Gaveled in 3:27 PM · Albany, New York · 2015–16 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
May 24, 2016
3:27 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR KATHLEEN C. HOCHUL, President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G STHE PRESIDENT:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone to please rise and repeat with me the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
THE PRESIDENT:Father Lewis Brown is with us this afternoon to give the invocation. He's from All Saints Parish in Corning, New York.
REVEREND BROWN:Good afternoon.
Mother Teresa would daily say the prayer of St. Francis: "Lord, make me a channel of your peace." In thinking about this prayer, she composed a like-minded one: "Persevere."
"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; forgive them anyway.
"If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
"If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
"If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
"What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
"If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
"The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.
"Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway.
"You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never about you and them anyway."
And today I add this: Lord, guide our legislators in deliberating the issues that contribute to the welfare of our citizens, protect the environment, and unite us so that we all may become better -- Excelsior!
Amen.
THE PRESIDENT:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, May 23th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, May 22nd, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
THE PRESIDENT:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:On page 20, Senator Croci moves to discharge, from the Committee on Veterans and Homeland Security --
THE PRESIDENT:Can I have order, please.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:On page 20, Senator Croci moves to discharge, from the Committee on Veterans and Homeland Security, Assembly Bill Number 7967B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 3137C, Third Reading Calendar 360.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
THE SECRETARY:On page 38, Senator Young moves to discharge, from the Committee on Finance, Assembly Bill Number 1407B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 3014A, Third Reading Calendar 806.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
THE SECRETARY:On page 40, Senator Ranzenhofer moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill 6182 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 6731, Third Reading Calendar 824.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Madam President, I move that the following bill by Senator Flanagan be discharged from its respective committee and be recommitted with instructions to strike the enacting clause. That's Senate Print 4215.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I also have, on page 30, the following amendments to Calendar 674, Senate Print 6835A, by Senator Lanza, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Next, on page 40 I offer the following amendments to Calendar 830, Senate Print 7258, by Senator Nozzolio, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: On page 45, I offer the following amendments to Calendar 900, Senate Print 5582A, by Senator O'Mara, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Excuse me. Can you shut that door?
Also, on page 50, I offer the following amendments to Calendar 963, Senate Print 1603, a bill by Senator Bonacic, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
Can you now recognize Senator Gianaris.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Gianaris is recognized.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Madam President, on behalf of Senator Stewart-Cousins, on page 55 I offer the following amendments to Calendar 1009, Senate Print 6884, and ask that said bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.
THE PRESIDENT:So ordered.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Now I would like to hand up committee assignments. I believe they're at the desk.
THE PRESIDENT:The assignments are received and filed in the Journal.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
I now would like to move to adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 5762, 5948, and 5950.
THE PRESIDENT:All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The Resolution Calendar is adopted, with the exception of Resolutions 5762, 5948 and 5950.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
Can we now take up Resolution 5948, by Senator Kennedy, read the title only, and call on Senator Kennedy to speak.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5948, by Senator Kennedy, honoring Lukas Alvira upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2016 Youth of the Year award by the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Kennedy.
SENATOR KENNEDY:Thank you very much, Madam President.
I rise today to honor a fine young man from my district, Lukas Alvira, who is the recipient of the 2016 Youth of the Year Award by the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo, the highest honor given by the club. Lukas joins us here today on the floor of the Senate with his mentor, Joe Scarsella, who is the director of the John F. Beecher Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo.
Lukas is well-deserving of this award. He's served as a role model for younger children his entire life -- first, as the oldest to his two younger brothers, Nathan and Nicholas, and second to the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo. He's been a member of the Boys and Girls Club for the past four years, starting with the summer work program. His work ethic was recognized immediately. On many days he would be one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave when cleaning up.
The first thing you'll notice about Lukas is his positive attitude. It's contagious to those around him. He uses this positivity to bring out the best in people, including younger members of the Boys and Girls Club.
At the Boys and Girls Club, Lukas has set up monthly visits with younger members to local nursing homes to interact with the residents, and he's been instrumental in organizing school supply and book bag drives over the course of the last few years.
As proof of this dedication to the membership of the Boys and Girls Club, Lukas was elected by his peers as Keystone Club president. As president, Lukas has helped to organize several neighborhood cleanup initiatives, helping to give back to our community.
In addition to his service to the Boys and Girls Club, Lukas is an outstanding student, maintaining a 90 GPA at Hutch Tech High School in Buffalo, where he's also a member of the varsity baseball team.
He's been recognized for his work by being awarded the Angelo Del Toro Scholarship, awarded by the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute of New York State.
Next year Lukas will attend Medaille College, staying close to home in Buffalo. He hopes to study sports management and wants to continue playing baseball. His dream is to one day play for the New York Yankees.
And I'd like to recognize Lukas's father, Hector, who's not with us here in the chamber today. Lukas's strong work ethic is attributed to his father, who has raised three sons as a single parent.
