Thursday, May 5, 2016

God bless the United States Military Academy. God bless the great State of New York. And God bless the United States of America.

Amen.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:We are very pleased today to have with us Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, the superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point. We'll ask him to address the Senate today.

General, the floor is yours.

SUPERINTENDENT CASLEN:Thank you very much.

Senator Flanagan and Senator Larkin and members of this distinguished Senate, good morning and thank you for having us here today.

It's an honor to address you this morning on behalf of the entire staff, faculty, and the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy, and we thank you very much for this recognition.

I am pleased here to be representing the Academy, along with my Command Sergeant Major David Clark; Cadet E.J. Coleman, who is our First Captain for the Corps of Cadets; and 13 cadets from across New York, representing the more than 4,000 members of the Corps of Cadets, 275 of which call the Empire State home.

The United States Army has always had a strong presence in New York, dating back to the American Revolution. New York has a rich history of military service. Many New Yorkers have served with valor and distinction. Numerous of them have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget them.

We greatly appreciate the tremendous support provided by the State Legislature, the towns and communities and families that support our mission in many ways. West Point's mission is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country, and prepared for a career of professional excellence in service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.

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

These young men and women with me today represent what's been referred to as the 9/11 generation, and they represent the very best of America. They are a generation of young men and women that saw our nation brutally attacked and yet they volunteered to serve, knowing full well that when they graduated they would be sent into harm's way. They desire to serve something bigger than themselves, and in this case our nation. That desire to serve echoes the actions of those who served before them. They understand service, and they understand sacrifice.

Every day we at West Point aspire to be the world's premier leader development institution, developing leaders prepared to fight and win our nation's wars. This requires a dedicated team, many of whom are from our local communities, who are committed to creating the culture of professional excellence needed to develop leaders of character for our nation.

As superintendent, I am proud to lead such an amazing team of professionals. Our core values at West Point are duty, honor and country, and I would submit that our cadets have inherited and internalized duty and country even before they enter our gates.

President Bush once said that if anyone tells you that America's best days are behind her, they're looking the wrong way. I truly believe that our nation's best days are ahead of us because of the incredible young men and women of this generation, who wear the cloth of our nation and say, every day: "Send me." I am proud of them, and I know you are as well.

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

Thank you very much for honoring all of us here at West Point today.

Go Army, beat Navy! Thank you.

(Laughter.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Thank you, General.

(Standing ovation.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The reading of the Journal.

THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Wednesday, May 4th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Tuesday, May 3rd, 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.

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: Before I get into the resolution, Mr. President -- Commander, did you hear that, beat Navy?

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The chair is aware of the comment that the general made.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: If we could go to the previously adopted resolution by Senator Larkin, 5155, please read it in its entirety, and call on Senator Larkin.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5155, by Senator Larkin, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 5, 2016, as West Point Day in the State of New York.

"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point and to call upon Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 5, 2016, as West Point Day in the State of New York; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"WHEREAS, The members of this Legislative Body are proud to commemorate this event, marking May 5, 2016, as West Point Day in New York State; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point and to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 5, 2016, as West Point Day in New York State; and be it further

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

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Larkin.

SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you, Mr. President.

General Caslen, staff and faculty, the most important people here today in Albany: the cadets -- please all stand up, you cadets. See, I was a commander once.

(Applause.)

SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you very much. Please be seated.

You know, when you go by West Point, you see a beautiful enclosure. You see cadets running, cadets walking, cadets with books in their arms, cadets with sweats on, whatever it may be. Because these are people training to be, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, leaders of our country.

You heard the special pride from every one of us. You don't protect just New York, you protect our nation. You lead our nation. As you grow in rank, you will be entrusted into different entities, whether it's the combat arms, services, whatever it may be. Some of you may go into government and be a policymaker. But the grounds that you made that provided you with the foresight of what you want to do were right here: Duty, honor and country.

I live just right outside the gate, one of those big white houses over there. I don't do all of the work; the lady of the house does it all, and I do exactly what she tells me.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR LARKIN:But there's something about a West Point cadet. In deference to my Acting President, who's telling me about sailors, this year it's going to be "Go Army." Whether you like it or not, Tom.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR LARKIN:But just think about how much you are in respect. The people of this nation, when they look at all the academies and they look at the five branches of service, and then they start to say, We have men and women who raised their right hand and said "I will defend and protect this nation."

