Gaveled in 3:29 PM · Albany, New York · 2015–16 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
March 15, 2016
3:29 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR THOMAS D. CROCI, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: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 CROCI:Today we have Reverend Andrew Nuñez, senior pastor, Believer's Mennonite Garifuna Ministries, from the Bronx, to deliver the invocation.
Reverend.
REVEREND NUÑEZ: Let us pray.
Great God, our Creator of heaven and earth, the creator of this universe, we give our thanks for all of us to come here once again to give You honor and glory.
We thank you, O God, for the holy spirit that is in this place. We thank You for Your presence. We thank You, O God, for Your servants who are here to do Your will for their community. And, Lord, we want to thank You that You will continue to use them.
We thank You, O God, for Reverend Díaz to allow us to come to acknowledge Garifuna Heritage Month. We thank You for the Garifuna contribution and the blessings that have poured forth in this country. {In Garifuna.}
In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, God's people say amen.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Thank you, Pastor.
The reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, March 14th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, March 13th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:On page 5, Senator Marcellino moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 9193 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 6391A, Third Reading Calendar 22.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Substitution ordered.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes. Mr. President, I wish to call up Senator Hannon's bill, Print Number 6779, recalled from the Assembly, which is now at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read the title of the bill.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 286, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 6779, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now move to reconsider the vote by which this bill was passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 50.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is restored to its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The amendments are received, and the bill retains its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: May we now adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 4129, 4190, 4306, 4325, 4312, and 4305.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:All in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 4129, 4190, 4306, 4325, 4312 and 4305, please signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Opposed?
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you please take up the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 22, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Ra, Assembly Print 9193, an act to amend Chapter 672 of the Laws of 1993.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2015.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 130, by Senator Funke, Senate Print 6370B, an act to amend the Highway Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Funke to explain his vote.
SENATOR FUNKE:Thank you, Mr. President.
New York's craft beverage industry continues to grow, create jobs and bolster our local economies in every corner of New York State, thankfully. And over the past few years the Legislature has cut red tape and eased regulations to help brewers and farm breweries expand while strengthening the state's agriculture and tourism industries.
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everybody, because from creating a new license for craft brewers that use New York-grown ingredients, including an exemption on brand-label registration fees for small brewers and expanding tax exemptions for tastings conducted by New York breweries, New York State has truly been working hard to assist the growth in this industry.
My district happens to be filled with craft breweries. Currently the craft beverage industry in the Finger Lakes has had success in promoting their products on an informal basis. This has allowed local craft beverage businesses to pool their marketing efforts through cross-promotion. So now the official designation of the Rochester Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail, under the State Highway Law, is an important next step in fostering our local craft beverage industry.
This proposal is going to create greater awareness and enhance the promotion of the local craft beverage industry and stimulate economic growth.
I encourage all of my colleagues to visit us up in Rochester and take advantage of all the great craft beverages and all the great things we have to do in our community.
I vote aye, and I thank my colleagues for doing the same.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Senator will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 185, by Senator Perkins, Senate Print 2418, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 186, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 6679, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 2. Senators Montgomery and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 187, by Senator Nozzolio, Senate Print 6680, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Nozzolio.
SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Mr. President, I rise to ask permission to explain my vote.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Nozzolio to explain his vote.
May we have some order in the house, please. Thank you.
Senator Nozzolio.
SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Thank you, Mr. President and my colleagues.
This measure and the measure that we just enacted are measures to protect the innocent, to protect those who are in the position of having someone care for them in a trust capacity. By raising penalties, by ensuring that we have additional, stronger laws to protect the innocent, is what these measures are all about.
That's why I rise in support of them. I'm proud to have authored them. We want to see them become law, because no one should have to be subjected to this type of activity.
Our laws, by strengthening them, this body moves a long way to preventing those crimes.
Thank you, Mr. President. I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Nozzolio to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 187, those recorded in the negative are Senators Montgomery, Parker and Perkins.
Ayes, 55. Nays, 3.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 192, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 4368, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 192, those recorded in the negative are Senators Comrie, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Krueger, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Serrano and Squadron.
Ayes, 48. Nays, 10.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 193, by Senator Little, Senate Print 4563, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 204, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 1522, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 229, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 5153, an act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 294, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 1597, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 314, by Senator Savino, Senate Print 5296, an act to amend the Banking Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 315, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 6747A, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 315, those recorded in the negative are Senators DeFrancisco, Dilan, Hassell-Thompson, Krueger, O'Mara, Perkins, Persaud and Rivera.
