Senate Resolution No. 591

BY: Senator WEBB

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of former
New York State Assemblyman James R. Tallon, Jr.,
renowned public servant and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of outstanding purpose whose lives were
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of James R. Tallon, Jr., a
Binghamton native who served as majority leader of the New York State
Assembly; he was 82 years old; and

WHEREAS, James R. "Jim" Tallon, Jr. was born on October 21, 1941, in
Brooklyn, New York, to James and Mary (Colbert) Tallon; his early years
were marked by academic excellence, having graduated at the top of his
class from North High School in Binghamton, New York, in 1959; and

WHEREAS, James R. Tallon's formative years were profoundly shaped by
meeting his high school sweetheart, Norma, who would remain his lifelong
partner and wife, and with whom he shared a deeply loving and meaningful
life; and

WHEREAS, James R. Tallon, Jr. attended Syracuse University, where he
earned his degree cum laude, benefitting from a Thomas Watson
Scholarship and his commitment to the United States Army through the
Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC), ultimately serving in Army
Intelligence; and

WHEREAS, The couple's early years of marriage were marked by their
time in Berlin, where Jim served in the United States Army, during which
he encountered numerous life-changing experiences; and

WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, James R.
Tallon, Jr. returned to Upstate New York, where he began his career in
public service, finding fulfillment in his political and legislative
career, including his election to the New York State Assembly in 1974;
and

WHEREAS, As a New York State Assemblyman, James R. Tallon, Jr. was
known for his patience, thoughtfulness, and ability to build consensus,
skills which earned him a leadership position as Chairman of the
Assembly Health Committee in 1979; and

WHEREAS, James R. Tallon's work in healthcare policy was
transformative, particularly his role in the design and passage of the
NYS Child Health Plus program in 1990, which expanded health insurance
coverage to millions of children in New York State and served as the
model for the federal State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
enacted in 1997; and

WHEREAS, After 19 years as an Assemblyman, including five as the
Assembly Majority Leader from 1987 until his retirement, James R.
Tallon, Jr. left the legislature in 1993; and

WHEREAS, James R. Tallon's influence in healthcare policy continued
throughout his tenure as President of the United Hospital Fund in New
York City, where he championed efforts to improve healthcare systems
both in New York State and across the Nation from 1993 until his
retirement in 2017; and

WHEREAS, James R. Tallon's leadership, intellect, and dedication to
public service have left an indelible mark on his community, the State
of New York, and the Nation; he will be remembered not only for his
professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering commitment to
his family, his community, and his lifelong partnership with his beloved
wife of 60 years, Norma; and

WHEREAS, An extraordinary healthcare leader, James R. Tallon, Jr.
channeled his exemplary abilities as an educator, communicator, and
consensus-builder toward the persistent fight for an effective and
equitable health care system, accessible to all; his rare combination of
intellect and empathy helped shape health policy and spark innovation to
the great benefit of New York and New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his remarkable career, James R. Tallon, Jr.
was a devoted and loving father to his three sons, James, Michael, and
Edward, who were an integral part of his life and whom he cherished
deeply; and

WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment that James R. Tallon, Jr. brought to his work as a
mentor, legislator and public policy-maker; a loyal friend and trusted
advisor, he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute
of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and remember James R. Tallon, Jr. for his extraordinary
contributions to his community, the State of New York, and the Nation,
and to express its deepest condolences to his family, whose love and
support were a testament to his profound legacy; and be it further

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