We couldn't to do it without you. Every year, 20,000 people try to get into the academy. When it winds down, there's a thousand left. And what does is it say? We are the cream of the crop.

I want to tell you that I'm very proud of each and every one of you. For 38 years I've been coming in here and saying how proud I am. And if the good Lord would keep me 38 more years -- not here. "Thank God," they're all saying.

It's people like you who make people like me sit back and say, when my day was here, my day was, thank God, I had the opportunity to serve with men from the Long Gray Line. And I served 23 years with them. And never was I ashamed of one person that came from the Long Gray Line. Their leadership, their respect, their complete contempt for those who didn't want to make it right was something.

But everything that was done was -- the mission was first. The troops were first. Our nation was first. And as a cadet and as a future member of the Long Gray Line, we will all say to you, and you to us: Thank you, God bless you, and may America have many, many, many years coming of men and women of the Long Gray Line, who devoted everything they did to make sure that they protect this great nation of ours. I salute you.

Thank you, and God bless you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Flanagan.

SENATOR FLANAGAN:Thank you, Mr. President.

Congratulations to Senator Larkin, as always. And I'm gratified to be able to offer a few comments on behalf of West Point Day.

I had a chance to meet earlier with a number of the cadets and their officers and staff, and I just want to say a few quick things.

First of all, I want to make sure -- and I'm going to ask them to stand and embarrass them one more time, but I know they'll do it, because we ask.

I have the pleasure of having three cadets from my own district today: Samantha Picco, and I learned that she is a -- I don't know if it's senior, fourth year, whatever it is, based on what's on your shoulder and the purple belt. So you must be a happy person with graduation approaching.

Christopher Aliperti. That's okay, Christopher, you can stand up, no one's going to get you.

And Jessica Fabrizio.

So we all stand with pride. And I just want to offer my congratulations to all of you for what you're doing now, what you're going to do prospectively, and thank you for your service. So you can sit and relax now.

To the superintendent -- I know he's sitting back there somewhere, Superintendent. I was looking at the -- trying to get the right words. Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, superintendent. The boss, is what I take away.

We had a brief conversation, and I was asking the superintendent, "So, you know, how was the trip up?" And he was saying it was pretty good. And I said, "Well, basically, how did you get here? And it was pretty quick." So he told me that he took the helicopter.

I'm like, "Wow, that's really cool, you took the helicopter." And then I'm looking around the room and I'm thinking, there's like 25 people here. I'm like, "How many people can you get in a helicopter?" "Oh, you can only get a couple," he said. "The cadets took the bus."

(Laughter.)

SENATOR FLANAGAN:So, Superintendent, it's good to be in charge. And that's what they should all aspire to.

But, Superintendent, let me also say this. Based on the conversations, albeit limited, you are very inspirational. I'm in awe. A little fearful too, I'm not going to lie. But if you said, you know, go do this or go do that or go into battle, I would simply do what you say and follow your lead and instructions, because it's clear that you are a true leader. And we need those leaders.

And I also think, from a legislative standpoint, you might be pretty good to have around at the end of session. And I can see you coming over -- Senator Gianaris might like this -- if you said "Pass that bill" or "Stop that bill," we would probably listen to you.

So welcome to you and your staff and all the cadets, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great work you do on behalf of the greatest country in the world.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Little.

SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.

And I rise too to say how proud we are as New Yorkers to have West Point within our state and to have all of you here today.

And we thank General Larkin -- Colonel Larkin. I'm getting it, okay -- because he is so proud and makes sure that you are always here today, and the superintendent for his great remarks today.

You'll just have to forgive me if I too say "Go Navy." But I want to tell you about my son, because the pride that I feel in my son is something that I'm your family feels in you. My son David graduated from the Naval Academy and is now a naval aviator in his 26th year in the Navy, serving as the commander of the air group, the CAG, on the Truman carrier, which as you well know is in the Persian Gulf, and whose deployment has just been extended another month.

But I know from my experience and from what he has taught me how hard it is to graduate from a military academy, how hard you have to work, what a great education you have, how prepared you are to lead, which is so important -- but more importantly, how willing you are to serve your country and how you believe in that service for your country, as my son David does.