Ayes, 51. Nays, 8.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 329, by Senator Boyle, Senate Print 6447, an act authorizing.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 2. Senators Bonacic and O'Mara recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 336, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 1472A, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 336, those recorded in the negative are Senators Montgomery, Parker, Perkins and Persaud. Also Senator Comrie.
Ayes, 54. Nays, 5.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 348, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 1467, an act to amend the Civil Rights Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect on the 30th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 348: Ayes, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 353, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 3362A, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 7. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays, 2. Senators Montgomery and Parker recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
Senator DeFrancisco, that completes the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
If we could now go to motions and resolutions again, and please take up the previously adopted Resolution Number 3936, by Senator Golden, read the title only, and please recognize Senator Golden.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution 3936, by Senator Golden, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 15, 2016, as Dyslexia Awareness Day in the State of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Golden.
SENATOR GOLDEN:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise today to speak on this legislative resolution that many of the people up here in the audience are up here today trying to bring awareness to dyslexia. One in five people have dyslexia. That is 20 percent of our population. Dyslexia does not discriminate. Dyslexia affects every segment of the population -- rich and poor and every ethnicity.
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects the ability to decode and to process words. It can affect the ability to read, spell, and in some instances to properly speak.
Don't get me wrong, many of these kids fight through school and go on to become lawyers and doctors and scientists. But it's a fight for them. And we need to fight for these children today to make their lives easier.
As you can imagine, a person with dyslexia can have a difficult time learning, which can lead to fewer career options. However, people with dyslexia are not doomed to failure. With help, people with dyslexia can learn how to read, to spell, to speak, despite this disability. They can and do triumph over their disability.
To triumph, our citizens with dyslexia, educators and schools need our help and support. We need to start helping our children with dyslexia at an early age so that they will be able to read and to comprehend the learning materials discussed in their classes.
I'm calling on every person out there to recognize that dyslexia is a disability and to understand that those with dyslexia are trying their best to overcome their disability and to be a productive member of society.
Let's help those with dyslexia overcome those barriers created by this disability. Let's bring about the awareness so that we can conquer it. When we do that, we will see amazing, amazing results.
I thank you. God bless you all. And let's do the right thing for these children.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(Extended applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Senator Golden would like to open it up for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If there is anyone who does not want to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could you next take up Resolution 4129, by Senator Díaz, and read it in its entirety.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4129, by Senator Díaz, memorializing governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2016, to April 12, 2016, as Garifuna- American Heritage Month in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the people and the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2016, to April 12, 2016, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York City, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that united the United States and the Garifuna countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and
"WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illuminates Garifuna history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and
"WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of St. Vincent; and
"WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island eventually intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks indigenous native people; and
"WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong and prosperous on the island; and
"WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against the British; battles raged throughout St. Vincent over the next year, with both sides enduring heavy losses; and
"WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the Garifuna and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and
"WHEREAS, The surviving Black Caribs were forcibly transferred to the neighboring island of Balliceaux; and
"WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, which arrived on April 12th of that year; and
"WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during the 1930s; today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America; and
"WHEREAS, In 1823, William Henry Brown, the first American playwright of African descent, wrote 'The Drama of King Shotaway,' recognized as the first black drama of the American theater, and has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent against colonization by the British; and
"WHEREAS, On May 18, 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the Garifuna language, dance and music as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'; in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the proclamation, we will celebrate the Garifuna Music Awards, as well as the 6th Annual Abrazo Garifuna in New York; and
"WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through many events and activities throughout the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played and will continue to play in our society; and
"WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as Sara Logan, Rosemary Ordonez Jenkins, Sulma Arzu-Brown, Aquina Valentin, Mirtha Colon, Eleanor Cecelia Castillo-Bullock, Mariano Martinez, James Lovell, Rosita Alvarez, Paula Castillo, Esly Guity, Martin Bermudez, Edson Arzu and Jose Francisco Avila, continue to recognize and honor the cultural practices of their ancestors; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2016, to April 12, 2016, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month 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 CROCI:Senator Díaz.
SENATOR DÍAZ: Thank you, Mr. President.
Ladies and gentlemen, members of this distinguished body, today is a very, very special day. Today I'm honored to be the sponsor of this great resolution and of the sixth annual celebration of Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the New York State Senate.