Congratulations, Lukas. Your achievements are already outstanding. We salute you for your support of Buffalo, your desire to stay in the community after graduating from high school and to go on in achieving your higher education. We know that you'll keep focused on helping yourself and helping others, and we certainly know that you'll go far. And we look forward to the many more accomplishments that are yet to come.
Madam President, I'd like to ask that this resolution be opened up for cosponsorship of this body, and please extend the honor of the house to Lukas Alvira.
Congratulations, young man.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, Madam President, would you please recognize Senator Griffo for an introduction of a very interesting person.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Griffo.
SENATOR GRIFFO:Thank you, Madam President.
We're very fortunate today to have some guests here. I want to start by introducing an individual who is a friend of mine whose grandfather, in 1929, as a 19-year-old in Utica, New York, invested his life savings to start a business. His name was Joe Carbone.
And today his grandson is with me, Alex Carbone.
And this is a family from our community who are not only successful businesspeople, but they truly believe in service to the community. They are very philanthropic and generous, and we appreciate all the good work that they do on behalf of Central New York and the Capital District.
Thank you for your service to our community, Alex.
And I had the opportunity to meet, through Alex, a friend who is not originally from New York, but I think we may be able to convince Barbara to maybe look at New York. So today we are very fortunate to have with us Barbara and Jonathan Goldsmith.
Jonathan may be a little familiar. We'll show him when he stands up; you'll be able to see him better.
Jonathan has had an extraordinary career in television. But I think beyond that, what I was very impressed with is the causes that he has really believed in. He talked about not only landing the role that he has had as The Most Interesting Man in the World, but some of the other things that he has done throughout his career that have been so important -- whether it's looking at the S.A.B.R.E. Foundation and their mission to protect and preserve the Siberian tiger, whether it is trying to fight drug abuse and work in the correctional facilities to be an advocate and to help educate.
He truly is someone who is not only interesting from his career path, but from a life perspective.
And I think that really today we are fortunate to have this individual as our guest. He was born on September 28th -- is that your birthday? Senator Little shares the same birthday as you, Jonathan.
So I want to say today that he is quoted as saying that the role that he is most well-known for is largely inspired by himself.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR GRIFFO:So if opportunity knocks and he's not home, opportunity waits. Right, Jonathan?
So his words carry weight that would break a less interesting man's jaw.
I'd like to present to you today, and welcome him to the New York State Capitol, Jonathan Goldsmith and his wife Barbara. Thank you for being here today. Please stand and be recognized.
(Applause.)
SENATOR GRIFFO:Simply put, he is The Most Interesting Man in the World. And he will be available to meet some of the members and staff, thanks to the courtesy of the Lieutenant Governor, in her offices here at the Capitol. Thank you.
Thank you, Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you. All I can say is stay thirsty, Madam President.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you please recognize Senator Peralta.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Peralta.
SENATOR PERALTA:Thank you. I can't miss this opportunity. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
So the agency's rationale for the brand strategy was defined as he is a man rich in stories and experiences, much the way the audience hopes to be in the future.
So I want to thank Jonathan Goldsmith for being here today. And I told him when I saw him in the back that I am a huge fan. In fact, I stop what I'm doing when these commercials come on because I need to hear what The Most Interesting Man has to say. And I want to leave you with some of his best quotes.
His business card simply says: "I'll call you."
When he went to Spain, he chased the bulls.
He can speak French and Russian.
He gave his father "the talk."
His passport requires no picture.
When he drives a car off a lot, its price increases in value.
Once a rattlesnake bit him, and after five days of excruciating pain, the snake finally died.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR PERALTA:His Cinco de Mayo party starts on the 8th of March.
His feet don't get blisters, but his shoes do.
He once went to a psychic to warn her.
If he were to punch you in the face, you would have to fight off a strong urge to thank him.
Superman has pajamas with his logo.
His tears can cure cancer. Too bad he never cries.
The circus ran away to join him.
He once brought a knife to a gunfight just to even the odds.
He once won a staring contest with his own reflection.
He can kill two stones with one bird.
Sharks have a week dedicated to him.
He lives vicariously through himself.
He bowls overhand.
Bigfoot is trying to get pictures of him.
He once had an awkward moment just to see what it feels like.
Mosquitos refuse to bite him, purely out of respect.
His shadow has been on the Best Dressed List twice.
When in Rome, they do as he does.
His pillow is cool on both sides.
Presidents take his birthday off.
His shirts never wrinkle.
If he were to pat you on the back, you would list it on your resume.
He has inside jokes with people he never met.
His enemies put his name down in case of an emergency.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR PERALTA:So all I have to say, with that, is thank you, Jonathan Goldsmith.
Stay thirsty, my friends. Stay thirsty.
(Laughter; applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, we have one other introduction, I believe. Senator Savino, would you please call on her.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Savino.
SENATOR SAVINO:Thank you, Madam President.
I would like all of my colleagues to join me in welcoming a very special young lady here to the chamber today. She's not just special because she comes from Staten Island -- and she does, born and raised in Staten Island. She is special for many reasons, not just because she has a crown on her head. Miss New York is joining us here today, Jamie Lynn Macchia.