So I wish you well, and I just thank you for your chosen career, for your choice of working that hard to graduate from West Point.

And I can't help but remark that I think the ratio of male to female is much better this year, the best I've seen since I've been here. So thank you to all the young women who are there. It's something that I regret that I never did and really wish that I had at that time. But I have to tell you, in my day it wasn't the norm by any chance. It wasn't even the unusual thing to do.

So congratulations, and thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Bonacic.

SENATOR BONACIC:Thank you, Mr. President.

First of all, let me tell you how proud and excited we are, all of our colleagues, on West Point Day.

I would like to introduce my cadet, Angelo Matz. Angelo, please stand up. Angelo was a plebe, he tells me. The first year is always tougher, but it will get easier, Angelo.

Angelo also has grandparents, Arthur Gray. Senator Arthur Gray was his grandfather, who served in this chamber.

So to Angelo and all of the cadets that are here today, I want to thank you for giving us hope, inspiration. But mainly you protect our families, you protect our community, you protect our way of life. And we pray that the Lord will always keep you out of harm's way.

God bless all of you. God bless this great country.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Addabbo.

SENATOR ADDABBO:Thank you, Mr. Chair.

First I want to thank Senator Colonel Bill Larkin and his staff for once again allowing the Long Gray Line of West Point to stretch all the way here to our Senate chambers. So thank you once again to Senator Colonel Bill Larkin.

As the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Committee, so ably chaired by Senator Croci, I wanted to thank General Caslen, the cadets, the graduates, all the West Point personnel, all the servicemen and -women for their service and undying, unwavering dedication and commitment to our country.

All these young men and women have made a pledge, the values of service and duty, honor and country. And they made that pledge, and we so much appreciate it. And they are following the footsteps of many of the West Point graduates who came before them, and these are big shoes to fill. We know these names of the graduates, they are familiar to us. Senator Colonel Bill Larkin. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. General Douglas MacArthur and General Norman Schwarzkopf.

And coincidentally, we have one of the classmates of General Norman Schwarzkopf with us today. I am pleased to recognize retired Army Brigadier General Luciano Salamone, more commonly referred to in my family, and affectionately, as Uncle Leo.

So, Uncle Leo, welcome once again to our Senate chambers.

(Applause.)

SENATOR ADDABBO:Now, truth be told, last month we celebrated Uncle Leo's 85th birthday -- hate to give up his age, but 85th birthday. We also celebrated his 60th anniversary of graduating West Point.

So to Uncle Leo, to all who are here today, not only thank you for being here, but once again thank you for the path you have chosen and your commitment to our country. May God bless you, this great state, and this great country. Thank you very much.

Thank you Mr. President.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Thank you, Senator Addabbo.

Senator Farley.

SENATOR FARLEY:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise, I want to introduce my cadet, Chris L'Amoureux, if you would stand. That's the biggest guy in the front row; I don't know if you noticed that.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR FARLEY:He also graduated from one of the largest high schools in upstate New York, Shenendehowa. He's the only guy with the cadets here who's going to a smaller school than his high school.

Chris is a tremendous asset to the academy, a good athlete, and somebody that we're very, very proud of.

You know, Colonel Larkin and I are probably the only Korean War veterans in this chamber and maybe the Legislature. And although he achieved the rank of colonel, I've achieved the rank of PFC, which stands for "personal friend of the colonel."

(Laughter.)

SENATOR FARLEY:I wish you guys wouldn't laugh so hard.

Anyway, I was a draftee.

And you know, we're so proud of Senator Larkin and the love and respect that he has for the academy.

You know, my daughter was one of the first women appointed to Annapolis, and she turned it down and went to Union College, not thinking of my financial situation at all.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR FARLEY:But anyway, I'm so proud of what you're achieving. You've become the leaders of our nation. And, you know, I would hope -- today that so many people are putting down public service -- when you finish your careers in the service that you might consider public service, because we need people like yourself to serve this country in both the public sector and in the military.

God bless you, keep you safe in your careers, and we're very, very proud of you.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Boyle.

SENATOR BOYLE:Thank you, Mr. President.

I too would like to thank Colonel Larkin for hosting today's West Point Day and tell you that this is an very exciting day for me. I've served in the Legislature, between the Assembly and the Senate, for over 20 years and I've never had one cadet that I represented come here -- but today I have two. And I'm very privileged to announce them.

