Regular Session - March 18, 2014
952
1 NEW YORK STATE SENATE
2
3
4 THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
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6
7
8
9 ALBANY, NEW YORK
10 March 18, 2014
11 3:22 p.m.
12
13
14 REGULAR SESSION
15
16
17
18 SENATOR DAVID CARLUCCI, Acting President
19 FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
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21
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25
953
1 P R O C E E D I N G S
2 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
3 Senate will come to order.
4 I ask everyone present to please
5 rise and await the presentation of the Colors.
6 (Whereupon, the Color Guard entered
7 the chamber and presented the Colors.)
8 (Whereupon, the Assemblage recited
9 the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Today
11 we are joined by Chaplain Colonel Kelly Jon
12 Moore, Garrison Chaplain for Fort Drum, to give
13 our invocation.
14 (Whereupon, the Color Guard exited
15 the chamber.)
16 CHAPLAIN MOORE: I invite you to
17 pray with me.
18 Lord God above, Ruler of Heaven and
19 Earth, thank You for giving us our life and
20 breath, for the privilege and opportunity to
21 serve a purpose higher than ourselves.
22 Thank You for men and women of this
23 nation who voluntarily and sacrificially serve
24 our military, who daily strive to keep the
25 citizens of our nation safe, that we all may
954
1 enjoy the fruit of liberty.
2 Today, as we recognize Fort Drum and
3 the 10th Mountain Division, I pray for Your hand
4 of protection particularly upon those currently
5 deployed, and I give thanks that You have placed
6 Fort Drum in this state, that we may share the
7 beauty and benefits of this great state.
8 But I pray not only for those who
9 wield the sword but for those who wield the pen.
10 For this body gathered here today, I pray You
11 grant wisdom and the understanding of complex
12 issues, knowledge to act with fortitude and
13 compassion, and, most of all, moral courage to do
14 what is right in Your eyes.
15 May God bless our nation. May God
16 bless the State of New York.
17 In Your most holy and precious name
18 I pray, amen.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
20 reading of the Journal.
21 THE SECRETARY: In Senate, Monday,
22 March 17th, the Senate met pursuant to
23 adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, March 16th,
24 was read and approved. On motion, Senate
25 adjourned.
955
1 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Without
2 objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
3 Presentation of petitions.
4 Messages from the Assembly.
5 Messages from the Governor.
6 Reports of standing committees.
7 Reports of select committees.
8 Communications and reports from
9 state officers.
10 Motions and resolutions.
11 Senator Libous.
12 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
13 Mr. President.
14 At this time I'd like to adopt the
15 Resolution Calendar, with the exception of
16 Resolutions 3997, 4060, and 4073.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: All in
18 favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with
19 the exception of Resolutions 3997, 4060, and
20 4073, signify by saying aye.
21 (Response of "Aye.")
22 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
23 Opposed, nay.
24 (No response.)