As I said, she is a lifelong Staten Islander. She won the Miss New York contest last June 6th, so she's approaching the end of her reign. She has spent the better part of her time fighting for raising awareness for pediatric cancer and leukemia, and she's dedicated most of her time to raising awareness of childhood cancers.
And in fact when she ends her reign, she is going to go back to Staten Island; she's going to be working at Staten Island University Hospital, helping to raise money for childhood cancer.
She's a remarkable young woman. She's an example of the best of Staten Island and the best of New York. And we welcome you to the chamber, Jamie Lynn Macchia.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:Welcome, Jamie.
Mr. Floor Leader.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you now please take up Resolution 5950, by Senator Flanagan, read it in its entirety, and call on Senator Flanagan.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5950, by Senators Flanagan, Klein and Stewart-Cousins, honoring the distinguished veterans of the State of New York upon the occasion of their induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on May 24, 2016.
"WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the distinguished veterans from the State of New York upon the occasion of their induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on May 24, 2016; and
"WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductees are members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces which include Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine Corps; these exceptional men and women are chosen for this prestigious honor based on either service in combat or notable work performed after discharge from the service; and
"WHEREAS, The 2016 inductees include: William B. Allendorph, Ronald Bassham, Walter Bridgers, Joe Robert Brown, Eugene 'Gene' Burch, Rosetta Burke, Willie Burks, Julixa Campusano, Clayton Carpenter, Sidney T. Clark, Pete Colombo, Douglas Condit, Jr., John Condon, George S. Delianites, Rocco V. D'onofrio, Johon Dulisse, Buddy Epstein, Lawrence Fisher, Joseph S. Forte, Father Mortiz Fuchs, Diana B. Gaetano, Joseph Gallant, Jr., Luke Gasparre, P. Earl Gleason, Tom Hoare, Tom Horn, Walter Hughes, William 'Bill' Hughes, James Irwin, Andrew Jackson, Leslie Lewis, Dr. Lewis Licht, Donald Marshall, Robert Francis McLean, Phyllis Mills, Jim Mullarkey, Frank Nicolazzo, Joseph A. Panzardi, Sr., Arthur Pearlman, Vito Pinto, Frank J. Pullano, Samuel L. Reddic, Carlton Richardson, Paul Rieckhoff, Keith Rivera, Paul 'Rizzo' Russo, Maria del Pilar Ryan, Raymond A. Salvie, John B. Sampson, Wendell H. Schillinger, Ed Springer, John Stiegler, Michael Sulsona, Kinda Thomas, Carmen S. Turchiarelli, Richard Warren, Frederick Wedin, John White, Thomas R. Wood, Sr., William Charles Wood III, and Jewish War Veterans; and
"WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave; and
"WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans comes at a very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict; it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who risk their lives must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country; and
"WHEREAS, Our nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their state and their nation; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the distinguished veterans from the State of New York upon the occasion of their induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on May 24, 2016; and be it further
"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the 2016 inductees."
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Flanagan.
SENATOR FLANAGAN:Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to speak on behalf of this resolution.
And, you know, we have interesting days here in the New York State Senate. Today we run the gamut. We start with The Most Interesting Man in the World -- but I have to tell you, parenthetically, when Senator Peralta was reading off all those lines from the various commercials, it would be virtually impossible not to have an inflated ego. And I was watching poor Mrs. Goldsmith sitting there thinking, I've got to deal with this guy when I get home? Can you imagine what that's like?
(Laughter.)
SENATOR FLANAGAN:And then we come to Miss New York from Staten Island, Senator Savino's constituent.
And now we're at the root of things that are all-important and things that made us proud, and it gives us an opportunity to pay respect to our veterans here in the State of New York.
Today we celebrated this year's version of the Veterans Hall of Fame induction. And for those of you who were able to attend, as usual, it was a wonderful ceremony. And I want to highlight several aspects of what we did today but speak very briefly at the same time.
I want to thank our -- really our ambassador, in so many ways, to the military. We certainly have members on both sides of the aisle who have served with distinction on behalf of our country. But I want to thank Senator Colonel Larkin for his yeomanlike effort every single day, every session, every year. He never forgets. He's always there. And we should be grateful for that.
I also want to add I want to thank our M.C. for today, the gentleman who is presiding over our session, and that is Senator Tom Croci, for doing an excellent job spearheading our effort, and then switch gears to talk about our veterans here in the State of New York.
I was gratified and humbled to have a gentleman, Ed Springer, who served for four years, because a sergeant in the United States Army, and of course he happens to be a constituent from my area. He obviously served with distinction.
But what I found as a consistent theme, whether it's Mike Gianaris or me or Senator Krueger or Senator Farley, if you look at the people that we highlighted today, they not only distinguished themselves in terms of their military service, but I find a remarkable -- and I repeat, remarkable -- consistency that when they get home, they don't disappear. These are people who have decades and decades of commitment and active service in their communities: Not-for-profits, firefighters, volunteers in every way, shape or form. They are the backbone of our communities. And a lot of that ingrained in them in their service to our country.