Today I'm honored also to have the opportunity and privilege granted to me by the distinguished leaders of the Senate, the Honorable Senator John Flanagan, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and the Secretary of the Senate, Mr. Frank Patience, and all the members of this chamber, because they have allowed me to introduce this resolution.
Mr. President and members of the Senate, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome the delegation from the Garifuna community who are sitting up there in the gallery. All those Garifuna are there.
(Applause.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: This delegation is presided by Mr. Jose Francisco Avila, president of the Garifuna Coalition, USA, who has joined us in the Senate chamber today --
(Applause.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: -- along with Sara Logan, Barbara Lopez, Thurito Martinez, who is my adopted son --
(Laughter; applause.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: -- Felix Gamboa, the Reverend Andrew Nuñez, senior pastor of the Believer's Mennonite Garifuna Ministry.
(Applause.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: And, Mr. President, they also are joined by Mr. Candido Nuñez.
(Applause.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: Mr. President and ladies and gentlemen, as you know, I'm not only a Senator, I'm also a pastor and minister in Bronx, New York. Mr. Candido Nuñez happened to come to my church so many years ago when he was young. Now he's a businessman and he's a New York City fireman. And he's a member of the Garifuna community.
And today, as a pastor and as a Senator, I also welcome him to this chamber. Let's give a hand to Candido Nuñez.
(Applause.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, you should also know that this past Friday, March 11th, at the Maestro's Caterers Restaurant in the Bronx, the Garifuna community was honored in a banquet coordinated by Assemblymembers Luis Sepulveda, Marcos Crespo, Michael Blake, New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, and myself.
That banquet, called Abrazo Garifuna, was attended by more than 600 members of the Garifuna community.
(Applause from gallery.)
SENATOR DÍAZ: And it is important, ladies and gentlemen, for you to know that the Garifuna community has been an integral part of New York City and especially of Bronx County for more than 80 years. It is also important to know that the Garifuna has been coming to the United States of America in search of a better life since 1930. Their vitality, their talent, and their commitment constitute tremendous resources for our state and our city.
But, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President and my fellow Senators, you should know that it took a tragic event, a fire that took the lives of 87 people -- a fire that took the lives of 87 people -- for the government institutions to start paying attention to this community. This year we commemorate the 26th anniversary of that tragic fire.
On March 25, 1990, a social club known as the Happy Land was set on fire, causing the death of many people and inflicting tremendous pain and suffering to the rest of the Garifuna community throughout the State of New York and throughout the world.
Today, as the State Senator representing the 32nd Senatorial District, the best senatorial district in the whole state of New York -- and I represent that district -- it's an honor and a privilege for me to have this huge delegation of Garifuna joining us in the Senate gallery.
To you, my colleagues, members of the Senate, and all staff, I would like to let you know that Assemblymember Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake and myself would like to invite you today after session to the Albany Room for a celebration in honor of the Garifuna community. And you will have -- you will come and you will see the culture of the Garifuna community, the way they dance, the way they play congas and drums. Today you are invited to come and see and watch.
In closing, I want to say to the Garifuna delegation, thank you for accepting my invitation. "Buiti achúlurini. Seremein bini-noun búnguio."
(Applause, cheers from gallery.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Serrano.
SENATOR DÍAZ: This is Senator Díaz, and this is what you should know.
(Laughter; applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Senator Díaz, when you bring the Garifuna community here to Albany, you bring sunshine to this chamber. And I want to thank you for once again making this celebration -- and honoring this wonderful community -- a reality for all of us to enjoy.
You know, one of the amazing things about living in a place like New York City, or indeed anywhere in the State of New York, is that you have the opportunity to live in a diverse community unlike no other in the world. People come from all over the world to live in New York City, to live in the Bronx, because they know that our diversity brings together a wealth of talent, a wealth of opportunity, and a belief in the cultural fabric and heritage that is unique to our community, to these areas.
So when Senator Díaz honors the Garifuna community, we get an opportunity to learn about Latin America, how many of us who are from Latin America came to be, how the different cultures from Africa, from Europe, from Central America, from the islands of the Caribbean, came together to form its own unique, its own beautiful and wonderful culture.