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
956
1 Resolution Calendar is adopted.
2 Senator Libous.
3 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
4 Mr. President.
5 I believe there's a resolution by
6 Senator Ritchie, Number 3997. It is at the desk.
7 I ask that it be read in its entirety, and could
8 you please call on Senator Ritchie and
9 Senator Skelos before its adoption.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
11 Secretary will read.
12 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
13 Resolution Number 3997, by Senator Ritchie,
14 memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
15 proclaim March 18, 2014, as Fort Drum Day in the
16 State of New York.
17 "WHEREAS, It is the sense of this
18 Legislative Body to support and promote the
19 historic and significant achievements of
20 Fort Drum and the United States Army
21 10th Mountain Division; and
22 "WHEREAS, Fort Drum is the largest
23 Army post in the Northeastern United States, with
24 19,605 soldiers and 4,739 civilian workers; and
25 "WHEREAS, Fort Drum is the largest
957
1 employer in Northern New York, with an economic
2 impact on the North Country and the State of
3 New York of $1.6 billion; and
4 "WHEREAS, Fort Drum traces its roots
5 to 1907 when the post was known as Camp Hughes,
6 after New York Governor Charles Hughes, and later
7 as Pine Camp, and was founded in 1951 as
8 Camp Drum, in honor of Lieutenant General Hugh
9 A. Drum, who commanded the First Army during
10 World War II, and eventually designated as
11 Fort Drum in 1974; and
12 "WHEREAS, The 10th Mountain
13 Division, which earned honor during World War II
14 fighting in the mountains of Italy in some of the
15 roughest terrain in the country, and which was
16 renowned for its expertise in mountain and winter
17 warfare, was reactivated at Fort Drum in 1985, as
18 a rapid deployment combat light infantry unit
19 dispatched to trouble spots around the globe; and
20 "WHEREAS, Fort Drum continues to be
21 home to the United States Army 10th Mountain
22 Division (Light Infantry), which includes the
23 most deployed combat brigade in the United States
24 Army, with deployments to Operation Desert Storm,
25 Saudi Arabia; Operation Restore Hope and
958
1 Operation Continue Hope, Somalia; Operation
2 Uphold Democracy, Haiti; Operation Joint Forge
3 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Operation Joint
4 Guardian, Kosovo, as well as hurricane relief
5 efforts inside the United States; and
6 "WHEREAS, The 10th Mountain
7 Division's three combat brigades at Fort Drum
8 have seen numerous deployments to both Iraq and
9 Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
10 and Operation Enduring Freedom, in fighting the
11 nation's ongoing war against terror since
12 September 11, 2001; and
13 "WHEREAS, Fort Drum and the 10th
14 Mountain Division are commanded by Major General
15 Stephen J. Townsend and a dedicated cadre of
16 officers whose commitment to our nation and our
17 troops is exemplary; and
18 "WHEREAS, Major General Townsend and
19 his command headquarters are currently deployed
20 in Afghanistan and the 10th Mountain Division is
21 expected to be among the last military forces to
22 leave that country in 2014; and
23 "WHEREAS, The 10th Mountain
24 Division, throughout its operational history, has
25 been awarded six campaign streamers, including
959
1 two campaign streamers in World War II and four
2 campaign streamers in the War on Terrorism, as
3 well as two unit decorations; and
4 "WHEREAS, A total of seven soldiers
5 posted to Fort Drum and its predecessors are
6 recipients of the nation's highest military honor
7 for valor, the Medal of Honor, including two
8 members of the 10th Mountain Division, Pfc. John
9 D. Magrath, for his actions at Castel d'Aiano,
10 Italy, during World War II, and Sfc. Jared Monti,
11 who received the medal posthumously in 2009, for
12 his heroism in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, as
13 part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and who is
14 one of just six Medal of Honor recipients since
15 2001 and the start of the global war on terror;
16 and
17 "WHEREAS, Thousands of New York men
18 and women have passed through Fort Drum, as
19 members of our Armed Forces, the Army, National
20 Guard and Reserves, showing service, dedication,
21 sacrifice, and commitment and living up to the
22 10th Mountain Division motto 'Climb to Glory';
23 now, therefore, be it
24 "RESOLVED, That this Legislative
25 Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize
960
1 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 18,
2 2014, as Fort Drum Day in the State of New York;
3 and be it further
4 "RESOLVED, That copies of this
5 resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to
6 Major General Stephen J. Townsend, Commanding
7 General of Fort Drum, and the 10th Mountain
8 Division."
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
10 Skelos.
11 SENATOR SKELOS: Thank you,
12 Mr. President.
13 We're all honored today to have
14 General Howard and soldiers from Fort Drum
15 visiting with us today.
16 I want to thank Senator Patty
17 Ritchie for making this day possible, and also
18 for her support on a daily basis of the fine men
19 and women of Fort Drum.
