Senate Resolution No. 63

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Jeff Wise 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 on October 27,
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.