And let's remember that a lot of the people who are here today were not compelled to serve on behalf of their country but volunteered to do so.
So I think it's fitting tribute to all of those individuals that we take a moment and reflect on the fact that, as I said earlier today, we're allowed to deliberate in here. We're allowed to agree, we're allowed to disagree. We're allowed free speech. We're allowed to exercise our religion and our faith, and in large part because of all the people that we honor today.
So, Mr. President, I would like to add my voice and just say thank you. We want to make sure that we're always paying respect to our veterans. And I'll tell you this. I'm going to close on this point. I know in my own community -- and it's not every place, but in my own community we have a facility called the New York State Veterans Home at Stony Brook. It is a state-run veterans home in the State of New York.
And I'm so grateful and eternally proud of the work that they do, because it's not just Stony Brook, it's all across the State of New York. We fund that with the federal government. It's an exemplary institution. What we do on behalf of our veterans during their service is important. What we do on behalf of our veterans after they leave the armed forces is far more important.
Senator Croci, your lead as chairman of the Homeland Security and Veterans Committee gives us a good direction in terms of what we should do. So I just, again, want to thank all of our veterans and to all of my colleagues for choosing people and participating in our ceremony today.
Mr. President, thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Thank you, Senator Flanagan.
Senator Addabbo.
SENATOR ADDABBO:Thank you, Mr. President.
I too, on behalf of the Democratic Conference, want to congratulate all of the inductees in today's Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Every year I'm so impressed with their -- not only their service, and proud of their service, but certainly of their background and, again, their contributions to our society.
All these veterans really are truly indicative and reflective of our state. They come from many different backgrounds, different genders, different ages. But as Colonel Lee Schiller, Jr., said at the ceremony, different on the outside. On the inside they're all the same. The unwavering commitment to serve our country makes them all the same and binds them all, and for that we are forever grateful.
As Democratic ranker of the Senate Veterans Committee, I want to thank our chair, credibly served by Senator Croci, and of course being the M.C. today, and for your service to our country as well.
And I think as a government we have to show our gratitude in what we do for our veterans. I believe it's our obligation as elected officials to make sure that these veterans have quality healthcare, have access to housing, education, employment. I think this is what we need to do. It is our obligation.
Our veterans have paid it forward for us in risking their lives. And I want to say that we should obviously pay it back to them, as elected officials.
So to our inductees today, I want to say congratulations. May God bless them. We thank them for their service. May God bless our great state and our great country.
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 DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Mr. President, could we please open it up for cosponsorship.
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.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Can we now take up previously adopted Resolution 5454, by Senator Serino, and read it in its entirety and then call on Senator Serino.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Very well.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5454, by Senator Serino, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York.
"WHEREAS, The health and well-being of the citizens of the State of New York are of paramount importance to this Legislative Body; and
"WHEREAS, Lyme Disease is a common but frequently misunderstood illness that, if not caught early and treated properly, can cause serious health problems; and
"WHEREAS, According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health, Lyme disease was identified and named in 1977, when arthritis was observed in a cluster of children in and around Lyme, Connecticut; and
"WHEREAS, The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) designated Lyme disease as a nationally notifiable disease in January of 1991; and
"WHEREAS, Lyme disease, found in approximately 65 countries worldwide, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, commonly called the deer tick; and
"WHEREAS, There are more than a dozen tick-borne illnesses in the United States, in addition to Lyme disease; one tick may carry more than one disease, resulting in people receiving more than one co-infection from a single tick bite; and
"WHEREAS, It is difficult to diagnose co-infections because symptoms are very common, but co-infections generally result in a more severe illness, with more symptoms and a longer recovery period; and
"WHEREAS, Those with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can present symptoms that mimic and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as mental illness, depression, nutritional deficiencies or Alzheimer's disease; and
"WHEREAS, Infected ticks normally live on deer and mice and the majority of tick bites occur in the summer months when ticks are most active, and when more people are enjoying the outdoors; and
"WHEREAS, According to the CDC, Lyme disease is found most frequently in the Upper Midwest and Northeast United States; in 2014, 96 percent of Lyme disease cases were reported from 14 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin; and
"WHEREAS, In 2013, the federal CDC estimated that 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, while only 30,000 cases of the disease are actually reported; and
"WHEREAS, Since Lyme disease became reportable in 1986, there have been over 95,000 confirmed cases in New York; and
"WHEREAS, Over a 13-year period, Lyme disease was the listed cause of death of nine New York residents outside of New York City, with five victims from the mid-Hudson Valley region; and
"WHEREAS, The current method of diagnosis recommended by the CDC is a two-tiered testing approach, however, it will only test correctly 85-100 percent of the time, resulting in roughly 20 percent false negative results; and
"WHEREAS, Lyme disease is hard to diagnose because the most common sign individuals and doctors look for when determining if one contracted Lyme disease is a red bulls-eye rash surrounding the tick bite (erythema migrans); however, this rash does not appear in a quarter of Lyme disease cases; the other indications of this disease are common flu-like symptoms and joint pain, which often lead to misdiagnosis; and
"WHEREAS, The Senate Majority Coalition created the Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases to examine state and federal efforts to combat the continued spread of these diseases and make recommendations for a plan to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment; and
"WHEREAS, With the arrival of spring, more people will enjoy the outdoors and come into contact with ticks; the observance of Lyme Disease Awareness Month provides an opportunity for the State of New York to focus on and bring awareness of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases to its citizens; and
"WHEREAS, Lyme Disease Awareness Month provides an opportunity to focus on this significant and complex disease, to provide information on and raise public awareness of its causes, effects and treatments, and to underscore important education and research efforts surrounding Lyme and tick-borne diseases; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016 as Lyme Disease Awareness 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 Serino.