20 The 10th Mountain Division has an
21 incredibly rich history. Since the first combat
22 deployment in 1945, the division's soldiers have
23 defended our country, fought for freedom around
24 the world. This division also has a strong
25 history of humanitarian missions, not only here
961
1 in the United States but in places like Bosnia,
2 Haiti and Somalia.
3 Fort Drum is an outstanding unit
4 that has an enormous impact on the economy and is
5 also a steadfast contributor to our nation's
6 defense.
7 General Howard, your presence here
8 is humbling. It reminds us how blessed we are to
9 be Americans, to have brave soldiers who dedicate
10 their lives to protecting our country.
11 All of us here cannot thank you
12 enough. To say we appreciate your service is
13 simply an understatement. Your courage, valor
14 and dedication to this great nation is truly
15 honorable. And we are so proud of everyone
16 serving at Fort Drum.
17 To your colleagues who are overseas
18 and to those deploying this year, they are and
19 always will be in our thoughts and prayers. We
20 look forward to everyone's safe return home.
21 I thank you all for joining us here
22 today.
23 And, Mr. President, if you could
24 recognize Senator Ritchie.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
962
1 you, Senator Skelos.
2 Senator Ritchie.
3 SENATOR RITCHIE: Thank you,
4 Mr. President.
5 I'm proud to sponsor Fort Drum Day
6 once again in the New York State Senate and want
7 to welcome General Howard and the soldiers and
8 officers of the 10th Mountain Division here in
9 the Senate chamber.
10 Your presence here reminds us of the
11 thousands of men and women who volunteer to serve
12 and defend our nation as members of our armed
13 forces. Your presence also reminds us of the
14 importance of Fort Drum, not just to our nation's
15 defense but also to the communities that I
16 represent in the North Country.
17 You remind us of its importance as
18 New York's largest single-site employer and the
19 billions of dollars that Fort Drum pours into our
20 state and local communities.
21 There is something else I want to
22 remind everyone today, that while General Howard
23 and these men and women are here today to share
24 with us Fort Drum Day, their commanding general,
25 Stephen Townsend, and the entire headquarters
963
1 battalion are currently in Afghanistan, serving
2 alongside thousands of other soldiers from
3 Fort Drum.
4 The 10th Mountain Division was
5 reactivated at Fort Drum on September 11, 1984.
6 In the days following September 11, 2001,
7 Fort Drum and officers were the very first sent
8 overseas in response to the World Trade Center
9 attack. On September 11, 2014, as we remember
10 that horrible day 13 years ago, members of the
11 10th Mountain Division will be preparing to be
12 the last troops to return home.
13 Many if not all the men and women in
14 uniform you see in this room were part of that
15 campaign to defend America and keep us safe.
16 Among them are many native New Yorkers. But from
17 where I stand, I want to be clear that all the
18 men and women of Fort Drum are New Yorkers. And
19 the 10th Mountain Division is New York's
20 10th Mountain Division. And I want to thank all
21 of you for your service.
22 I want to thank General Howard and
23 General Townsend for allowing us to celebrate
24 Fort Drum Day and the 10th Mountain Division.
25 I also want to acknowledge some
964
1 guests who are here with us today who advocate on
2 behalf of Fort Drum. And they're here to answer
3 some of your questions.
4 For my colleagues who haven't had
5 the opportunity to visit some of the displays
6 that are out between the doors, it really brings
7 home the sacrifice of the men and women that are
8 here today and what they have to go through when
9 they're deployed.
10 So, Senator Skelos, I would like to
11 thank you and thank Senator Klein for allowing us
12 to celebrate Fort Drum Day and the 10th Mountain
13 Division here today.
14 Thank you, Mr. President.
15 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
16 you, Senator Ritchie.
17 Senator Sanders.
18 SENATOR SANDERS: Thank you,
19 Mr. President.
20 Allegedly, General Howard, there is
21 a rivalry between the Marine Corps and the Army.
