Gaveled in 10:08 AM · Albany, New York · 2015–16 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
May 11, 2016
10:08 a.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'd 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:We have with us today to give our invocation the Reverend Peter Young, from Mother Teresa Community in Albany.
Reverend.
REVEREND YOUNG:Thank you very much.
Let us pray.
Ever-living God, we gather today in this beautiful May, middle of May day with the sunshine, here in the Senate chamber as members representing our constituents to provide leadership for our New York State citizens.
Let Your spirit enlighten our minds and guide our actions, that we may be united in love and bring to fulfillment the work of government for the greater honor and glory of our citizens and of You, O Lord.
Amen.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Mr. President, may we stand at ease for a moment, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Senate will stand at ease.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 10:10 a.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 10:12 a.m.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Can we now continue?
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Tuesday, May 10th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Monday, May 9th, 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 16, Senator Martins moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 9174A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 6387B, Third Reading Calendar 18.
On page 39, Senator Bonacic moves to discharge, from the Committee on Judiciary, Assembly Bill Number 9572 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 7254, Third Reading Calendar 670.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The substitutions are so 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, on page 39 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 675, Senate Print 7306, by Senator Hannon, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The amendments are received, and the bill retains its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: On page 31, I offer the following amendments to Calendar 530, Senate Print 6803, by Senator Serino, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The amendments are received, and the bill retains its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Can we now take up the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 18, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Blake, Assembly Print 9174A, an act to amend the State Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 365th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 44.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 236, by Senator Funke, Senate Print 6265, an act to amend the General Municipal 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, 44.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 283, by Senator Klein, Senate Print 6466A, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 44.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 446, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 2447D, an act to amend the Retirement and Social Security 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, 46.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 508, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 6691A, an act to amend the Criminal Procedure 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 508, those recorded in the negative are Senators Dilan, Hoylman, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins, Persaud, Rivera and Squadron.
Ayes, 38. Nays, 8.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 509, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 6945, an act to amend the Criminal Procedure 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 509, those recorded in the negative are Senators Dilan, Hassell-Thompson, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins, Persaud and Rivera.
Ayes, 41. Nays, 7.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 656, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 6669, 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 120th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Krueger.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Mr. President, I apologize. Is this 656 or 657?
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Six.
SENATOR KRUEGER:I'm one ahead of myself. I'll be raising my hand in a little while. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 48.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 657, by Senator Funke, Senate Print 6748A, 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 60th day.
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.
This bill helps deliver a measure of justice for one of my constituents. His name is Ed O'Brien.
Ed's son Kade was a Marine sergeant who served two tours in Iraq and was decorated for valor for fighting hand to hand and street to street in Fallujah. This brave Marine came home a hero, settled down in Honeoye Falls in my district, went back to school, had a son, and pursued a law degree and a career in law enforcement.
On April 10, 2011, Kade was riding his motorcycle in Mendon Ponds Park when he was struck and critically injured by an inattentive driver who failed to properly yield the right of way. He died the very next day.
The driver whose actions led to Kade's death received only a $35 fine for failure to yield the right of way. Thirty-five dollars for someone's life -- not fair, not right.
Kade's father Ed came to me to work on a solution, but not out of a spirit of vengeance or anger. He only wanted to raise awareness on this issue and educate drivers about it.
This bill provides that anybody who kills or seriously injures another while failing to obey traffic law will be guilty of a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to 30 days in jail or a fine of at least $300. And it requires any driver involved in one of these incidents to complete a safety course to try to ensure that, in this world of distracted driving today, they pay attention so that we hopefully will never make those kinds of mistakes again.
Ed O'Brien told me recently that he's been diagnosed with cancer, and so he is facing another tough fight ahead. It's my hope today that he will find some measure of comfort when we deliver this legislation in the name of his son, Sergeant Kade O'Brien.
Mr. President, I vote aye. I urge my colleagues to join me. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Funke to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Krueger.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to explain my vote no.