SENATOR SERINO:Thank you, Mr. President.
As many of you know, I hail from Hyde Park in the Hudson Valley, and our area in particular has been especially affected by Lyme. As the mother of a son who has suffered the debilitating symptoms, I have a personal connection to this issue and I've experienced the frustration and the anxiety that come along with this disease firsthand.
Back home, I've heard story after devastating story of people whose lives have been forever changed by Lyme disease. And in the resolution you heard about the people that have passed away due to Lyme disease. I actually just met one of the parents a few weeks ago -- didn't realize that I knew them, and their son was one of the children that died from Lyme disease.
Raising awareness for Lyme and tick-borne diseases is one of the single most important things we can do to stop their spread. The more people know, the better they can protect themselves and their families.
Since being named chair of the Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases, my focus has really been on education and prevention, for the simple reason that awareness works. And how I know this is we all go to the senior picnics. I had a couple of seniors come up to me and tell me that they were diagnosed with dementia. And because of coming to my forums, they learned that they actually have Lyme disease.
And my own personal story, I know many of you know I had a brother who died by suicide five and a half years ago. And not knowing, you know, until I became the chair of the Lyme Task Force did I delve into it. My brother was undiagnosed with Lyme disease for almost 10 years. So it really makes you wonder, because it does affect your mental health capabilities.
So this year, to further awareness, we're bringing back the "Take a Bite out of Lyme" challenge. And I thank my colleagues that have done it. And if other people would like to do it, I have the limes and we can take the bite out of Lyme. It's a social media event that is raising unprecedented awareness around the world. I've got a bagful of limes here with me today, so I invite you to come and join me. It's such a small thing that can have an incredible impact.
I thank all of you here today for giving me the opportunity to recognize May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and I hope that you will join us in spreading the word. It's time to end Lyme in our state and beyond.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Little.
SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.
And I'd like to thank Senator Serino for this resolution, because Lyme disease is affecting a tremendous number of people in New York State. And the areas where Lyme disease is possible because of the ticks is certainly moving even more north as we go along.
I'd like to talk about and share a personal story. And my chief of staff, Dan, who many of you know, was bitten by a tick in June of 2013. He posted his story on Facebook the other day, because it is Lyme Disease Week, and recognizing it. And I'd like to just quote him for a moment. I have witnessed what he went through for all these years, two years, two and a half years.
According to Dan: "My story is like those of many Lyme patients. Numerous doctors appointments, first diagnosis was Epstein-Barr, mono, then depression/anxiety, then B12 deficiency. Blood tests for the bacteria that causes Lyme came back negative, which was all the doctors needed to rule it out. Six months in, the diagnosis was multiple sclerosis."
Prior to the tick bite, he had had none of the symptoms that he started to experience once he had the tick bite. And those symptoms included severe fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of balance, brain fog, horizontal nystagmus, thousands of muscle twitches an hour, the sensation of vibration under his skin, like a cellphone going off and on for hours, hypnic jerks, inability to sleep, eye floaters, loss of hand dexterity, difficulty walking, muscle cramping, extreme sensitivity to cold, and anxiety.
Fortunately, Dan found treatment and is 90 to 98 percent, he feels, recovered. By putting this on Facebook, he has already received calls from people, and messages, because he wants to help other people.
Not everyone has the kind of Lyme disease that he contracted. But it is so serious and it affects your life in so many ways. And at our forums, we have seen people who have gone into rheumatoid arthritis, people who have had paralysis, people who just have had their entire lives altered because of a tick.
So very, very important. We have some great Lyme brochures that we have distributed. And I think that through education, as Senator Serino says, we can make people more aware to check themselves also, and to try to prevent getting bitten by a tick and having Lyme disease.
So thank you for doing this resolution. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator LaValle.
SENATOR LaVALLE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise in part to thank Senator Serino, as our leader, our chair, for moving us forward. And as you heard in her own words, this is something that is very, very important to her and important to other members on the task force.