22 And of course this is a mere allegation.
23 But we in the Marine Corps recognize
24 that the 10th Mountain Division is a hard-core
25 group that has served outstanding in every
965
1 theater that they have been sent to. And I just
2 wanted to stand up and congratulate you guys for
3 doing what you have done, what you are doing, and
4 what you will do for this country.
5 Thank you.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
7 you, Senator Sanders.
8 All in favor of adopting the
9 resolution please signify by saying aye.
10 (Response of "Aye.")
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
12 Opposed, nay.
13 (No response.)
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
15 resolution is adopted.
16 Senator Libous.
17 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
18 Mr. President.
19 And I believe Senator Ritchie would
20 like to open the resolution up for everyone to
21 cosponsor. And as the policy goes here, if
22 someone for whatever reason wishes not to be a
23 cosponsor, just let the desk know and we would
24 proceed.
25 Mr. President, it is an honor for me
966
1 at this time to introduce to my colleagues
2 General Michael Howard, who will go to the
3 rostrum and address the Senate today.
4 General Howard.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
6 General.
7 (Standing ovation.)
8 GENERAL HOWARD: I don't know of
9 any rivalry between the Army and the Marine
10 Corps.
11 (Laughter.)
12 GENERAL HOWARD: Senator Skelos,
13 Senator Klein, Senator Stewart-Cousins and
14 Senator Ritchie, of course, thank you so much for
15 inviting me today.
16 You all know that General Townsend
17 is in Afghanistan. As his deputy and as the
18 senior commander at Fort Drum for the next year,
19 it's a real pleasure to represent him today in
20 front of you.
21 So in the spirit of the name
22 Fort Drum Day in New York, I thought I'd take a
23 minute to tell you a little bit about Fort Drum's
24 soldiers, what the division is doing, how it is
25 that the division and the community, the North
967
1 Country community interact, and maybe talk a word
2 or two about the drawdown, the drawdown in
3 resources and potential drawdown in forces.
4 So let me start with soldiers. Last
5 week I visited the Warrior Transition Unit at
6 Drum. Many of you know that this is a very
7 unique organization that takes care of those
8 soldiers that require the most complex care as
9 they heal and return either to their unit or back
10 to their civilian lives.
11 So I was walking down the hall, and
12 someone called out "Lieutenant Colonel Howard, is
13 that you?" Well, the rank's wrong, I'm not a
14 lieutenant colonel. But the name was certainly
15 right. And I recognized the voice. So I turned
16 around, and I faced a man that I served with in
17 2004 at Fort Drum when I was a lieutenant
18 colonel.
19 I asked him if he was a patient at
20 the WTU, and he told me no, he was a cadre
21 member, that he was leading soldiers.
22 Unique about this guy is he's an
23 amputee. He lost his leg in a horrific mine
24 strike in 2004. The last time I saw him was just
25 before his fifth operation. I told him that I
968
1 recalled that day, and he smiled and told me he
2 remembered it as well. He remembered it because
3 I think we promoted him right around that time
4 also. And he also told me that he stopped
5 counting his operations after his 50th operation.
6 He's an amputee with a multiyear
7 recovery that chose to stay on active duty and
8 continue to serve.
9 Ladies and gentlemen, the ranks are
10 filled with people like that, with those kind of
11 great stories, who have given so much of
12 themselves to the nation. And in these wars, if
13 you give yourself to the nation, you're really
14 giving yourself to the whole world, because these
15 are world problems, not American problems. To
16 me, their patriotism is overwhelming.
17 Senior leaders in the Army say all
18 the time that the strength of the nation is the
19 Army, and the Strength of the army is its people.
20 And that's certainly true at Fort Drum, where we
21 have 18,000 soldiers, most of whom are veterans
22 of Iraq or Afghanistan or, in a lot of cases,
23 both.
24 Many entered the service well after
25 the war had begun, which means they joined the
969
1 Army knowing full well that they were signing up
2 to go to war. Last year we lost 20 soldiers from
3 Fort Drum in the war, and we've lost more than
4 300 since the war began. That's not 300 lives
5 lost, that's 300 families devastated. Those
6 numbers are the dead. The injured number in the
7 thousands. And again, that's not soldiers
8 injured, that's families injured.