So I think it's so important that we pause to honor that. Oftentimes we get caught up in the work that we do -- especially around this time, we're focusing so much on the budget, and that's important. But it's also important to not lose sight of the fact that we live in one of the most culturally diverse places anywhere the world, and our nation is stronger because of it.
Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Rivera.
SENATOR RIVERA:Thank you, Mr. President.
Welcome. I unfortunately do not have a Garifuna phrase for you. (In Spanish.) At least I can say that.
(Applause.)
SENATOR RIVERA:The point that Senator Serrano made is very important, and I think it needs to be reiterated. One of the great things about living in the City of New York and certainly in the Bronx is the diverse population. All these different folks that we meet from all around the world.
In the case of the Garifuna community, I have the great pleasure and privilege of representing many of them in my district. Many of the locations that actually were mentioned in Senator Díaz's speech, including where Happy Land used to be, are in my district. And a lot of these folks live in my district and have proven to be great friends of mine.
And I only learned of the Garifuna people after I became a Senator and I started to look at all the diversity in my district and learning about who they are, how proud they are of their heritage, how active, what a civically minded folk that they are.
So I'm incredibly privileged to have them as residents. I'm incredibly proud to call many of them my friends. And I will only point out that that gentleman in the corner there, we have a -- there's a parade that happens in the Bronx every year, a Central American parade, and many of us are marching in the front. And this gentleman is the one that's responsible for making sure that we are in a line and very organized. And I will be happy to report to him that I just try never to do that, try to be in a line a little bit in the front and a little bit in the back, and it drives him a little bit crazy. But it's just one of the things that we do with our friends.
So I'm very happy to welcome you here to Albany. May you be here -- I hope that you come back many times. And I'm looking forward to not only that parade but certainly working with the rest of you to continue to make the Bronx a little bit better every single day.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hamilton.
SENATOR HAMILTON:Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
I just want to thank Senator Díaz for having this resolution for the Garifuna people. The Garifuna people -- thank you, Senator Díaz for having them here today.
I just want to say a dear friend of mine who is Garifuna is Vilma Zuniga. I'm not sure if you know her. Vilma's very active in the Garifuna community, and she exposed me to the cultural aspects for the Garifuna community, for their food, their music, and the language.
And the Garifuna people are proud people, they're hardworking people, and they are part of the American fabric.
I want to thank Pastor Nuñez for giving the invocation this afternoon and also acknowledge Graciela Pitillo, the secretary for the Garifuna Guatemalan women's organization and say thank you all to the Garifuna women.
(Applause.)
SENATOR HAMILTON:And thank you for coming here today. I look forward to having some good food, music and dance later on. And I say thank you. "Seremein. Seremein."
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is adopted.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Senator Díaz would like to open this up for cosponsorship as well.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: If we can now take up Resolution 3529, by Senator Klein. Read the title only.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read the title only.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3529, by Senator Klein, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 24, 2016, as Irish Republic Day in the State of New York, in remembrance of the 1916 Easter Rising, and commemorating its 100th anniversary.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could you please open that up for cosponsorship as well.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is also open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could we now take up Resolution 4190, by Senator Hannon, and read the title only.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4190, by Senator Hannon, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 8-14, 2016, as Women's Health Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Women's Health Week.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could you please open that up for cosponsorship as well.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution will be open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: And I think we have to vote on that.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is adopted.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Next can you please take up Resolution Number 4325, by Senator Comrie, read it in its entirety, and call on Senator Comrie.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4325, by Senator Comrie, mourning the death of the Honorable Barbara M. Clark, the New York State Assemblywoman of the 33rd Assembly District, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community.
"WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to their community, their profession, served to enhance the quality of life in the State of New York; and
"WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body must record the passing of one of New York State's most distinguished citizens, the Honorable Barbara Marlene Clark, who died on Monday, February 22, 2016, at the age of 76; and
"WHEREAS, Barbara M. Clark was born on June 12, 1939, in Beckley, West Virginia; she was first elected to the New York State Assembly in November of 1986, representing the constituents of the 33rd Assembly District in Queens, New York; and
"WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark served as a tireless advocate for the needs of children, families and the elderly; her warm spirit and her firm belief that we all have a responsibility to defend the well-being of our fellow citizens will be remembered by many; and
"WHEREAS, An effective leader in education reform, daycare and community development, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark devoted much of her time to creating institutions, policies, and programs, all designed to foster stability and growth within the 33rd Assembly District; and
"WHEREAS, As a leading advocate for parents having a statutory role in education policy making, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark was a primary sponsor of the 1996 New York City School Governance Law, which mandates parental involvement in decision making; and
"WHEREAS, She has been unrelenting in her battle to change New York State's inadequate and inequitable school finance system and was an early supporter of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) v. State of New York lawsuit which helped bring such inequities to the forefront; and
"WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark continuously advocated for a better quality of life for senior citizens in the State of New York; she promoted legislation to safeguard seniors from financial exploitation, telemarketing fraud and predatory lending; she also focused on safety, environmental, transportation and land zoning issues; and
"WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark, throughout her legislative career, held a variety of important positions, including assistant majority whip, a member of the Majority Steering Committee, served on the Health Budget Conference Committee, and chair of the Education Committee of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus; furthermore, she chaired the Assembly Standing Committees on Aging, State and Federal Relations and the New York State Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan organization of women legislators from both the Senate and the Assembly; and
"WHEREAS, On the national level, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark served as vice chair of the National Conference of State Legislators' (NCSL) Education, Labor and Job Training Committee, and member of both the Human Services Committee and the Education Partners; and
"WHEREAS, Predeceased by her daughter, Jan, the Honorable Barbara M. Clark is survived by her husband, Thomas Clark, Jr.; three children, Crystal, Thomas III, and Brian; and two granddaughters, Taylor and Lauren; and
"WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion and sensitivity, Assemblywoman Barbara M. Clark's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a successful public servant; her sincere concern for others, her integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of herself will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of the Honorable Barbara M. Clark, New York State Assemblywoman of the 33rd Assembly District, recognizing the significance of her exemplary record of public service; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of the Honorable Barbara M. Clark."
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Comrie.
SENATOR COMRIE:Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to thank all of the legislators and staff and all of the people that have reached out to myself and to the Clark family. Barbara Clark left us too soon on February 22nd of this year.
You've heard the extensive obituary that was read of her. I just want to bring up one correction {referring to an earlier version of the resolution read by the Secretary}. She's only survived by three children. Her daughter Jan, her first child, unfortunately passed away about a year ago. And I think most of us feel that the loss of her daughter to cancer, as well as Barbara to cancer, tilted her over to the fact that she didn't want to fight anymore.
But Barbara Clark was a natural-born fighter. Coming out of coal country in Beckley, West Virginia, she was able to bring herself and her fiance, her childhood sweetheart, Thomas Clark -- the Clark and the Debarry families moved to New York together in 1961 and to Cambria Heights in 1969.
Barbara was elected to the Assembly after working as a student advocate, a child advocate, working as a security guard, a school safety supervisor and a youth coordinator for the New York City Division of Youth Services. She ran as an insurgent. She beat the county candidate. By working and by having a reputation in the community for working with parents and working with students, she was able to run as an insurgent, start her own club, develop her own base, and become a New York State Assemblymember.
She came here as an advocate for children and families. She came here as an advocate to try to change education. Her children went all through public education, through public schools, and she was determined to make sure that the schools in her community would be the best that they could be.
Barbara was tireless in her attitude and focus. There was never a meeting that you could go to and you would not see Barbara be the last person to leave the room, the last person to argue with whoever was there on points and issues and policy, determined to make sure that everybody understood her feelings, her concerns and her issues.
Barbara stood in the Assembly and was one of the few people to try to challenge leadership when she first got to the Assembly, and paid a heavy price for her leadership to stand fast. Even when the ship had sailed and the opportunity to change leadership had diminished, she wanted to make her own individual point that she was not happy about what was going on and how people were being treated. She paid a heavy price for that, but she was determined to make sure that her voice was heard.
She took that opportunity also to make sure that in education reform she was part of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, a 13-year fight that is still going on, trying to make sure that school funding is fair for schools.
Barbara did not hesitate to go deep and go long on issues that she was concerned about. She would not hesitate to go into details and find out all of the nuances about any issue that she cared about. Be it a local problem, be it a zoning issue, be it any issue that she thought needed to be delved into, Barbara and her office would be the first to get the details, first to get all of the facts, and the first to make sure that she knew and that everybody around her knew exactly what was her concern, how she would fight it, and how she would defend the community.
Oftentimes it was Barbara herself going to knock on a constituent's door when they had a problem. Oftentimes it was Barbara herself that would write the letters or make the opportunities to ensure that people directly knew how she felt about a constituent issue or how she felt about policy.
