years; and
"WHEREAS, Financial ties between Quebec and New York go back almost a century and a half, when Quebec became the first foreign issuer of bonds on Wall Street in 1879; and
"WHEREAS, Ontario and New York are closely linked geographically, both bordering on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and having border crossing points in the Niagara and St. Lawrence regions; and the jurisdictions have in common a significant number of economic, social, environmental, educational and cultural interests and connections; and
"WHEREAS, More than 63 percent of Canada's total bilateral trade with New York -- over $24 billion -- was between Ontario and New York, with Ontario's primary exports to New York including unwrought gold and silver, engines, autos and electrical energy, and Ontario's primary imports from New York including petroleum gases, metals, motor vehicle parts and engines; and
"WHEREAS, The economies of Ontario and New York are tightly linked through integrated cross-border supply chains that keep our firms competitive, including, for example, auto parts that cross the border sometimes several times before completion; and
"WHEREAS, Canada -- and in particular its provinces of Quebec and Ontario -- and New York share many more deep economic, historical, cultural and familial ties as well; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2, 2016 as Canada-Quebec-Ontario Day in the State of New York; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; the Consulate General of Canada in New York; the Quebec Government Office in New York; and the Office of the Ontario Government Representative in Washington, D.C."
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Ritchie.
SENATOR RITCHIE:Thank you, Mr. President.
I have the honor and the privilege to welcome representatives of the Canadian, Ontario and Quebec governments to our chambers today.
I'd like to take a moment just to recognize a few: Mr. John Prato, Consul General of Canada in New York; Mr. Jean-Claude Lauzon, Delegate General of the Quebec Government in New York; and Ms. Monique Smith, Ontario Provincial Representative to the United States.
I want to welcome you all today. I know many of my colleagues are always surprised when they find out that it takes me about four and a half hours to get to the capital of New York where I work, but I can get to the nation's capital in Canada in less than an hour. So I think people are really kind of amazed at that.
And I know living and growing up so close to the border, I think it's given me a different perspective. I know when my kids were playing hockey when they were young, if our local arena was full and we didn't want to drive 20 miles to the next community in New York, we would think nothing of jumping in the car and going to practice a couple of miles over the border in Canada.
And so I've always been keenly aware of just the wonderful honor it is to be able to live and share the relationship with the Canadians across the broader.
Because of that, you know, I've been able to kind of keep track of the traffic, the Canadian plates on the road, but I'm even more keenly aware of it now as the Senator who represents 175 miles of border along the St. Lawrence River and Ontario. And so the economics between the Canadians and the New Yorkers, especially in my district, is something that's extremely important to our local economy, but it's extremely important to New York as a whole, as Canada is our number-one trading partner.
So I want to thank all of you for coming here today, for sending your message and letting us all know how important our relationship is. And I certainly appreciate the friendship we've had for hundreds of years between the Canadians and New Yorkers, and look forward to working with all of you in the future.
And I'd like to extend the invitation to my colleagues to come to my district and we'll take a couple of minutes just to drive across the border and see what not only my district has to offer but what yours does also.
So thank you again, and it's an honor and a privilege to have you here with us today.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Thank you, Senator Ritchie.
Senator Griffo.
SENATOR GRIFFO:Thank you, Mr. President.
We want to extend warm greetings to the consul general, the delegate general, and to the provincial representative from Ontario. We sincerely appreciate your service to your country, and we continue to believe and understand the importance and significance of our friendship, the commonality of our border, the ideals that we share, the principles of liberty and freedom, the values that are so important to both of our great countries. And that which unites us is so much greater than that which could potentially divide us.
So I sincerely thank you. I am also a member of the Senate who represents the Canadian border that borders both the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. And we have had a great relationship. I think I have met the delegate-general, and I have had the opportunity to now meet Consul General Prato. Thank you so much. We will miss you. You have been an outstanding representative of your nation.