9 Some of the mainstream media talk
10 about the war like it's over. Well, at the
11 10th Mountain Division, it's not over. The
12 10th Mountain was the first division to deploy;
13 they're there now; they'll be one of the last if
14 not the last division to leave Afghanistan.
15 Since the war began, Drum has
16 deployed a brigade-sized organization -- that's
17 roughly a 3,000-man-sized organization --
18 33 times to Afghanistan and Iraq. Last year we
19 averaged about 5,000 soldiers deployed at any one
20 time, and today we have about 3500 in
21 Afghanistan.
22 Despite the deployments, despite the
23 hardships, despite the dangers, soldiers continue
24 to join the Army in record numbers. They
25 continue to reenlist in record numbers. Old
970
1 soldiers like me that don't reenlist anymore
2 return to Fort Drum voluntarily -- not because we
3 have to, but because we want to, because we love
4 the unit and we love the community. Of the folks
5 that did reenlist last year, half stayed at
6 Fort Drum.
7 So there's a reason why Fort Drum
8 soldiers love the community, love the
9 North Country. In my view, it's because they are
10 so uniquely embedded in the North Country. In my
11 28 years of service I've moved 13 times and lived
12 on nine army installations. Nowhere were the
13 installation and the community as intertwined and
14 dependent on each other as they are at Fort Drum.
15 So let me try to lay this out for
16 you a little more clearly. Each year at Drum we
17 publish an economic impact statement. Last year
18 the positive economic impact on the North
19 Country, on New York State, was $1.4 billion.
20 Since we've been keeping these statistics since
21 1988, the impact has been over $19 billion.
22 The impact is measured in a number
23 of ways. And I won't mention every one of them,
24 because this speech would really be long if I
25 did. But a couple really demonstrate the
971
1 cooperation that I'm speaking of.
2 First, and probably the most
3 obvious, is the size of the workforce and the
4 associated payroll on Drum. The base employs
5 18,000 soldiers and about 4,000 civilians for a
6 total payroll of $1.1 billion annually. That's
7 $1.1 billion of groceries and gas and rent and
8 electricity and firewood and tuition, et cetera.
9 That's really, really helpful to the
10 North Country. That's really, really useful to
11 New York.
12 And this doesn't even include the
13 more than 18,000 family members, many of whom
14 work in the community.
15 Many Army installations that I've
16 served on have a hospital. Drum does not. But
17 we do great without one, because the hospitals in
18 the area -- Samaritan, Carthage, River -- care
19 for our soldiers and family members.
20 And in fact, every Saturday I send a
21 member of our command group to all of the local
22 hospitals to check on our soldiers and their
23 families. This past Saturday we had nine new
24 mothers and nine new babies in one of our local
25 hospitals. It was Samaritan. And by the way,
972
1 there wasn't a uniform in sight, a military
2 uniform.
3 It's pretty easy to bond with the
4 community that brings your children into the
5 world and then cares for your new mothers.
6 And in return, by our count, we
7 spent $29 million last year on medical care and
8 another $5 million on dental care. And that's
9 really helpful in the North Country.
10 Similarly, the other installations
11 that I've served on have schools on-base. One
12 that I served on has nine schools on the base.
13 It's its own school district. And that's more
14 the norm than not.
15 Drum, as you know, has no schools
16 on-base. But that's okay, we do great without
17 them, because our children go to school in the
18 community. And that's about 8,000 kids, by the
19 way.
20 My own children went to Carthage and
21 Indian River, and they had hugely positive
22 experiences. All three are in college now, and
23 they all have lifelong friends from New York.
24 Some of them are children from military bases
25 like Drum, as you might imagine, but many are
973
1 simply New York children that have never seen a
2 military installation.