I appreciate very much Senator Funke's story with his constituent, and I am not opposed to his bill based on the fact that he is creating a model of $300 more or even up to 30 days in jail.
I actually don't think it goes far enough. And actually, if it were to become law, it would have a lesser penalty or fine than law we already have on the books, Section 1146 of the rules of the road, which when a vehicle, if it was to hit a pedestrian or a bicyclist, actually could result in a higher misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000, with the possibility of police moving it into a negligence category.
So my vote no is not a lack of respect or concern for the story Senator Funke told, but rather that I actually think we have a stronger statute. And that what Senator Funke might wish to do is to perhaps broaden the definitions within that statute to cover the situation as he just told that story, but not to end up with two sets of law in New York State for similar or even the same situation where existing law is actually stronger than this law would provide for.
And so that is my reason for voting no, Mr. President. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Krueger to be recorded in the negative.
Senator Hassell-Thompson.
SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise -- and Senator Krueger has already explained the concerns that I have with the bill. They're identical.
But I just wanted to express to Senator Funke that while I will be voting no, I think that the bill in and of itself is not sufficient for the action that this bill describes, and I would like to work with him and others to make it stronger.
Because I think we already have in law that which will cover the concerns that are raised in this bill, I will be voting no.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hassell-Thompson to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 657, those recorded in the negative are Senators Dilan, Hassell-Thompson, Krueger and Perkins.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 4.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 670, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Braunstein, Assembly Print 9572, an act to amend the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act.
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, 53.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 683, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 1766, an act to amend the Executive 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Avella.
SENATOR AVELLA:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to ask my colleagues to support this bill, which would officially commemorate January 13th as Korean-American Day each and every year.
In 1902, 56 men, 21 women, and 25 children left Korea to immigrate to the United States. Since then, the Korean-American population has prospered, has become part of the culture of this country and of this state. In 2010, the census estimated that there's 153,000 Korean-Americans in New York State.
Congress has already designated this day as Korean-American Day; other states and municipalities have done it. I think it's only appropriate that New York State do it as well. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Avella to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 54.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 686, by Senator Griffo, Senate Print 2727A, an act to amend the Tax 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, 53. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 688, by Senator Young, Senate Print 3071A, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 16. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Krueger.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to explain my vote no on this bill.
I appreciate and respect the sponsor's desire to address the issues of safety within these facilities for the workers. But I am very concerned that the way this bill is written, one, it potentially violates federal HIPAA law requiring patient confidentiality of health and mental health records the way it would broaden the definition of anyone and everyone within a facility having the right to all those records.
Two, it has an estimated cost annually of approximately $10 million, and therefore I feel that this should be dealt with within the context of the agency budget at budget time.
And three, it actually, as I understand it, calls for a scenario that would have a one-to-one staffing ratio, one staff to one resident, within these facilities. I don't really know any other parallel ratio in our criminal justice or our youth juvenile justice system, and I think that that is also a serious precedent that should be explored within the context of the budget of OCFS and its facilities.
And for all those reasons, I need to vote no.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Krueger to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 688, those recorded in the negative are Senators Dilan, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins and Persaud.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 5.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 690, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 4615A, an act to amend the Tax 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, 54.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 699, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 6606, an act to amend the General City Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 10. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
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 708, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 431, an act to amend the Public Officers 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.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 712, by Senator Murphy, Senate Print 2950, an act to amend the Correction 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, 54. Nays, 1. Senator Montgomery recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 712: Ayes, 54. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 713, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 4511, an act to amend the Correction 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, 52. Nays, 3. Senators Hassell-Thompson, Montgomery and Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
Senator DeFrancisco, that completes the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes. At the conclusion of session -- not now, because we've got more business -- at the conclusion of session, there will be an immediate meeting of the Banking Committee. And I'm not going to tell you where yet, so you don't leave --
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: -- because we have some important business to contend with here before that.