I also want to thank Senator Hannon, who was the chair before, because under the task force at that time, a very important bill was passed to ensure that all treatment modalities are on the table for treatment for patients. And at one point in time there was a raging debate as to what was a good treatment and what was a bad treatment. Doctors who prescribed one treatment may have been called kooks at the time, but now we have legitimized all modalities of treatment.
In the First Senate District that has six townships, this is a big problem. On Shelter Island -- and that's the island that sits between the North Fork and the South Fork of Long Island -- one individual said to me, and he actually runs the South Ferry, just going out his door and walking for just a few steps, he was literally covered in ticks. And so it's a big problem on Long Island and regardless of where you are. And it's a problem for our animals as well.
So the work that we do on this task force has been really terrific and produced a really, really good brochure that our constituents appreciate, because it gives them the kinds of information that they need in dealing with this issue.
And, well, I think we have to thank our Majority Leader for moving this forward, this task force, another great task force that is doing great work.
Senator Serino, thank you for your leadership and the passion that you bring to this issue.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, I believe this should be open for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution will be open for cosponsorship. If anyone chooses not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, could you now take up Resolution 5762, by Senator Montgomery, read the title only, and call on Senator Montgomery.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 5762, by Senator Montgomery, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Municipal Credit union on October 15, 2016.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Montgomery.
SENATOR MONTGOMERY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to thank my colleagues for joining me in adopting this resolution, which celebrates the one-century anniversary of the Municipal Credit Union in the State of New York.
As we all know, that a credit union is a non-for-profit financial institution that is cooperatively owned by its members. Credit unions focus on serving members rather than on maximizing profit. In doing so, the earnings go back to members in the form of more affordable rates and fewer and lower fees for products and services.
Credit unions offer many of the same products and services offered by other financial institutions, including checking and savings accounts, personal, auto and mortgage loans, credit cards, direct deposit, online and mobile banking, and ATM networks. In fact, a member may join a credit union for as little as $5. It is truly affordable.
So today we are recognizing one of our own credit unions in the State of New York, the Municipal Credit Union, which has been serving the financial needs of the members that it represents since 1916. MCU was chartered in response to the concern of a New York City mayor, Mayor John Purroy Mitchel, who wanted city employees to have a way to save at reasonable rates and a low-cost borrowing alternative to loan sharks.
Thus the Municipal Credit Union started out with one branch, which was located in the Municipal Building in the City of New York, using handwritten ledgers. At the end of the first year, 19 charter account holders, or members, had combined deposits of $570. Today, 100 years later, we have 20 branches, more than 400,000 members, and over $2.1 billion in assets.
MCU is the oldest credit union in the State of New York and one of the largest in the country. We have now branches in New York City, all five boroughs, as well as in Westchester, as well as Long Island. In addition to the main office, which is in Cortlandt Street in New York City, the branches include Bronx, 149th Street, Brooklyn Postal, Co-Op City, Coney Island, East Side, East Meadow, Elmont, Flatbush, Harlem, Melville, Nyack, Oceanside, Rego Park, Ralph Avenue, Springfield, Staten Island and Yonkers. And by the way, my branch is in Brooklyn.
So many of us represent this wonderful credit union, which has served so many hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers for 100 years.
So I join with the board of directors, who the chair is the Honorable Sylvia Ash, along with the second vice chair, Richard Wagner, the first vice chair, James Durrah, the third vice chair, Loretta Jones -- and I also want to take this minute to recognize Kam Wong, who is the president and chief executive officer of the Municipal Credit Union -- for the fine work that they have done in making sure that we have a financial institution that is sound, that is secure, and that serves working people in the City of New York, all five boroughs, as well as the counties that I mentioned earlier.
So thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me this opportunity to recognize one of the premier financial institutions in the State of New York, the Municipal Credit Union, and their 100th anniversary. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Savino.
SENATOR SAVINO:Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to thank Senator Montgomery for bringing this resolution in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Municipal Credit Union.
I have been a member of the Municipal Credit Union for about a quarter of their century. As a young city employee I joined the Municipal Credit Union, like thousands of other New York City employees. It was the place for us to be able to save our money, to have it come directly out of our paychecks, to be able to put money away for the down payment on a house or the down payment on a car. And in fact when the time came to make that major purchase in our life, we were offered the opportunity to get the best possible loan guarantee, the best possible rate in the safest environment.
Credit unions have provided that environment for thousands and thousands of New York City employees. In the State of New York, we have SEFCU. Credit unions provide a vital service for their members, and we would love to see them all over the place. We have one on Staten Island, we have one more to come. We look forward to opening more MCU branches in the second centennial year.
Thank you, Senator Montgomery.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Hamilton.
SENATOR HAMILTON:Yes, I rise, Mr. Chairman, to praise MCU for its 100th anniversary and to thank Senator Montgomery for recognizing MCU. I've been a member of MCU now for 31 years. It has given me many loans for me and my family to buy many several items. It's a great resource in the community.
