Assembly Resolution No. 177

BY: M. of A. Heastie

HONORING James R. Tallon, Jr. for his many years
of distinguished service to the New York State Board
of Regents

WHEREAS, It is the practice of the State of New York to recognize
those skilled and dedicated individuals within our midst whose notable
professional and personal accomplishments merit the recognition of their
local communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
James R. Tallon, Jr. for his 15 years of distinguished service to the
New York State Board of Regents; he will officially step down from this
esteemed position and leave the Board of Regents in March of 2017; and

WHEREAS, He received a bachelor of arts degree cum laude, in
political science from Syracuse University, and a master's degree in
international relations from Boston University, as well as awarded
honorary doctorates of humane letters from the College of Medicine and
School of Graduate Studies of the State University of New York Health
Science Center at Brooklyn, and from New York Medical College; and

WHEREAS, Regent Tallon was named an honorary fellow of the American
College of Healthcare Executives in March 2000; he was honored in May
2007 with an honorary doctoral degree from the New York College of
Podiatric Medicine; and

WHEREAS, Regent Tallon, a nationally recognized health care policy
leader, is President of the United Hospital Fund of New York; he is also
the Chair of The Commonwealth Fund and the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid
and the Uninsured; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Alliance
of Health Reform, and serves on the boards of the Institute on Medicine
as a Profession and the New York eHealth Collaborative; and

WHEREAS, Regent Tallon is a member of the Advisory Board for the
Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence, is a former member of the boards of
the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and
the Center for Health Policy Development, and held visiting lecturer
appointments at the Columbia University and Harvard University schools
of public health; and

WHEREAS, James R. Tallon, Jr. was appointed to the New York State
Board of Regents on April 1, 2002, and re-elected to five-year terms on
April 1, 2007, and April 1, 2012; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work in education, James R. Tallon, Jr.
represented Binghamton and parts of Broome County in the New York State
Assembly for 19 years, beginning in 1975; he chaired the Health
Committee from 1979 to 1987, and was Majority Leader from 1987 to 1993;
and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Norma, and their
three adult sons, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 in its deliberations to
honor James R. Tallon, Jr. for his many years of distinguished service
to New York State and the New York State Board of Regents, and to wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James R. Tallon, Jr.