3 It's pretty easy to bond with an
4 installation that helps you educate your kids and
5 helps you raise your children.
6 In return, local school districts
7 received $48 million last year in federal impact
8 aid. That's just the school-aged children. We
9 also have 3,000 soldiers that go to college in
10 New York State colleges. And these colleges
11 benefited from $1.5 million in federal tuition
12 assistance.
13 So with such a strong bond, such an
14 interwoven set of common interests, it's easy to
15 understand why talk of reducing resources and
16 force reductions cause anxiety. And if I could,
17 I'll just talk to this for just a minute.
18 You know that our Army is reducing
19 its strength from 560,000 to 490,000 by the end
20 of FY 2015. And part of that reduction is our
21 3rd Brigade Combat Team, which will inactivate
22 when they come back from Afghanistan later this
23 year. Now, the loss of the brigade will be
24 offset in part, but not completely, by growth in
25 other units on the Fort.
974
1 You probably recall that the Army
2 leadership reached out to elected leaders at all
3 levels before they decided exactly what to cut.
4 Recently our senior leadership announced that the
5 Army would reduce again, now from 490,000 down to
6 between 440,000 and 450,000. And if the budget
7 cuts dictated by sequestration return in FY 2016,
8 the force levels will drop even more, potentially
9 as low as 420,000.
10 Senior leaders in the military warn
11 that every Army installation has the potential to
12 be impacted. As you might imagine, I get lots of
13 queries on what this means for Fort Drum, for the
14 North Country and for New York. And the truth
15 is, right now I don't know. Nobody does.
16 What I do know is that the military
17 is moving towards a lighter, more agile force
18 that deploys rapidly. Well, that's exactly what
19 the 10th Mountain Division is right now. That's
20 why we were built in the 1980s and what we've
21 been called repeatedly to do in the last 12 years
22 of this war. In that regard, I think we're in
23 pretty good shape.
24 I also know that our senior
25 leadership has stated repeatedly that, as they
975
1 did before the decision to cut to 490, that they
2 want to hear from elected leaders again so that
3 the impact on local and state governments is
4 fully understood and considered in the
5 decision-making. And based on the last
6 reduction, I'm quite sure that you all fully
7 intend to make your views known.
8 One final note worth considering
9 while I'm talking about reduced resources. The
10 Army has shouldered a heavy burden for well over
11 a decade now, affecting many soldiers and many
12 families. We must, we must maintain our
13 commitment to these soldiers and families,
14 especially families of the fallen and those who
15 are caring for service members that were wounded
16 in combat.
17 I ask that you think about how you
18 and your delegations can take part in ensuring
19 that we continue to provide post-conflict care
20 and support to these folks. Like the soldier I
21 mentioned earlier in my remarks, the man who
22 endured more than 50 operations, many of our
23 soldiers and their families have years to go
24 before they're whole again.
25 Let me close by saying that we're
976
1 professionals who are afforded a world-class
2 installation called Fort Drum, in a world-class
3 entity called the North Country, in the
4 world-class State of New York. In return, we
5 maintain our steady focus on training, on
6 readiness and rapid deployment to answer the
7 nation's call whenever it comes. The mission
8 endures, and you can be sure that we'll be ready.
9 Thank you so much for inviting me
10 here today. I'm very proud to be a New York
11 soldier, and I'm very proud that March 18, 2014,
12 is Fort Drum Day in New York.
13 Climb to glory.
14 (Standing ovation.)
15 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
16 Libous.
17 SENATOR LIBOUS: General Howard, on
18 behalf of all the members of the Senate, and
19 certainly Senator Patty Ritchie, we welcome,
20 again, you and the men and women of Fort Drum.
21 And not only do we appreciate what
22 you do for the economy of this state and for
23 protection overall, but as Senator Skelos said in
24 his remarks, from the bottom of our hearts we
25 can't thank you enough, and the men and women,
977
1 for the sacrifices, as you said, of protecting us
2 worldwide. Because every conflict that we seem
3 to approach now is a worldwide conflict. And we
4 have so lucky and so proud to have all of you on
5 our side.