Barbara was a person that I was happy to have been tutored by and mentored by. Even though I didn't support her originally when she ran, she eventually forgave me, and by the time I ran for office was one of the first to support me in my run for City Council. And when I told her I was running for State Senator, she was the first elected official to tell me that she would endorse my campaign.
You could depend on talking to Barbara for days and days on an issue. If you tried to get out of the room, she would block the door, oftentimes, if she didn't get all of her points across.
She was truly a leader in our community, she was truly understanding all of the nuances of leadership and humility because she never failed to do everything possible to show people that she was willing to make sure that if there was an issue to be done, she would do it from A to B.
She will be missed in our community. We are looking hard to try to figure out how to find someone that can be a Barbara Clark that can understand that you have to be humble as a legislator, that you have to have a purpose, that you have to be unrelenting in your focus, and that you have to understand that in order to get what you want, you have to have the preparation, you have to take the time, you have to do the research, and you have to be willing to push uphill for many years before you can have success, sometimes -- but to always do it with style, with panache, and with tenacity.
I want to thank you, Mr. President, and thank all of the members also. There are over 40 members that have already agreed to sign onto this resolution that have personally expressed their concerns.
And to the family, as I said, there was one mistake in the record. She lost Jan, her first daughter. And her mother, Ada Debarry, who is an original fighter, is still alive and is still with us. And I want to just also express my condolences to a strong family and congratulate them for their strength and dignity during this time.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hassell-Thompson.
SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to thank Senator Comrie for not only this resolution but the words about a woman that I came to know and to like, but more importantly to respect tremendously for her work here in the State Legislature.
Most of the points that I wanted to cover have been covered. So I will just say to you, Leroy, that I'm very grateful for your knowledge of her and your opportunity for others to hear what a good legislator really ought to be about, and that's who Barbara Clark was.
I remember coming to the State Senate 17 years ago, and she was still very vibrant and very excited about being in government. And sometimes I look at some of my colleagues, and they haven't been here nearly as long and somehow they've lost the same verve. But she never lost that. Even up until the last days that she served, she continued to have a tenacity that is to be compared to none.
But more than that, she stood her ground. If she committed to something, you knew she was totally committed. As Senator Comrie said, she took a hard beating because she stood up for what she thought was right. And she thought that the leadership in the Assembly was wrong, and she did not back down. There were a lot of people that I know that had committed and at the last minute they got back to safety. She didn't run to safety. She took her punishment, she accepted what came for the stance that she took.
But as things were proven, she was right. She was right. And she stood for what was right. And I respected her so tremendously. Even as I watched her be stripped of her committees and whatever, it did not stop her from fighting for the people that she was elected to serve. And she did it with such a dignity that she was a role model for anyone who chose to pay attention.
I was saddened when some of the young women who have just come into the Assembly said to me "We are losing all of our role models." And I was deeply concerned when I learned how ill she was and that she would not be returning.
But I thank those of you who thought it not robbery to stay and to listen to this tribute to Barbara Clark. And I want to -- I'm saddened by her loss, because the whole state has lost a champion. The whole state has lost someone who just believed that every child had a right to be educated, who really fought very, very hard to make sure that every school in every district had the educational equipment, tools that every child needed to succeed in this society. And it did not matter to her what district you came from, she believed that every child in every district ought to be educated to the fullest of their capacity.
And so she will be greatly missed, certainly by me. And those of good conscience will miss the role modeling as well as the kind of legislation that she pursued in the State Legislature.
Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to add my tribute to a woman of distinction.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Little.
SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.
I'd also like to thank Senator Comrie for bringing this resolution honoring Assemblywoman Barbara Clark to our chamber.
I first met Barbara when I entered the Assembly in 1995. And I must say that she was one of the friendliest and best legislators that I encountered while I was in the Assembly. She was so well spoken, she was so dedicated to her family and to her community. But more than that, she was totally dedicated to the children of New York City especially, you can't deny that, but really to every child.
And as Senator Hassell-Thompson said, she was really and truly concerned that the children who were going to school in our state were actually getting an education. And she was not afraid to be critical of what was happening or what wasn't right.
But I admired her very, very much, and I felt very privileged to have known her. And I certainly am saddened by her loss. She was -- she was one to be remembered. She was a lovely lady and a great legislator.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Robach.