And what I'd like now to do, if you would, please, is to please take up previously adopted Resolution 4427, read it in its entirety, and then call on me, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4427, by Senator DeFrancisco, honoring Kayla McKeon upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Champion of Change Self-Advocate of the Year Award by the National Down Syndrome Society.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize those dedicated and talented individuals within our midst who have and continue to inspire their communities through their tireless efforts and their outstanding professional and personal accomplishments --
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:May we have a little order in the house, please. Thank you.
The Secretary will continue.
THE SECRETARY:"And WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is hereby justly proud to honor Kayla McKeon upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Champion of Change Self-Advocate of the Year Award by the National Down Syndrome Society, to be celebrated at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 11, 2016; and
"WHEREAS, Kayla McKeon of Cicero, New York, is a motivational speaker and community advocate with Down Syndrome whose positive attitude has inspired countless others to reach their highest potential; and
"WHEREAS, As a motivational speaker, Kayla McKeon has delivered speeches at various venues, such as public schools and universities, throughout Central New York and the entire State of New York; in addition, she has conducted several media interviews to help raise community awareness about Down Syndrome; and
"WHEREAS, Through her dedicated and enthusiastic advocacy, Kayla McKeon has proudly served as a strong voice for others with Down Syndrome; and
"WHEREAS, In 2015, Kayla McKeon lobbied state legislators to help pass the New York Achieving a Better Life Experience (NY ABLE) Act, which has since been signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; the NY ABLE Act will allow people with disabilities and their families to set up separate, tax-exempt savings accounts to help them retain more of their own money; and
"WHEREAS, Kayla McKeon met with state lawmakers and used social media and speaking engagements to help gain increased support for the NY ABLE Act; and
"WHEREAS, An accomplished athlete, Kayla McKeon has competed in a variety of Special Olympics events -- including floor hockey, track and field, and bocce -- since she was 13 years old on both the state and national level; and
"WHEREAS, In June of 2011, Kayla McKeon became a World Games Athlete, proudly representing the United States and the State of New York in Athens, Greece, and ultimately brought home a Silver and Bronze Medal in bocce; and
"WHEREAS, An enthusiastic worker, Kayla McKeon is employed at Gigi's Playhouse in Syracuse, New York, and serves as an intern at Congressman John Katko's office; this incredible young woman also holds the position of Special Olympic Congressional Ambassador and Emissary of the Shriver Global Messenger program; and
"WHEREAS, In addition, Kayla McKeon volunteers her time and energies at numerous community organizations, such as the YMCA, and is pursuing her associate's degree at both Onondaga Community and LeMoyne Colleges; and
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause to hereby honor and recognize Kayla McKeon upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Champion of Change Self-Advocate of the Year Award by the National Down Syndrome Society; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kayla McKeon."
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Kayla and her parents are here on the Senate floor, over by the -- she's raising her hand. She's very, very shy, very shy.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Kayla, would you stand up, please?
(Standing ovation.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you. I really appreciate that applause, because she definitely deserves it. She's the 2016 Champion of Change Self-Advocate of the Year, named that by the National, that's National Down Syndrome Society.
I've known Kayla for a few years. I met her at Gigi's Playhouse, the place where she works, and she immediately came up to me and started lobbying me.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Immediately. She said hello, I think, but immediately began lobbying me on the NY ABLE Act, which she was very instrumental in getting my attention and many, many other people's attention.
She has participated in the Special Olympics. She's an intern at a Congressman's office. I don't know where she gets all this time, but I know she's definitely got the energy.
And I thought it was extremely important for us to honor her today as a national leader. And of course -- this is no surprise -- she's from Central New York --
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: -- she's from our district, and she's doing a wonderful job.
So Kayla, thank you for your service, and thank you for being a fine ambassador for the entire country.
Thank you.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Valesky.
