Senate Bill S7204

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S7204

SPONSOR: HOYLMAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act in relation to directing the commissioner of
the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to provide for
the re-designation of Donald J. Trump State Park, in Putnam and West-
chester counties to Heather D. Heyer State Park

 
PURPOSE:

This bill would direct the commissioner of the office of parks, recre-
ation and historic preservation to rename Donald J. Trump State Park.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section I of the bill provides for the re-designation of Donald J.
Trump State Park as well as the installation and maintenance of signage
to this effect.

Section II sets forth the effective date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York State has always been known for its history of welcoming and
embracing people of all cultures and backgrounds. The strength of our
diversity and the values we hold high are even reflected in our park
system. According to the Declaration of Policy of the Office of Parks
Recreation and Historic Preservation, our parks should foster and
strengthen the sense of purpose, well-being and identity of the citizens
of this state. The names of these public parks and green spaces should
embody the goals of uplifting and unifying New Yorkers.  For these
reasons, the Donald J. Trump State Park should be renamed.

Americans across the nation have spoken out against the policy proposals
the Trump Administration has put forth that are discriminatory, divi-
sive, and misguided. Since January 2017, people have organized protests
and rallies in defense of our values while pledging to uphold progress
that has taken place on the local level.  These people include young
Americans like Heather D. Heyer, whose life was taken away at the hands
of white supremacists rallying in Charlottesville, Virginia. The events
that unfolded in Charlottesville are another reminder and example of the
work ahead in ensuring that hate does not win. It was for this reason
that Heather, who worked as a paralegal on discrimination cases, had
joined so many others that day push back against the rise in racist,
xenophobic, anti-Semitic rhetoric that has no place in our communities.

In New York, we have and continue to stand together working on measures
that protect our communities from harm while reaffirming our commitment
to progress. As we move forward, it is important to recognize those who
embody these values and their contributions.  Re-naming Donald J. Trump
State Park to Heather D. Heyer State Park would not only honor her name
and her activism, but serve as a reminder of how important it is for us
to denounce those who seek to divide us.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill in the Assembly.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.