SENATOR ROBACH:Yes, Mr. President. Let me thank Senator Comrie for the very fitting resolution.
And I would concur, Barbara Clark certainly was somebody who was not only noted for fighting for education for everybody, recognized that education was the ladder up no matter where you came from in this world and fought for young and old alike.
And I would just add, on her record side, before I get to a little personal story, Barbara Clark also would not only take to task anybody who disagreed with her, she stood up to leaders at a time when it was very, very rare in this body or in the other house in particular, for anybody to stand up to leaders. I might even go so far to say she was ahead of the curve, and she was right.
But on a personal note, I wanted to just share -- I got the privilege in my Assembly days to spend a lot of time on what we might call quasi-social business things with Barbara. And oftentimes, whether we would go to New York City for the Intrepid Museum or Cooperstown for the induction, I would take my children, who were very, very young, and they loved Barbara and Tom Clark.
To put it mildly, Barbara loved life. She liked snacks, and so did my children. And if Tom and Barbara went to get ice cream cones, she brought them back for my kids. Any time we ate at a restaurant, if I said to my kids, "You don't need a milk shake," she would say, "Come on, we're on vacation, let them have the milk shake." So even to this day, though my children are late twenties, they still talk about Barbara Clark's warmth.
And that was the kind of person she was. She really loved all kinds of people. And I think that's what I will remember about her. She was not only a great legislator but she was really a warm and great human being and was a fighter, but also was a lover of all things good.
And to her family, I just want to say there's many, many people and our families that appreciated their input and getting to know the Clarks. She definitely made a mark on not only New York City, but Albany and people across the state.
May she rest in peace.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Stavisky.
SENATOR STAVISKY:Thank you, Mr. President.
And thank you, Senator Comrie, for explaining the real Barbara Clark.
Barbara and I have known -- knew each other -- I hate to use the past tense. Barbara and I knew each other for many years. We stayed at the same hotel, we had dinner together quite often. And she would be the last one to come to dinner because she stayed at the Democratic conference until everybody had left. She actually sat through every meeting of the Democratic conference in the Assembly until it was over, because she wanted to learn about everything that was going on throughout the state.
She was especially proud of her family -- her mother, who was very -- is still very active in the community, on the board of Queens Hospital Center. When she was honored, I was proud to be there -- her son, her daughters. She would describe growing up in Beckley, West Virginia, and how difficult it was. And when she and Tom got married, they -- he was in the service, they came back to New York, and Barbara became active in community affairs, particularly education.
And there's no doubt that Andrew Jackson is a good school today because of Barbara Clark, for everything that she did at Andrew Jackson.
But her family was important. But the issues were important to her. She was concerned about so many, many areas. And she enjoyed learning, she enjoyed explaining things. And rarely do you see somebody whom you can say is a good person. I never heard Barbara say anything mean about anybody.
And if you take a look at the pictures that appeared in the newspapers after she passed away, there's a smile in every picture. Because Barbara was always smiling. She was upbeat. She enjoyed food. We used to occasionally -- she had a favorite restaurant on the other side of the river, and we would go over there and have some soul food. She was always happy.
And her daughter spoke at her funeral. And again, you could see the genes there. The daughter spoke in the same up -- it's as though her daughter was making everybody else feel good, the way Barbara made everybody feel good.
So I thank Senator Comrie. And the fact that people on both sides of the aisle spoke today I think is a testimony to Barbara's goodness and decency and hope for the future.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The question is on the resolution. All in favor please signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:Senator Comrie would like to open the resolution up for cosponsorship. Can we please place everyone on as a cosponsor. If someone does not wish to be a cosponsor, they should notify the disk.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:I believe there's a resolution by Senator Hassell-Thompson, 4306, at the desk. I ask that the title be read only and ask for its immediate adoption, and call on Senator Hassell-Thompson.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4306, by Senator Hassell-Thompson, recognizing Thursday, March 10, 2016, as Harriet Tubman Day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hassell-Thompson.
SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you again, Mr. President.
I rise to pay tribute to Harriet Tubman. I'm sorry that the resolution was not read in its entirety. But certainly just a few words for those who may not know who Harriet Tubman was.
She was a person who herself was held in captivity and bound in unpaid, back-breaking labor from the time of her birth until she was able to escape. When she managed to escape that life, in her turn she was able to free others who were still trapped in that situation.
