BILL NUMBER:  S2231

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the public buildings law, in relation to designating
the state office building at 55 Hanson Place in Brooklyn, New York as
the "Shirley Chisholm State Office Building"


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
The purpose of this bill is to commemorate the outstanding public
service career of Shirley Chisholm, a former state assembly member and
the first African-American woman elected to the United States
Congress. In recognition of her commitment to public service, the
State Office Building in Brooklyn should be renamed in her honor.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
The public buildings law is amended by adding a new section 2-c to
read as follows:

2-C. State office building to be designated as known as the "Shirley
Chisholm State Office Building." The state office building at 55
Hanson Place in Brooklyn, New York shall be designated and hereinafter
known as the "Shirley Chisholm State Office Building."

 JUSTIFICATION :
Shirley Chisholm was a remarkable public figure who inspired countless
              

individuals throughout the state and across the nation to pursue a
career in public service.

Shirley Chisholm began her career in the New York State Assembly in
1965 representing the Bedford Stuyvesant community in the legislature.
During her two terms in the Assembly, Chisholm authored key
legislation, including the development of the Search for Education,
Elevation and Knowledge program (SEEK). This program provides
financial assistance to needy college students throughout New York
State.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African-American
woman elected to the United States Congress. Representing Brooklyn's
12th congressional District for seven terms, Chisholm was widely
considered an expert on child welfare and early education. She was an
advocate for an increase in the minimum wage, federal funding for day
care services and the passage of a comprehensive childcare bill.
Chisholm also obtained various federal grants for business ventures in
Brooklyn that spurred economic development in economically challenged
communities, and helped found the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969.

In 1972, Chisholm again made history by becoming the first African
American woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination.  She
conducted her campaign under the theme "catalyst for change," and
secured over 150 first ballot votes during the Democratic National
Convention.

The Kings County State Office Building, located at 55 Hanson Place, is
home to some of the most important state agencies in New York. These
agencies include the Attorney General's Office, the Department of
Labor, the Department of Human Rights, the Department of Housing and
Community Renewal, and the Department of Education. For the reasons
set forth above, it is appropriate that we designate the building at
55 Hanson Place in Brooklyn as the Shirley Chisholm State Office
Building.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.