I remember when I first started working for the City of New York, we got paid and we had to wait on line for about a half an hour to cash our checks. MCU was the first bank that I joined up to to become a member. And MCU has been working with my office in Central Brooklyn giving financial resource seminars to people in our community, letting them know that they can become financially literate.
And also they provide free tickets to the games at MCU Park for our young underprivileged children in our community. So there is a connection with MCU and giving back to the community.
And I also want to thank a good friend of mind, Sylvia Ash, for doing a phenomenal job in extending and leading MCU.
And I wish one day we could have more credit unions in Brownsville, my section. We have 60,000 people and only one bank. That is a financial tragedy. So hopefully one day credit unions will be able to get municipal deposits to go to areas where banks don't go.
Thank you very much.
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: Would you please open it up for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The resolution will be open for cosponsorship. If you do not wish to cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, during the course of the session we've been joined by a bunch of guests, organized by the League of Women Voters, to actually see what happens here.
There's an additional group from Senator Murphy's district, the Sleepy Hollow School District, the Advanced Placement in Government class has been up here watching. And I want to thank them for coming.
And I just wanted to mention to all of you that we actually do do bills here.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: We don't just introduce people and do resolutions, and we're going to prove it right now.
Would you please take up the noncontroversial calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Very well.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 81, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 5094A, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect two years after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 55. Nays, 4. Senators Croci, Hoylman, Krueger and Rivera recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 93, by Senator Young, Senate Print 5265, an act to direct.
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 96, by Senator Murphy, Senate Print 5951A, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation 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.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 116, by Senator Marchione, Senate Print 3897A, an act to amend the County 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 182, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 6003, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect the first day of the month commencing after 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 225, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 5795A, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
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 344, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 1909B, an act to amend the Legislative 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, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 360, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly DenDekker, Assembly Print 7967B, 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.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 536, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 6931C, an act to amend the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 90th day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 590, by Senator Murphy, Senate Print 6577A, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. 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 624, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 2245C, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. 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 651, by Senator Robach, Senate Print 4298B, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 90th 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 679, by Senator Marchione, Senate Print 1200A, 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.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 747, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 3408, an act to amend the Education 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 767, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 460, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic 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.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 781, by Senator Hannon, Senate Print 1847, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 805, by Senator Griffo, Senate Print 2263, 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 first of July.
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 806, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Paulin, Assembly Print Number 1407B, an act to amend the Education 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 821, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 5807A, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. 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 824, substituted earlier by Member of the Assembly Russell, Assembly Print 6182, an act to amend the General Municipal 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 845, by Senator Savino, Senate Print 5506A, an act to amend the Personal Property Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Croci recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 902, by Senator Young, Senate Print 6368, 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, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 904, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 523, an act to amend the Education 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 Hamilton to explain his vote.
SENATOR HAMILTON:Yes, I rise to vote yes, and I wanted to thank Senator LaValle for introducing this bill. It's a great bill for our state, it's a great bill for our young children.
As you know, we have a shortage of STEM teachers in the State of New York. And as we spoke yesterday in the Education Committee, with Chair Marcellino, that we have to have more people teaching STEM and technology in our schools, and we do have a shortage.
So this bill will have the top 10 percent of the students in high schools get a free scholarship for STEM in SUNY. So I want to thank Senator LaValle for introducing this bill and I want to thank Senator Marcellino for being the advocate on getting technology into our schools in New York State.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Thank you for rising, Senator Hamilton.
The Secretary will announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 905, by Senator Little, Senate Print 602, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. 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 907, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 2448, an act to amend the General Municipal 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 910, by Senator Funke, Senate Print 2978, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. 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 911, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 3328, an act to amend the Public Authorities 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, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Murphy recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 920, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 486A, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the first of July.
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 921, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 2645, an act to amend the Education 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 Hamilton to explain his vote.
SENATOR HAMILTON:Yes, Mr. Chair, I rise to thank Senator Ranzenhofer for introducing this bill. It's a great idea.
Right now we have in our schools, in our colleges, math, science, English. But we don't have technology. And Senator Ranzenhofer sees this need in our state schools. And so I'm voting yes on this bill, yes, yes again, because computer technology is a key area that we're lacking in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
So I thank Senator Ranzenhofer for the foresight in putting this bill forward.
Thank you very much.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 921, those recorded in the negative are Senators Croci, Hoylman, Kaminsky, Krueger, Perkins, Rivera and Stavisky.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 7.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 923, by Senator Funke, Senate Print 3126, an act to amend the Education 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, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 925, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 4969A, an act to amend the Education 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 926, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 5113A, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 948, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 397A, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. 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 Hamilton to explain his vote.
SENATOR HAMILTON:Yes, Mr. Chair.
I rise to vote no on this bill, because it does not take into effect postpartum depression in many women who have children in our country and in our state.
Postpartum depression is something that many women experience; 12 percent of women in New York State will experience postpartum depression in having a child. It's something that women do not want to talk about. It's hard to relate to your spouse or anyone else that "I have thoughts of maybe harming my child."