And I will leave you with just something that someone said that is far more eloquent than something that I could say. In May of 1961, before a session of Parliament, then-President John Kennedy said that "Geography has made us neighbors, history has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath has so joined together, let no man put asunder."
Merci, mes amis. God bless Canada and the United States.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Griffo, thank you.
Senator Kennedy.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you, Mr. President.
Let me first start by welcoming the consul general, John Prato, here to the Senate chambers here in the Empire State of New York. Also the delegate general of Quebec, the provincial representative of Ontario, welcome.
I also want to recognize somebody who has played an instrumental role in my life, is now playing an instrumental role in the consul general's life, and that's senior diplomatic advisor Rachel Homewood, who's my former legislative director. She's here with the consul general.
And, you know, I can tell you, Consul General, I know what you're going through. I'd like to say that I taught her a thing or two, but I think it's the other way around. She's taught me more than a thing or two. So welcome back, Rachel.
But, you know, I want to stand on this resolution and thank the sponsor of this resolution for bringing this to our attention today. You know, it's important that we celebrate these victories, and this is a victory between our two countries -- 150 years, going on 150 years next year, the sesquicentennial, the 150th birthday of Canada. And in those 150 years, New York State specifically, but of course both of our nations in our entireties, have tremendous relationships that we can share with the rest of the world, an amazing demonstration of peace between our two nations.
The fabric of our communities, the fabric of our nations is reflected in that peace: the culture, the sports and, yes, the economy. And the mutual relationship that we have and the mutual benefit that we have between New York State and the United States, and Canada, particularly Quebec and Ontario. And the economies that we share, the individuals that pour over the borders in each direction to celebrate each other's communities, respectively. It's an incredible collaboration that we need to not only celebrate, but it is our duty to enhance.
And Consul General, I was there with you yesterday, listening intently on the importance of growing our economies between the United States and Canada. And as we make decisions here in New York State, as decisions are made down in Washington, it is extremely vital that we take into consideration the historic nature that the Canadian economy has played in our country and in our state and continue to deliver on that relationship.
So I am thrilled to have you here today. An early happy birthday to your great country. And I look forward to furthering and fostering our relationship well into the future.
Welcome.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Kennedy, thank you.
Senator Little.
SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.
It's an honor for me to join my colleagues in welcoming our wonderful friends from Canada, particularly from Quebec and Ontario. They are truly not only our partners, but they are our friends, and we work very closely together.
My district is -- some people ask me what does it involve and where is it. I tell them it's from Cambridge, New York, to Canada. Clinton and Franklin County have a border with Canada, as does St. Lawrence County.
And you would be surprised, I am sure, at the figure that in Clinton County, every morning 15 percent of the population gets up and goes to work at a Canadian company.
We have such a great partnership and such a great relationship that our economy depends upon Canada, and how well they do is how well my area does. Many of the products of Canadian companies that are made in my district, you use. Bombardier makes subway cars, Metro-North, all of that. Nova Bus providing buses to New York City. And down in the southern part of my district, I have Irving Tissue from New Brunswick, and they make all of the Wegmans paper towel products and many of our private-label products.
So you're an important partner. And we talk about buying, we want to buy North American, so that Canada is included in us when we talk about our economy, our manufacturing, and how important they are to us.
So thank you for being here, and thanks for being such great partners with us.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Little, thank you.
To the Canadian delegation, on behalf of the entire New York State Senate, we welcome you to our chamber.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes. Mr. President, Senator Ritchie would like to open the resolution for sponsorship. And if you do not want to sponsor, please go to the desk and let them know. And if you do want to sponsor, you will be already.
I have another quick announcement. Our most esteemed Senator in this chamber is going to be 88 years old on Saturday, and we want to wish him a happy birthday. Senator Larkin.
SENATOR LARKIN:Friday.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Friday, I'm sorry.
(Applause.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Senator Larkin has suits older than Senator Carlucci. Okay? Just so you know.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Speaking of Senator Carlucci, would you please call up Resolution Number 3576 and read it in its entirety, and then call on Senator Carlucci.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3576, by Senator Carlucci, mourning the death of Abigail Flanagan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community.
"WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Abigail Flanagan of Rockland County, New York, died on January 13, 2016, at the age of 45; and
"WHEREAS, Born and raised in Trinidad, Abigail Flanagan immigrated to the United States at the age of 18, during which time she settled in Brooklyn; for the past 15 years, she lived in the small hamlet of Sparkill, and it was there that she dedicated her life to helping others; and
"WHEREAS, Abigail Flanagan distinguished herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; and
"WHEREAS, In an effort to pursue her passion for serving the community, Abigail Flanagan earned her doctorate from Columbia University Medical Center, and later became an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; she served as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and helped patients diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C, and diabetes; she also aided in the treatment of opioid dependence; and
"WHEREAS, In addition, Abigail Flanagan served as a Registered Nurse and Quality Specialist at New York Presbyterian Hospital for six years; she also belonged to the Nurse Practitioner Association and the American Academy of Nursing Practice Degrees; and
"WHEREAS, Abigail Flanagan's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and
"WHEREAS, With a truly generous and giving spirit, Abigail Flanagan led a humanitarian mission to Honduras through the Global Brigades Foundation, where she and 25 other volunteers gave of their time and energies to help this poverty-stricken community fulfill their healthcare needs; and
"WHEREAS, Abigail Flanagan is survived by her husband, Dennis; two sons, Patrick and Kevin; her mother, Molly; and two brothers, David and Derrick; and
"WHEREAS, Abigail Flanagan's accomplishments were respected by all of those who knew her; her service to the community was greatly valued, and she touched countless lives with her kindness and service; and
"WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Abigail Flanagan leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Abigail Flanagan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Abigail Flanagan."
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Carlucci.
SENATOR RITCHIE:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to honor Abigail Flanagan, a nurse practitioner, a humanitarian from Rockland County. And as the Secretary had read, you heard about her contribution to our community and to our planet.
And unfortunately, on January 13th of this year, she was on a mission in Honduras serving with an organization called Global Brigades providing medical attention, dental care, and access to drinking water to people in Honduras, and unfortunately, on her way back to the airport, was involved in a tragic accident, a bus accident. Herself and two young college students were killed, Olivia Erhardt and Daniella Moffson.
She was in Honduras doing what she loved to do. Like many people that have a passion for service, a commitment to care for those in need, what do they do? Become a nurse. One of the most important fields in our healthcare system is our nurses. And Abigail loved her career so much -- it was a passion, it was her life -- she went back to school and became a nurse practitioner, and in that capacity served countless patients, those suffering from diabetes to HIV and countless other ailments and diseases. She comforted people in their darkest moments. She provided that light that they needed.
And in Honduras she was providing medical attention as well as setting up access to clean drinking waiter. Believe it or not, right now as we sit here in this chamber, the United Nations estimates that approximately 783 million people on this planet do not have access to clean drinking water. And in Honduras the problem is particularly of concern, where in the rural parts of Honduras, over 60 percent of the population don't have access to clean drinking water.
I mean, think about that for a moment. The next time we take a sip of water, cherish it and think about how fortunate we are that these necessities that we need, we often take for granted.
Well, this was the person that Abigail was. She wanted to serve the people that she could. She did it in our community in Rockland County, she served the people of New York City and people in places like Honduras.
We're fortunate today that we can share her memory. And I'm hopeful that as we heard the Secretary read about her life and her commitment to our community, that we can follow her example and learn from her life and make sure that we try to help people whenever we can.
Abigail is survived by her husband, Dennis; her two sons, Patrick and Kevin; her mother, Molly; and her two brothers, David and Derrick. Abigail's husband, Dennis, joins us here in the chamber today, and I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family and honor the memory of Abigail, her service to our community, to our state, our nation and our planet. And because of Abigail's service, our world is a better place.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Thank you, Senator Carlucci.