SENATOR VALESKY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I just want to add, for the record, that I'm pleased to join Senator DeFrancisco in sponsoring this resolution, cosponsoring the resolution, and welcoming Kayla and her parents here.
And as Senator DeFrancisco said, Kayla takes -- I think we can safely say that Kayla has taken lobbying to new heights. She was passionate about her cause. I have, obviously sitting right next to me here, Senator Carlucci, who was the lead sponsor last year of the ABLE Act.
And Kayla identified an issue that was important to her and so many people like her across the State of New York, and she chose to do something about it. Instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead, she took the lead herself.
And I think each and every one of us as Senators in this chamber have constituents who exemplify the best of New Yorkers and have done the kind of thing that Kayla has done in so many areas.
So we're so pleased that she and her parents are here in Albany today enjoying the proceedings of the house. And Kayla, I want to thank you for your continued advocacy about issues that matter to you and so many across New York State.
Thank you, and welcome.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Kayla, the Senate welcomes you and your parents to the chamber. We extend all the privileges and courtesies of the house to you.
Congratulations.
MS. McKEON: Thank you very much.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Senator Flanagan hands up the following committee assignments. Do you have them at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:They are at the desk.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you very much.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The assignments are accepted and will be filed in the Journal.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Now if you'd take up previously adopted Resolution 3276, by Senator Amedore, read the title only, and call on Senator Amedore if you would, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Very well. The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3276, by Senator Amedore, congratulating the Schalmont High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team and Coach Alaina Resue upon the occasion of capturing the 2015 New York State Class B Championship.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Amedore.
SENATOR AMEDORE:Well, thank you, President.
And I want to congratulate and welcome a very special team, a group of young ladies who are state champions, Class B, the Women's Soccer Team of Schalmont High School that has I think achieved something that's extraordinary. And that is within four years, to be the state champions two times is quite an accomplishment for our school.
And this is very important to me and special, because it's my alma mater. And so as I have gone to school and some of my classmates are now the moms and dads of the team players on this team, it's special for me to see this great accomplishment of beautiful young ladies who have a lot of dreams, aspirations to be future leaders and to do what is so great in the Town of Rotterdam -- the Nice Place to Live, as we all call it -- to really be about family and to study hard and to dream big.
I congratulate all of you on a job well done, hard work, and on beating my colleague Senator Ortt's high school team, the Wilson High School team. Thank you for that.
Congratulations. And to the coach, job well done. Welcome.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Girls, the Senate welcomes you, congratulates you on your state championship victory, and gives you all the courtesies and privileges of the house. Thank you for being here.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you, Mr. President.
We have one other resolution, previously adopted. That's Resolution 4878, by Senator Comrie. Could you please read it in its entirety and then call on Senator Comrie.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4878, by Senator Comrie, congratulating Kelly Hyles upon the occasion of receiving an acceptance letter from all twenty-one colleges and universities across the United States to which she applied.
"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the outstanding achievements in education displayed by the great citizens of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Kelly Hyles, through her diligence and dedication to her education, has also received the prestigious honor of being accepted into all eight Ivy League schools located across the country with full scholarships: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania; and
"WHEREAS, Kelly Hyles' accomplishments are reflective of a dedicated effort to achieving academic success at a higher level after moving to the United States from Guyana in September 2009; and
"WHEREAS, Kelly Hyles is the 2012 graduated valedictorian at I.S. 292 and is this year's valedictorian at Math, Science, and Engineering High school at City College of New York; and
"WHEREAS, Kelly Hyles cofounded the Black Student Union at Math, Science, and Engineering High School at City College of New York; and
"WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge the significant milestones achieved throughout Kelly Hyles' education within this short period of time since entering this great country; and
"WHEREAS, So often, such exemplary achievements go unrecognized and unrewarded, that it is incumbent upon the community to honor and recognize these unique accomplishments obtained by Kelly Hyles as a fine example of outstanding growth and educational achievements that are capable within the Empire State; and
"WHEREAS, Kelly Hyles' perseverance in rising through adversity is a strong indication of her ability to master difficult tasks; her accomplishments will enable her to emerge as a leader, fully equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and
"WHEREAS, Kelly Hyles' planned major in biochemistry and neuroscience is a reflection of how she is a credit to her family, her school, her community, her state and her nation, and no doubt her future will be filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in recognition of the significance of these meritorious achievements, to congratulate Kelly Hyles on achieving an honor that is so rare; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kelly Hyles."