As we move forward, we need to take away the stigma of postpartum depression and we need to embrace young mothers and fathers when they do have children and something does go wrong. Every woman who has a child wants to love their child, but this postpartum depression is a serious issue. And no mother should be sent to prison for having an illness that, when she does go to a doctor, which is misdiagnosed, they can't diagnose it.
So we need to protect young mothers so they can feel that they can talk to someone in getting help.
Recently a young woman came to my office and she identified that she did have postpartum depression, but we could not find anyone to advocate on her behalf. But we finally did find someone, and now we're starting an organization to address postpartum depression. I did introduce a resolution that May be Postpartum Depression Month and we need to embrace young mothers when they do have children and do have difficulties.
So I cannot vote for any bill that will send a young mother to jail who has postpartum depression.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57. Nays. 2. Senators Hamilton and Montgomery recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 953, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 870, 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 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 954, by Senator Robach, Senate Print 871A, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
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 956, by Senator Little, Senate Print 1026, an act to amend the Town Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. this act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 956, those recorded in the negative are Senators Breslin, Comrie, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kaminsky, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Persaud, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Stavisky and Stewart-Cousins. Also Senator Squadron.
Ayes, 39. Nays, 20.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 958, by Senator Ranzenhofer, Senate Print 1293A, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. 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 960, by Senator O'Mara, Senate Print 1440, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 960, those recorded in the negative are Senators Comrie, Hamilton, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins and Serrano.
Ayes, 51. Nays, 8.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 962, by Senator LaValle, Senate Print 1485, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. 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.
Calendar Number 963, the bill has been amended today. The bill is high.
The Secretary will continue.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 964, by Senator Carlucci, Senate Print 1736, 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, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 965, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 1798A, 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Espaillat to explain his vote.
SENATOR ESPAILLAT:Thank you, Mr. President.
I have voted against bills like this one over 60 times that provide special benefits to the agriculture industry. I do it because I believe that an industry that does not provide basic rights and protection for the workers does not deserve these subsidies.
While 100,000 farmworkers work hard to feed all of us, they lack basic protections and rights afforded to just about every single worker in our state. To be sure, we are not talking about extravagant benefits -- a weekly day off, workers' compensation, overtime pay, the right to organize, and better working conditions.
The bill that I sponsored has now 29 sponsors in this chamber and passed the Labor Committee 12 to 4. Farmworkers are marching right now from Long Island to Albany. They will be here on June 1st. The best way to greet them when they come here is by putting this bill, the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practice Act, on the floor.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll be voting in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Espaillat to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Espaillat recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 979, by Senator Stavisky, Senate Print 3154, 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.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 982, by Senator DeFrancisco, Senate Print 3345A, 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 first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58. Nays, 1. Senator Perkins recorded in the negative.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 983, by Senator Young, Senate Print 3505A, an act to authorize.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. 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 985, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 4038, 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 985, those recorded in the negative are Senators Carlucci, Comrie, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Krueger, Montgomery, Parker, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Serrano, Squadron and Stavisky.
Ayes, 44. Nays, 15.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 987, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 4260, 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 987, those recorded in the negative are Senators Comrie, Espaillat, Gianaris, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Krueger, Montgomery, Parker, Perkins, Persaud, Sanders, Serrano and Squadron.
Ayes, 46. Nays, 13.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 989, by Senator Hamilton, Senate Print 4351, 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, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 990, by Senator Martins, Senate Print 4376A, an act to amend the Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. 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 1000, by Senator O'Mara, Senate Print 5794, an act to amend the Transportation 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 1002, by Senator Ortt, Senate Print 5888, an act to amend the Penal 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:Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 1002, those recorded in the negative are Senators Comrie, Krueger, Montgomery, Perkins, Persaud, Rivera and Sanders.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 7.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1006, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 6562, an act to amend the Insurance 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 1007, by Senator Venditto, Senate Print 6745, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
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 1010, by Senator Parker, Senate Print 6996, an act to amend the Public Health 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 1014, by Senator Klein, Senate Print --
SENATOR AVELLA:Lay it aside for the day.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Calendar Number 1014 has been laid aside for the day.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1018, by Senator Robach, Senate Print 7879, 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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Krueger to explain her vote.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you, Mr. President.
I know that someday we may get to the point of having driverless cars, but we're not there yet, and we should all make sure we keep our hands on the steering wheel when the car is turned on at all times. That's the reason for my no vote.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:Senator Krueger to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the result.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 1018, those recorded in the negative are Senators Comrie, Espaillat, Hoylman, Krueger, Montgomery, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Serrano and Squadron.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 10.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:The bill is passed.
Senator Ortt, that completes the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.
SENATOR ORTT:Mr. President, is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:There is no further business before the desk.
SENATOR ORTT:There being no further business before the desk, I move that we adjourn until Wednesday, May 25th, at 10:00 a.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, May 25th, at 10:00 a.m.
(Whereupon, at 4:48 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.