Senator Palumbo Announces the Passage of Montaukett Recognition Bill by the State Legislature

           New York State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) announced today’s passage of Senate Bill S.6721, which he sponsors, and its companion bill in the State Assembly A.6918, which is sponsored by Assemblyman Fred Thiele. The legislation aims to address reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation by the State of New York.

            “The Montaukett recognition legislation has now overwhelmingly passed in both houses of the State Legislature the past two years, and with strong bipartisan support. I urge the Governor to sign this legislation into law and reinstate the Nation's status that they should have never lost. The Montauketts once ruled from the end of Long Island to Hempstead and enjoyed federal recognition for years prior to the Pharoah case.  Now is the time to correct this injustice and provide the Montaukett Indian Nation with the status they deserve under law." said Senator Anthony Palumbo.

            Among the key provisions of Senate Bill 6721/Assembly Bill 6918 are the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation; provides that the Montaukett Indian Nation shall have a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees and a tribal secretary; and provides for the qualification of voters.

The legislation which was first introduced in 2013, was unanimously passed in the State Senate by a vote of 61-0.