The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Senator Carlucci would like this opened up for cosponsorship, and all will be on as a cosponsor unless they indicate to the desk otherwise.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:So ordered.
Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Next, if we could take up Resolution 3623, by Senator Espaillat, and read it in its entirety, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3623, by Senator Espaillat, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 26, 2016, as the 203rd Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired autonomy and sovereignty on the 27th day of February 1844; and
"WHEREAS, The Island of Quisqueya, the indigenous name for what later became the island of Hispaniola, was the cradle of thinking and advancement in the Western Hemisphere, establishing the first university and cathedral of the New World; and
"WHEREAS, On the 26th day of January, 1813, Juan Pablo Duarte, the founding father of the Dominican Republic, was born; and
"WHEREAS, During the month of January 2016, Dominicans will celebrate the 203rd Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte's birth; and
"WHEREAS, Juan Pablo Duarte, along with Francisco del Rosario Sanchez and Ramon Matias Melia, formed La Trinitaria, a secret organization that initiated the movement for the independence of the Dominican Republic; and
"WHEREAS, During the month of February 2016, Dominican nationals and Dominican Americans from throughout the Dominican Republic and the United States will celebrate the independence of the Dominican Republic; and
"WHEREAS, Since the 27th day of February, 1966, the Instituto Duartiano, Inc., in New York City, has promoted the memory and accomplishments of Juan Pablo Duarte; and
"WHEREAS, The Instituto Duartiano is an organization that is dedicated to maintaining and keeping alive the life and history of Juan Pablo Duarte, the liberator and founder of the Dominican Republic; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 26, 2016, as Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the State of New York; in recognition of this auspicious occasion, the members of the Instituto Duartiano will visit Albany, New York, on Tuesday, February 2, 2016; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; the Honorable Eduardo Selman, Consul General of the Dominican Republic; the Honorable Cesar Romero, President of the Instituto Duartiano de los Estados Unidos; and Jose Tomas Perez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States."
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Espaillat.
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise in support of this resolution. Since February 24th of 1997, the Instituto Duartiano has been coming to the State Legislature to honor the birthday of Juan Pablo Duarte Díez, a founding father of the Dominican Republic, who was born on January 26, 1813.
But also this visit coincides with the month of February, which is Dominican Heritage Month. And as was stipulated in this resolution, the Dominican Heritage Month celebrates the independence of the Dominican Republic, which was acquired on February 27, 1844, by Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Matías Ramón Melia.
So we're here to celebrate the institute's accomplishments, their commitment to keeping the name of Juan Pablo Duarte alive, to move all across the state and the country to show children the legacy and the contributions of Juan Pablo Duarte.
We have a great group here today, headed by Cesar Romero, who's the president of the Instituto Duartiano. We have also Bienvenido Lara Flores, who's the president elect, Teresa Silva, who's the secretary general. And we have Juan Silva -- also in the gallery we have Juan Silva, Hipolito Nunez, Josefina Diaz, Jesse Carrillo, Felix Grant, Aurea Rosario, Rafaela Martino, Edith Torres, Concepcion Veras, Ricardo Garcia, Rafael Pallano, Rafael Pena, and Erami Cruz.
This is a healthy delegation of the Instituto Duartiano that comes every year to visit us and to celebrate this auspicious day here in the Senate chamber. So I would ask for you, Mr. President, to extend them the courtesies. And we're happy to have them here celebrating Juan Pablo Duarte's birthday {in Spanish}.
Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Thank you, Senator Espaillat.
Senator Díaz.
SENATOR DÍAZ: Thank you, Mr. President.
Today I was already on my way home when this great Dominican, this great man, this great Senator, called me, told me, "Senator Díaz, I have the Duartianos here today." So I turned around and came back here because this great Senator, this great Dominican, has been an inspiration, an inspiration to many of us.