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Comrie.
SENATOR COMRIE:Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm honored to rise this morning to speak on behalf of a remarkable young woman, Ms. Kelly Hyles, who is here upstairs in the chamber.
As you heard, she's been accepted to all 21 schools that she applied for; with full scholarships, all eight Ivy Leagues, as was said. And she'll be attending Harvard University, where she'll be a freshman this fall and is going to be studying biochemistry and neuroscience.
Kelly is truly a model to her community, and no doubt that's why she's from the 14th Senatorial District.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR COMRIE:She has been a inspiration and a leader to so many people, even though she has just arrived to this country. She's a native of Guyana. When she came here in December of 2009, she dug deep into her studies and focused on doing the things necessary to make this wonderful achievement.
Even before then, she was valedictorian at her junior high school, at 192, and she is going to be the valedictorian of her high school graduation this June.
Kelly is someone that has truly been impressive to her community. She has been working to make sure that she brings other people along with her. She has only done everything she can to show that she has an altruistic spirit of selflessness. Her educational achievements are a testament to her hardworking nature, proving that no matter what adverse obstacles stand in your way, success is possible through tireless dedication and commitment.
We look forward to witnessing all of your future accomplishments that lay ahead of you. I know, Kelly, you're going to be the model of success. Your faith, your passion, your determination, your focus on making sure that people understand your story, people understand your passion, and people know that you're motivated to be a wonderful role model in this country, is a major reason why we wanted to bring you here to this chamber to celebrate you in the style of New York.
And no, she's not related to Senator Persaud. But Senator Persaud is going to claim her in a minute.
But Kelly, I just wanted to bring you up to the chambers, congratulate you on this level of accomplishment in your life, wish you Godspeed in everything that you're planning on doing. I know that we'll be having many other occasions to celebrate your success, your achievement. And as you move into the fields of biochemistry and neuroscience, I'm sure that you will be on the cusp of major discoveries that will help improve our world, save our people, and make our country a better place.
I want to just ask the President to extend the privileges of the house to Ms. Kelly Hyles for her achievements today, and hopefully that she will continue to be an inspiration to so many others.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Persaud.
SENATOR PERSAUD:Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm not sure -- my first issue was I'm not sure why Kelly took a step down from the 19th to the 14th. She lived in my district, okay?
So -- but this is a second opportunity I'm having to celebrate Kelly's accomplishments. A few weeks ago we honored her. And there's an organization called Guyanese Girls Rock -- so anyone who doesn't know, we do rock -- and Kelly was honored by them, and she was given their first educational award.
Kelly and her mom took the trip from Guyana to come to the United States. There was the uncertainty of them leaving Guyana, coming here. Kelly was accustomed to -- she had a very strong educational foundation while she was in Guyana, and there was uncertainty. Her mother wanted her to come here to build on that educational foundation. She wanted a better education for her daughter.
And so they came here. Kelly's mom worked 15 hours a day to ensure that Kelly had the very best. She wanted her daughter to have the very best in this country.
And Annette, I commend you for what you've done in ensuring that Kelly stayed on the right path.
Kelly, your accomplishments are second to none. The Guyanese community, as you know, they've been celebrating you. They are very, very, very proud of you. I'm very proud of you.
When it was announced in the newspaper of Kelly's accomplishments, her former principal -- her middle school principal volunteers in my office, and he was so excited. And he wanted us to ensure we reached out to Kelly, and he said, "She's living in the district." And then it turned out that she had just moved from the district. Again, I'm not sure why they wanted to do that.
