Honor Jeff Wise Posthumously

2016 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who provided vital mental health services to individuals and their families, and in doing so, enhanced the health and welfare of the entire State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jeff Wise, JD, posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Executive Director's Award by the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Dinner "The Time for Change is Now" on Thursday, October 27,

2016; and WHEREAS, Jeff Wise is receiving this auspicious award posthumously in recognition of his leadership and dedication which helped to transform the lives of individuals with mental illness and their loved ones; and WHEREAS, Jeff Wise, former Executive Director of the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, worked for more than 25 years on issues of New York public policy, legislation and advocacy involving issues touching on multiple underserved or special populations; and WHEREAS, During his illustrious career in public policy, Jeff Wise was engaged in a myriad of policy and legislative issues; he had extensive experience in advocacy efforts, to which he brought his skills in negotiation, legislative bill drafting, research studies, and policy papers; and WHEREAS, From 2007-2013, Jeff Wise served as President/CEO of the New York State Rehabilitation Association, a statewide association advocating for providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges; and WHEREAS, Jeff Wise was an active member of the Timothy's Law Campaign, a coalition of organizations who successfully won the passage of New York's mental health parity provisions now in state insurance law; and WHEREAS, In addition, Jeff Wise was active in authoring legislation regarding homeless policy, rent increase exemptions for people with disabilities living in rent-regulated or subsidized housing and other matters involving underserved populations; and WHEREAS, This outstanding man embodied all the qualities of an individual who has dedicated his life to helping individuals with disabilities; throughout this distinguished career, the hallmark of Jeff's work was his intelligence, compassion and understanding of the needs of those in the disability community; and WHEREAS, Jeff Wise's advocacy and tireless efforts have helped improve the lives of countless New Yorkers and his legacy will continue for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Jeff Wise, JD, posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Executive Director's Award by the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Jeff Wise.