See, some of us, we get places and, ladies and gentlemen, we forget sometimes where we have come from. We get to places and we forget who we were. But this great Dominican, this great man has taught us -- not only since he became a Senator, Mr. President, when he was there in the other chamber in the Assembly many years, he always, always, this great Dominican always remembered who he were, his roots, and where he came from. Always since he was an Assemblymember, he used to recognize the birth of Juan Pablo Duarte, year after year after year.
Then he became a Senator. And here in this chamber he always brings a delegation of distinguished Dominicans that also, that also has kept alive, for years and years and years, the root and the name of Juan Pablo Duarte.
Cesar Romero, Cesar Romero is a Dominican, he's a great Dominican, a person that has kept the Juan Pablo Duarte organization, the Juan Pablo Duarte experience alive. So Cesar Romero, thank you, Cesar, because you are a great Dominican. Thank you for keeping alive the flame.
But there's many great Dominicans. They travel, they travel three, four, five hours every year, because this great Dominican invites them to come here. It doesn't matter how the weather, it doesn't matter the money that they spend in transportation, it doesn't matter the money that they spend in hotels, they come from the City of New York every year to honor the life of Juan Pablo Duarte.
And you, my great friend, my good friend, my great Dominican friend, I congratulate you, I admire you, and I thank you for keeping alive Juan Pablo Duarte.
And to those other great Dominicans, Teresa Silva -- Teresa, thank you for fighting the good fight. Juan Silva, Juan Silva, Hipolito Nunez, Josefina Diaz, Bienvenido Lara Flores, Jesse Carrillo, Felix Grant, Aurea Rosario, Rafaela Martino, Edith Torres, Concepcion Veras, Ricardo Garcia, Rafael Pallano, Rafael Pena, and Erami Cruz, good Dominicans. Giving an example, being an example to the whole Dominican community and to all of us.
Congratulations. Congratulations for being here.
(Applause from gallery.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: I congratulate you, congratulate you. Dominicanos {in Spanish}, Dominicanos, I am a Puerto Rican. I am a Puerto Rican. But I could tell you that the Dominican community has been so good, so great, so supportive of myself, so tolerant of me. More than some of you.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: They are here today. And I could tell you that when I'm in the district office, the Dominican community, the taxi members, all of them, they treat me nice.
I'm a Puerto Rican, but I am a Dominican too. I am -- I am -- I am the third Dominican Senator. Only two, Jose Peralta, and this great Dominican. I am the third Dominican here, with honor. Dominicanos {in Spanish}.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Diaz, thank you for turning around and giving us such inspirational words.
Senator Dilan.
SENATOR DILAN:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to join my colleague Senator Espaillat in honoring the memory of Juan Pablo Duarte and to welcome the Dominican Republic's delegation here to the Senate chambers, and also to thank them for the hospitality that we receive when we visit the Dominican Republic.
And I hope that you enjoy your stay here in the New York State Capitol and in New York. Thank you. {In Spanish.} Gracias.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Dilan, thank you.
The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, the sponsor would be opening this resolution for all for cosponsorship. If you do not want to be a cosponsor, you must notify the desk.
The next resolution is Resolution Number 3631, by Senator Comrie. Could you please read the title only and recognize the Senator.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3631, by Senator Comrie, honoring LaRay Brown upon the occasion of her retirement after 29 years of distinguished service to New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Comrie.
SENATOR COMRIE:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise today to speak on Resolution 3631, honoring LaRay Brown on the occasion of her retirement. It is even more fitting that I'm able to pay tribute to LaRay, being that this is the second day of Black History Month, because she has truly been a trailblazer in the healthcare field.
After 30 years in the public sector in various capacities in the Health & Hospitals Corporation for New York City, LaRay Brown, an exceptionally well-respected hospital executive with strong ties to city and state government, has become the first African-American female president and chief executive of a major private hospital, which is Interfaith Medical Center. Her political savvy and background in serving the city's diverse population made her a strong candidate to lead Interfaith, a Bedford-Stuyvesant facility.