But Kelly, again, congratulations. We look forward to your future endeavors. Congratulations, congratulations, and continue to keep us proud. Continue flying the flags, both flags that you're currently flying. Make us proud. Thank you, and good luck.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hamilton.
SENATOR HAMILTON:I just want to commend Kelly Hyles for your very high academic achievement.
You set a new bar for people to follow. Many times when you think of academic excellence, you don't think of young women of color. And now you're a beacon of hope to many young men and women in this city who don't value education.
I think education is important. In my background from Barbados, we have a 100 percent literacy rate. But Guyana is doing a great job in getting things done.
And I just want to say you're the new breed of what we need in our community and our city and our state. I think you're like in the top half of half of half of a percent of young people who are striving for academic excellence.
And I just want to tip my hat to you, to commend you, because I have a young daughter. And when I heard of your accomplishment, I told my daughter, Carla, "You need to be just like Kelly: focus on education."
So for me as a father, you make me feel proud. And I want my daughter to be like yourself, to get into every school she wants to get into and to set a new standard.
Harvard is the premier college in the country, and to have a full scholarship there speaks volumes. And God bless your mother and your family, because it takes a family to raise a child in our community.
So keep up the good work. We're here to support you. And you have a bright future ahead of you. God bless you. Take care.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hassell-Thompson.
SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to congratulate Kelly and certainly to congratulate Senator Comrie for bringing Kelly to our attention.
Kelly, I have to say to you I am a bragging grandmother, and I know what it feels like to have a young person, particularly a young woman, living in the household who really is very focused. And I was all excited because my granddaughter had applied to five colleges and got accepted at all of them, but she's still holding out for the law school that she wants. But when I go home tonight and tell her that you succeeded in 21 colleges, I know that she's going to say it's not fair, because you have raised the bar way beyond anything that most people do achieve.
But we're here to congratulate you. And I just again thank Senator Comrie for helping us to recognize those young people in our districts that are doing so, so well. Because we hear too often about those that are not doing well and they're ne'er-do-wells, as a lot of people think.
And so you make us very proud. And I don't know you personally, don't have to, but I know that you're somewhere in the world and you are going to make your mark and make the world better.
Thank you, Kelly.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Kelly, congratulations. Where are you? Why don't you stand up a moment so everybody can actually see you. Very good.
(Applause.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I just wanted to congratulate you.
You know, it's an amazing thing what hard work does. It's an amazing thing what having support from parents does, and love from parents, and a role model from parents. This state and this country could be so much better if we had that situation in more and more families.
And I'm just sad that you didn't apply to Syracuse University --
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: -- or Duke. You know, I'm really sad about that.
But the one good thing about all these scholarships you were offered, there's another seven people that will get scholarships when you pick yours. So you've opened the door for many other people.
But seriously, congratulations. I'm as proud of you as the other Senators who spoke.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Ms. Hyles, the Senate congratulates you, extends to you the courtesies and privileges of the house.
And while it might be debated in this room, I'm quite confident in saying that you are the smartest person in this room.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Congratulations.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, all of the resolutions that we've dealt with today -- 3276 by Senator Amedore, 4427 by me, 4878 by Senator Comrie -- would you please open them all up for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolutions will be open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: All right, now I'll tell you where the Banking meeting is.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: An immediate meeting of the Banks Committee in 124, and it's immediate.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Immediate. As opposed to immediately following session, as previously reported.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: It's immediate.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:There will be an immediate meeting of the Banks Committee in Room 124 of the Capitol.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: See, that's subject to interpretation of immediately following the session. Immediate means immediate.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Immediate.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you please -- is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:There is no further business before the desk.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: That being the case, I move to adjourn until Monday, May 16th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 16th, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
(Whereupon, at 10:51 a.m., the Senate adjourned.)
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