Cadet Shannon Wisseman. Shannon is from Sayville, she is from the Class of 2018, and she majors in psychology. Shannon, thank you so much for coming. Appreciate it very much.

And also Cadet Jordan Bailey, Class of 2019. You graduated from North Babylon High School but live in West Babylon, is that true? Really? That's a future politician, spreading things out. That's good.

(Laughter.)

SENATOR BOYLE:But to Jordan and Shannon and to all the cadets, thank you so much for coming here today, for the commitment you've made to our country. We don't know what challenges our country is going to face in the coming years, but we know that we have brave men and women like yourself that are going to be the leaders in protecting us. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hassell-Thompson.

SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise, this is probably going to be my last time in this chambers to congratulate the cadets that come before us. It's personal to me because for four years I had the privilege of serving on the Academy Review Committee for the Congressman of my district. And it was my job to ensure that minorities and women make up the ranks.

I am pleased to say that although I no longer serve in that capacity, that there are more women and people of color who come before us each year.

But rather than just color or gender, the hearts of the young people who choose West Point is very special to me. Having gone to West Point during that four-year period and being photographed with each of the classes, those are pictures that are of honor to me.

I want you to know that when you come before this chamber, this is not just ceremonial to us but it is an opportunity for us to express to you the gratitude that we have for the life and the path that you have chosen in order to keep this country free.

So we thank you. And thank you, Mr. President. And certainly, Colonel, we thank you for continuing a tradition that is very important to the people of the State of New York.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Amedore.

SENATOR AMEDORE:Thank you, Mr. President.

And I want to also thank Senator Colonel Larkin for his continuing this great tradition that we have here in Albany, and that is West Point Day.

I want to introduce a special person who lives in Coxsackie. Coxsackie is in Greene County. It's Cadet Katrina Josberger, if you'd please rise.

Katrina is the Class of 2019, and she is studying to be an environmental engineer. Not only does she wear our nation's uniform and is studying so hard to also keep us safe, keep our freedoms and liberties, but also to make sure that our environment will be safe in engineering projects in a fashion that continue future generations in safety and prosperity.

So thank you, Katrina, for your hard work and dedication.

And to all of the cadets, thank you for understanding really the ideals of duty, honor and country. You not only say it, but you wear it and you demonstrate it. So God bless you all.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Serino.

SENATOR SERINO:Thank you, Mr. President.

And first I have to thank our colonel, Colonel Larkin. And Senator Bonacic said it the best: We do not think of our colonel as a civilian. He's our colonel. Senator Larkin, thank you so much.

And all of you are such inspirations to us that you're making this commitment to our nation, especially when you see so many of our young people going astray.

And I have to commend the women here too. As can you see in the chambers, the women in leadership are still in the minority. So thank you for your leadership positions.

And I also want to acknowledge my cadet, Brett Vanburen. Brett went to Lourdes High School in my district, and I'm friends with his mom, who actually is a natural leader herself. And there's an old saying that apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and it's so true here, Brett. It's such an honor to meet you.

And I wish you the best, and to keep you safe, and thank you for being here today, for all of you.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Marcellino.

SENATOR MARCELLINO:Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Let me add myself and my name to the line of kudos to Colonel Larkin. Bill is, as we call him -- all over the years has maintained a steady, steady drumbeat and a steady celebration of the achievements of West Point. He's your biggest fan and he's your biggest proponent. He speaks your praises wherever he goes. And that's a good thing, because he tells the truth and we all listen when he speaks.

Your presence here reminds me of the famous movie A Few Good -- I guess you can't say it now; in a PC world, I guess you have to say "A Few Good People," I will change the title a little bit -- where Jack Nicholson said "You can't handle the truth." He was a little bit off-base and got a little bit out of line in the movie, but his point was we need you.

We want you to be where you are. We want you protecting this country. We want you on the wall, as he put it, that surrounds this country that you provide for our safety. We sleep better at night because we know people like you are out there defending our freedoms and defending our nation all over the planet, and that's something that we can never forget.

Those lines that he spoke, they rank as some of the great lines that appear out of movies every once in a while. The only other one I can consider right now is, you know, "Take the gun and leave the cannolis."

(Laughter.)

SENATOR MARCELLINO:Well, this kind of works to that effect.