LaRay spent many years in the healthcare system and then eventually became the liaison to elected officials, including myself when I was a former City Councilmember, overseeing policies, programs and initiatives that provided access to healthcare to over 1.4 million New Yorkers every year.
During her tenure at HHC, Ms. Brown initiated the enterprise-wise implementation of Lean, an improvement system that engaged staff to develop strategies to streamline operations while eliminating waste in every part of the organization.
Early in her career she strengthened the development of behavioral health programs, something that's dear to her heart, which is now being considered best practice models used in hospitals all over this country.
She has worked with diverse stakeholders to develop a community-governed Federally Qualified Health Center in Staten Island, obtained FQHC designation for all six of HHC's diagnostic and treatment centers for the mentally ill, and has led to the restructuring and rebuilding of two long-term-care facilities. LaRay has also served as a member of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo's Healthcare Transition Team and Medicaid Redesign Work Groups. She currently serves on the board of the New York State Health Foundation and has served as the chair of the board for America's Essential Hospitals.
Prior to that, she held various leadership positions in New Jersey in the Department of Human Services before she came to New York.
Ms. Brown graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received her graduate training at the University of Pennsylvania Fels Center for Government Policy. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Commission on Public Health Systems' Marshall C. England Memorial Public Health Award. She has received awards from almost every healthcare advocacy and healthcare agency, including CHCANYS, and has been named as one of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Women in Healthcare.
For these reasons and so many more, I stand and present this resolution to LaRay Brown, and I wish her good luck in her future endeavors, knowing full well that while she may be retiring from HHC, she will never stop working towards the care and well-being of the residents of the City of New York.
This evening there will be an opportunity to celebrate Ms. Brown at her retirement event that is going to be held in New York City, so she could not be here with us today. But I just want to say on a personal note that LaRay Brown is a wealth of information, a wealth of knowledge, a person that has truly cared about healthcare in the city, that created an opportunity to make HHC a better representative agency where they became award-winning in their presentation and their ability to deliver services, created opportunities to inform elected officials in a positive way of things that needed to be done.
So I'm proud to present this resolution today, and thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Comrie, thank you.
The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR GRIFFO:Mr. President, that resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should someone not choose to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:So ordered.
SENATOR GRIFFO:May we now return back to a previously adopted resolution, Number 3167, by Senator Squadron and have the title read only, and then call upon Senator Squadron.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution 3167, by Senator Squadron, commemorating the Asian-American community's celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Monkey, on February 8, 2016.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Senator Squadron.
SENATOR SQUADRON:Thank you, Mr. President.
Coming up on this February 8th, this Monday, is the Lunar New Year celebration to usher in the Year of the Monkey. As people in this chamber know, the Lunar New Year is the most important cultural celebration of the year for millions of New Yorkers, the most important date on the traditional Asian calendar.
For those who are wondering, people born in the Year of the Monkey are said to possess intellect, wisdom and confidence, said to be in high spirits even at the most challenging times, and to show perseverance, something I hope will carry us through this next season. What that all 63 of us were monkeys.
The Lunar New Year is particularly exciting this year in New York City, where I've long pushed, along with Senator Stavisky and Senator Golden in this house, Assemblymember Kim, Congressmember Meng, and City Councilmember Chin, to make Lunar New Year a school holiday.
This year, for the first time in the history of the City of New York, Lunar New Year is a school holiday on the school calendar, and we're really proud and excited about that. This follows a bill that I sponsored from the beginning of my time here, it follows a truly bipartisan, bicameral, tri-borough effort, and to our great appreciation was a decision made by Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Farina last year in time for this year's holiday.
Lunar New Year's being a school holiday in New York City public schools means that up to 15 percent of kids in the school system will no longer have to choose between their most important cultural holiday and missing a day of school.
It's also a sign that as our city evolves, as our state evolves, our school calendar, our traditions will evolve with it, and a sign of the importance of this holiday and this community across the city and the importance that all of us pause for a moment to recognize it.