She made 19 trips back and forth to the South and succeeded in rescuing over 300 slaves, using the Underground Railroad. She chose to sacrifice her life and freedom each time she returned to liberate a group of slaves.
Not only did she secretly free hundreds of slaves, but she worked as a nurse as well as a spy and a scout for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
In the Combahee River raid, she was able to lead 150 black Union soldiers, and between them they freed 700 South Carolina slaves in one day.
After the Civil War, she came north and she worked alongside Susan B. Anthony to promote women's suffrage.
Tubman acted in the shadows to save her fellow human beings from the torment that she endured. Therefore, this resolution is to pay tribute to her for her commitment and extraordinary courage, which led to the freedom of thousands of slaves, risking her own freedom and safety to protect that of others.
She said once "I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they had known they were slaves."
She also said: "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Remember always you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars and to change the world."
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Montgomery.
SENATOR MONTGOMERY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to thank Senator Hassell-Thompson for introducing this resolution. It is very befitting that we celebrate a woman of the stature of Harriet Tubman. Certainly we stand on her shoulders. She was one of those women who in the way of saying "Ain't I a woman too." Even though she had to fulfill all of the roles that were in those days allocated specifically to slaves and to slave women in particular, she became, for many of us, a soldier in an army to free her people.
And for that, we must never forget her role and what she meant and who she was in our history, in the history of America, in the history of American people in America, and for the history of women.
And in fact, we now have what we hope to become a major museum in the western part of our state that will be dedicated to her life and her activities as a person who was part of the Underground Railroad movement, which is very much a part of New York State's history, and it was in fact -- it will be on land that was, I believe, given to her by a former Secretary of State, William Seward, who resided also in upstate New York. So we will all have a monument to the legacy and the activities and the life of Harriet Tubman.
So again, thank you, Senator Hassell-Thompson.
And thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:Senator Hassell-Thompson would like to open this resolution for cosponsorship. So if we could place everyone on as a cosponsor. If someone does not wish to be a cosponsor, they should notify the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:I believe there's a resolution by Senator Serrano, Number 4312, at the desk. I ask that the title be read only and ask for its immediate adoption, and call on Senator Serrano.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4312, by Senator Serrano, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016, as Earth Hour in the State of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you, Mr. President.
This is a resolution that I put forth every year, and I think by now many of my colleagues are well aware of the importance of Earth Hour. It's an hour where we turn off all of our lights and nonessential electronics. And we do a tremendous amount of benefit on the issue of global climate change.
So now this year Earth Hour is happening this Saturday, March 19th, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. So we're asking everyone to turn off their switches and conserve electricity and conserve energy as much as possible.
Now, many might say that this is just a symbolic gesture. But this is a worldwide phenomenon, and it has a very positive effect in many countries. So from the Empire State Building in New York to the Eiffel Tower in Paris to places Dubai and Sydney, Australia, there will be this worldwide effort to turn off electricity.
And folks make it into a big party. If you follow it on social media, you will see a lot of discussion about Earth Hour on the days leading up to it and people have a lot of fun turning off their lights and being part of a worldwide movement to take back our environment, take back our climate.
So a couple of facts. Last year 172 countries and territories worldwide and over 10,000 iconic landmarks -- including ones here, like the Empire State Building, as I mentioned earlier, Niagara Falls, the Chrysler Building -- turned off their lights to help make Earth Hour the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment.
In addition to the symbolic display of Earth Hour, a 2014 study found that in 10 countries, spanning six years, Earth Hour events reduced electricity consumption an average of 4 percent. Now, that's just one hour. So imagine if this was something that we did on a regular basis.
And I want to make sure people know that you're not limited to this one hour this coming Saturday night. If you miss it, there will be any opportunity you want to help make a dent in global climate change.
And make it a habit to use less, to consume less, to be aware of your carbon footprint, to be aware of products that you're using and how they will affect the environment. Think about modes of transportation that you're using. These are all the little things that, when they all come together and you have millions of people participating in a very concerted way, you can have a lasting, positive effect on the environment.
So this resolution will ask the Governor to memorialize Earth Hour this coming Saturday. I would like to open up this resolution for cosponsorship for all my colleagues, and I hope everyone supports it.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:It's open for cosponsorship, as the Senator had asked while he spoke.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:There is no further business, so I move for adjournment until Wednesday, March 16th, at 11:00 a.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 16th, at 11:00 a.m.
(Whereupon, at 4:38 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
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