6 Thank you.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
8 Libous.
9 SENATOR LIBOUS: Mr. President, I
10 believe that Senator Stewart-Cousins has a
11 resolution at the desk. It is Number 4073.
12 I ask that it please be read in its
13 entirety, and I believe the Democratic Leader
14 would like to stand and speak on the resolution.
15 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
16 Secretary will read.
17 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
18 Resolution Number 4073, by Senator
19 Stewart-Cousins, commending the Marching Cobras
20 of New York upon the occasion of their
21 outstanding performances during Super Bowl Week
22 2014.
23 "WHEREAS, It is the sense of this
24 Legislative Body to recognize the dedication and
25 commitment of our young people who distinguish
978
1 themselves through excellence in musical
2 performance and competition; and
3 "WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern,
4 and in full accord with its long-standing
5 traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud
6 to commend the Marching Cobras of New York upon
7 the occasion of their outstanding performances
8 during Super Bowl Week 2014; these talented
9 students led the Super Bowl Championship Vince
10 Lombardi Trophy in the NFL Experience Parade on
11 Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in New York City,
12 and welcomed Super Bowl fans before the game on
13 Sunday, February 2, 2014, at MetLife Stadium,
14 East Rutherford, New Jersey; and
15 "WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of
16 New York is a marching band that includes a
17 drumline, flag team and dance squad, and is
18 comprised of 70 Westchester and New York City
19 middle and high school students; the name 'COBRA'
20 stands for Commitment, Obedience, Belief,
21 Respect, and Achievement; and
22 "WHEREAS, This award-winning,
23 hardworking, and energetic band truly lives up to
24 its name; the Marching Cobras of New York members
25 practice five days a week, four hours a day, and
979
1 also on Saturdays if they are not performing;
2 some members travel as many as two hours each way
3 to get to practice, and most of the group's
4 members had no musical experience prior to
5 joining; and
6 "WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of
7 New York helps at-risk youth from across New York
8 City's five boroughs and Westchester County beat
9 negative influences by embracing music; and
10 "WHEREAS, A nonprofit organization
11 working in collaboration with St. Christopher's
12 School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, the mission of
13 the Marching Cobras of New York is to enrich the
14 lives of teens by providing opportunities for
15 artistic expression and teen development through
16 music, marching, dance, and entertainment;
17 several members of the band are students at
18 St. Christopher's School; and
19 "WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of
20 New York has distinguished itself in its many
21 impressive accomplishments; successes include
22 being named 1st Place Grand Champions in the 2013
23 New York City State Championships, taking first
24 place in both the New York Salute to Israel
25 Parade and the 'Cakeman Parade' in Brooklyn, and
980
1 being awarded the Pace University Drum-Line
2 Contract; and
3 "WHEREAS, The shining talent of
4 these young musicians and performers has been
5 widely recognized; the Marching Cobras of
6 New York have appeared on 'The Joey Reynolds
7 Show,' played the Opening Day Performance for
8 Red Bull Arena in Newark, New Jersey, and were
9 special guest performers at Jazz at Lincoln
10 Center; they are soon to be featured in the
11 upcoming Michael Keaton film 'Birdman'; and
12 "WHEREAS, The talent displayed by
13 the Marching Cobras of New York is due in great
14 part to the efforts of Director of Bands Terrel
15 J. Stowers and his staff: Kevin Young, Sheldon
16 Gomes, Pamela Bodley, and Clifford Wesley,
17 skilled and inspirational tutors respected for
18 their ability to develop potential into
19 excellence; and
20 "WHEREAS, Achievements of this
21 magnitude are not possible without the strong
22 values of teamwork, commitment, and dedication,
23 and the outstanding members of the Marching
24 Cobras of New York City, as well as Coach Terrel
25 J. Stowers and his staff, may take just pride in
981
1 their accomplishments; and
2 "WHEREAS, This occasion presents an
3 opportunity for this Legislative Body to wish the
4 Marching Cobras of New York continued success in
5 all of its endeavors; now, therefore, be it
6 "RESOLVED, That this Legislative
7 Body pause in its deliberations to commend the
8 Marching Cobras of New York upon the occasion of
9 their outstanding performances during Super Bowl
10 Week 2014; and be it further
11 "RESOLVED, That a copy of this
12 resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to
13 the Marching Cobras of New York."