You're doing a great job. We thank you for your commitment to our country. We thank you for what you've done and what you're going to do for our country.

And as my colleague Senator Boyle had said, if some of you choose to, after you've fulfilled your commitment, choose to come into this world of public service, you'll be more than welcome -- except in the Fifth Senate District for the next few years.

Thank you, and God bless each and every one of you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:And to Cadet Courtney Dooley from the Third Senate District, Ronkonkoma, New York, we welcome you as well.

General, and to the cadets, the staff of West Point, the Senate extends to you the courtesies and privileges of the house, and thank you for your visit today.

Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, the resolution obviously is open for cosponsorship. And if you don't want to cosponsor -- which I'm sure that will not be the case here -- please notify the desk.

Would you please recognize Senator Marchione for an introduction.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution will be open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.

Senator Marchione.

SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you, Mr. President.

Up in the gallery today we have the fourth-grade elementary school from the Moreau Elementary School within my district.

I just wanted to welcome their teachers, Lyndsey Lange and Laura Pisani, and all of the kids for being here. They're taking a tour today of the Capitol and just happened to coordinate that tour to be here with us.

So welcome to all of you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could we now go to motions and resolutions and take up Resolution 3790, which was previously adopted, read the title only, and call on Senator Marchione.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3790, by Senator Marchione, commemorating the 65th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in State of New York, Thursday, May 5, 2016.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Marchione.

SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise to speak on this resolution before us. I'm proud once again to sponsor this resolution, which marks the 65th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in New York State, which is today, May 5th.

This year's theme is Wake Up, America, which emphasizes the need for individuals to return to God.

The 65th annual National Day of Prayer has real significance as millions of Americans join together to pray at thousands of events across our great nation. Prayer is an essential part of our heritage and identity. It's in our national DNA, and it's who we are.

Since our nation's earliest days, Americans have prayed as a way of guiding, uniting, helping and healing. The Day of Prayer is a proud tradition first proclaimed by the Continental Congress in 1775 when John Hancock signed the congressional order establishing the first Day of Prayer.

The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer, an honorable tradition that we in this historic chamber faithfully observe.

In peace and prosperity, good times and bad, prayer has sustained our efforts, guided our actions, and strengthened our resolve. Prayer is our recognition that we don't have all the answers and that even the strongest sometimes need God's help.

The Day of Prayer acknowledges our blessings and recognizes the need of strengthening religious and moral values in our state and our nation. Please join me today in praying for our nation, the men and women of our armed forces, our first responders, and for all who are suffering.

I'm honored to again partner with Reverend Stephen P. Lalor, chairman of the Albany National Day of Prayer Task Force, and so many good people of faith across our Capital Region, in supporting the National Day of Prayer.

Thank you, Mr. President and my colleagues, for your continued support of this resolution and for our National Day of Prayer.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, this is also open for cosponsorship.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: The next resolution I'd like to call up is Number 4506. It was previously adopted. Would you please read it in its entirety and please call on me after you read it.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4506, by Senator DeFrancisco, congratulating the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Class A Championship.

"WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, teamwork, and a dedicated coaching staff; and

"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those young people within the State of New York who, by achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, have inspired and brought great pride to their school and community; and

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

"WHEREAS, The Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team defeated Floral Park High School by an impressive score of 82-37 on March 12, 2016, in Troy, New York, to win the New York State Class A Championship; this win marked their first ever New York State title; and

"WHEREAS, Among the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team's many accomplishments during the tournament game was making 11 out of 25 3-pointers; and

"WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, these outstanding players of the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team proved to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on their school and the entire Jamesville-DeWitt community; and

"WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team is due in great part to the efforts of Head Coach Robert Siechen and Assistant Coaches Caroline Cottet and Scott Gantos; these skilled coaches have helped develop potential into excellence; and

"WHEREAS, Throughout the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball season, members of the team were always loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, friends and fans from throughout the entire community; and

"WHEREAS, Members of the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team rallied behind one another in establishing a sisterhood of athletic ability and good sportsmanship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; now therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team; its members: Rocio Argente del Castillo, Madeline Behan, Jamie Boeheim, Angela Bussone, Julia Fairbanks, Meg Hair, Julia Kelner, Bess Murad, Carly O'Hern, MaryKatherine Scheftic, and Kasey Vaughan; Head Coach Robert Siechen and Assistant Coaches Caroline Cottet and Scott Gantos, on their outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Jamesville-DeWitt Girls Varsity Basketball Team, Head Coach Robert Siechen and Assistant Coaches Caroline Cottet and Scott Gantos."