So if you don't have plans Monday morning before coming up for session, I hope you'll join me in Chinatown for the first Lunar New Year celebration. If you're looking for another one, I have -- and I'm sure Senator Stavisky does too -- two to three dozen banquets to make you aware of that will be a great celebration with the community and different community groups across the City of New York.
And whether you're able to join us then at the parade or at one of the banquets, I do appreciate the opportunity to acknowledge the Year of the Monkey and the Lunar New Year and this great watershed moment for the City of New York and its school system here.
And for any Monkeys in the house, I particularly look forward to working with you, because these attributes are exactly the type that we love to see in the Legislature.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Thank you, Senator Squadron.
Senator Stavisky.
SENATOR STAVISKY:Thank you.
And thank you, Senator Squadron, for the description of the characteristics of the Year of the Monkey.
In the past, families have had to choose between sending their child to school and celebrating their rich cultural heritage. And fortunately, for the first time next Monday they don't have to make that decision, because the schools will be closed and families can celebrate this most important holiday in the Asian-American community.
In fact, for the Lunar New Year parade in Queens, the MTA has cooperated and suspended construction on the weekends. And the city has recognized the Lunar New Year, and I think it's a sign of respect and a sign of the growing influence of the Asian-American community.
And you just have to come to Flushing and you see the construction that's going on, you see the vitality that exists. You walk down the street, you can't -- people ask me what's the best Chinese restaurant in Flushing, and my answer is always the same: You can't get a bad Chinese or Korean or Vietnamese -- whatever you like. Flushing is considered the crossroads of the city. Come to Queens and celebrate everybody's cultural heritage.
So I thank you. And I hope that this will be opened for sponsorship to everybody.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Thank you.
Senator Montgomery.
SENATOR MONTGOMERY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to associate myself with and thank Senator Squadron for introducing this resolution. And certainly I would like to join him in cosponsoring it. And I take this opportunity with great pleasure to wish a very special Happy New Year to my chief of staff in the Borough of Brooklyn, Susan Leung, and her family. She is Chinese-American.
And for all of the Asian-Americans and Asians who live in certainly the 25th District and throughout this city, I want to say Happy New Year. And it is really pleasant to be in the Year of the Monkey, because as we know, the monkey has very wide and varied places where they can get to land, and hopefully at the top of the mountain and the trees.
So Happy New Year to the Asian citizens in our city and in our state, and a special Happy New Year, again, to Susan Leung. And hopefully she is listening, she and her husband and her family. And I've learned so much from them. And she is so important to our community and our staff because she makes sure that my office works for all of the people that I represent.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Thank you, Senator Montgomery.
The resolution was previously adopted.
Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, it's already been adopted, and I just want to indicate that it's open for cosponsorship. Anyone who does not want to be a cosponsor should notify the desk.
Next, if we could do Resolution Number 3637, by Senator Murphy, and read the title only.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3637, by Senator Murphy, commending the Burn Center at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, upon the occasion of observing February 1-7, 2016, as National Burn Awareness Week.
SENATOR MURPHY:Thank you, Mr. President.
We present this New York State resolution in recognition of the skilled treatment provided by the Burn Center at Westchester Medical Center.
This resolution is also given in honor of the 30th anniversary of the National Burn Awareness Week.
This is the only burn center between New York City and north to the Canadian border. As the Hudson Valley's only Level 1 trauma center, it treats both adults and children in trauma and burn cases. Their burn center treats hundreds of severe burn cases each and every year. Dr. Turkowski and his critical care team fight a daily life-and-death struggle against infection, pain, deformity and disfigurement, and often -- very often -- win this battle. It is because of their expert team of doctors and staff that patients from all over the country choose to come and receive treatment there.
It is also worth noting that the chronic wound program and the Hyperbaric Center also be recognized.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, I now move to adopt the rest of the Resolution Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:No, there is not.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: There being none, I move to adjourn until Monday, February 8th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT AKSHAR:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, February 8th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
(Whereupon, at 12:23 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
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