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.

Sometimes the Senators on the floor get a little bit antsy when we have these resolutions because we have so many great schools and great teams in Central New York. They're always here from Central New York.

Yesterday we had the Syracuse University Women's Basketball Team here. And many people on the floor have no idea the connection between Jamesville-DeWitt sports and Syracuse University. There's many connections. Many of the men players from Jamesville-DeWitt ended up going to Syracuse University and starting. And hopefully that same trend will happen with the women's basketball team as well.

Another connection, Jamie Boeheim is a player on this team. She gets her athletic ability from her mother. And her father did play basketball at one time and coached a few games.

This is an outstanding team. And if you look at the final score of the championship game, 82-37, that's not fair. That's not nice. I mean, you've got to be pleasant. You can't just beat them up that badly.

But the season was a great season, and you should be commended. You've made friends that are going to be your friends for the rest of your life. And you'll be talking about this season for the rest of your lives. The stories will get bigger and more outrageous about what great things you did the older you get. But you'll definitely have these friendships forever.

And I also want to congratulate Meg Hair, who was the Coplayer of the Year in this division for the State of New York, and two other players that made All-State as well: Carly O'Hern and Julia Kelner.

So to the coach, to the great players, keep up the great work. And if you are at that level and you've got many offers, take the one from Syracuse University. We want them to beat Connecticut in my lifetime, okay?

(Laughter.)

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: So thank you for being here, and congratulations. And I'll see you shortly.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Can we take up -- oh, that's also open for cosponsorship.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Will you now take up the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 188, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 368, 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, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Croci recorded in the negative.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 189, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 1626, 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, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 248, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 3082, an act to amend the Public Authorities 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, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 326, by Senator Panepinto, Senate Print 3644A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day.

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 389, by Valesky, Senate Print 5430, an act to amend the Public Service 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.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 396, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 5143A, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 10. This act shall take effect immediately.

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 417, by Senator Valesky, Senate Print 5330, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 9. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.

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 564, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 2951, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation 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.)

THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 564, those recorded in the negative are Senators Hoylman, Krueger, Rivera and Serrano.

Ayes, 53. Nays, 4.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 583, by Senator Young, Senate Print 3058, 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:In relation to Calendar 583, those recorded in the negative are Senators Hoylman, Krueger, Persaud and Serrano.

Ayes, 53. Nays, 4.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 584, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 3106, 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, 56. Nays, 1. Senator Hoylman recorded in the negative.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 591, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 7160, an act to amend the Retirement and Social Security 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.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 594, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 2204, 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 immediately.

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 595, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 3389, 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 90th day.

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 596, by Senator Golden, Senate Print 4422A, an act to amend the Highway Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 30th day.

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 598, by Senator Murphy, Senate Print 6472, 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.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 603, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 2821, an act to amend the General Business 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.)

THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 603, those recorded in the negative are Senators Hassell-Thompson, Krueger, Montgomery, Persaud and Rivera.

Ayes, 52. Nays, 5.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 605, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 4882A, an act to amend the General Business Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.

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

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 613, by Senator Flanagan, Senate Print 2056, an act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 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, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 614, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 6856A, an act to create.

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.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.

Senator DeFrancisco, that completes the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, could we go back to motions and resolutions.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Motions and resolutions.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I wish to call up Print Number 1965A, by Senator Robach, recalled from the Assembly, which is now at the desk.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 127, by Senator Robach, Senate Print 1965A, an act to amend the Highway Law.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now move to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will call the roll on reconsideration.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now offer the following amendments.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The amendments are received and the bill is restored to its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

Senator DeFrancisco.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, the leaders have handed up committee assignments at the desk, is that correct?

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Correct, they're before the desk.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: All right. With that said, is there any further business at the desk?

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The committee assignments are received and will be filed in the Journal.

And there is no further business before the desk.

SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: That being the case, I move to adjourn until Monday, May 9th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.

ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 9th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.

(Whereupon, at 11:55 a.m., the Senate adjourned.)