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
15 Stewart-Cousins.
16 SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS: Thank
17 you, Mr. President.
18 Certainly after the Fort Drum
19 recognition, I just wanted to again thank
20 Senator Ritchie and Senators Skelos and Klein for
21 inviting our wonderful servicepeople to be here
22 to be part of the day.
23 And I guess the second part is about
24 a drumline, and the drumline is the Cobras. And
25 we have in the gallery Sheikur Person and Quiney
982
1 Jones -- you can stand, gentlemen -- Terrel
2 Murphy, Javonte Mullen, Isaiah Williams. And
3 some ladies. Marijah Alicea, Ora Conklin, Elijah
4 Jones, Isaiah Taylor, Da'Niqua Jacobs, and
5 Emmanuel Heredia.
6 These are the Cobras.
7 (Applause.)
8 SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS: As you
9 heard, they are accompanied today by the director
10 of bands, Mr. Terrel Stowers, and the assistant
11 director of band and dance choreographer,
12 Kevin Young. And Nakima Jones, who's the parent
13 advocate.
14 Now, I think you heard in the
15 resolution all they've done. This Saturday they
16 were walking ahead of the elected officials in
17 the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tarrytown and
18 Sleepy Hollow, and they're show-stoppers every
19 step of the way.
20 But it's important to note that,
21 again, they're at St. Christopher's. And
22 St. Christopher's is one of the what they call
23 Special Act schools, 823 schools, where they have
24 young people who have emotional or behavioral
25 problems, learning disabilities, et cetera.
983
1 There are a number of
2 St. Christopher's students in this band. The
3 band is a number of 50. They also have students
4 from all over New York City.
5 And they come together four days a
6 week for about four hours a day. They take buses
7 to St. Christopher's campus, where they work
8 hard. They do their academics, and they practice
9 their drumming, their marching and their dancing.
10 It is a commitment that really underscores what
11 "COBRA" stands for -- C for commitment, O for
12 obedience, B for belief, R for respect, and A for
13 achievement.
14 Many of us watched the Super Bowl,
15 and we didn't think we had a stake in it because
16 the Giants weren't playing, we didn't have a
17 New York team. Many of us did actually go to the
18 Super Bowl -- I know Senator Gianaris was there,
19 and he said that he saw the bands. The Cobras
20 were there, with Rutgers and with Syracuse,
21 welcoming people into Super Bowl XLVIII, doing
22 their extraordinary performance and really
23 bringing great pride to we New Yorkers who knew
24 that there was someone in the person of the band
25 members there who represented us so well.
984
1 Because you are so young and because
2 you are so talented, I wanted to make sure that
3 you came to this great chamber to be acknowledged
4 by the Senate of the State of New York, to let
5 you know that your efforts are not unrecognized,
6 and to let you be among people who support and
7 wish the very best for you and who applaud you
8 for being magnificent on and off every field that
9 you get a chance to perform in.
10 Congratulations.
11 (Applause.)
12 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
13 you, Senator Stewart-Cousins.
14 Congratulations, Cobras.
15 The question is on the resolution.
16 All in favor signify by saying aye.
17 (Response of "Aye.")
18 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
19 Opposed, nay.
20 (No response.)
21 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
22 resolution is adopted.
23 Senator Libous.
24 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
25 Mr. President.
985
1 I believe that a previously adopted
2 resolution by Senator O'Mara, Number 3934, is at
3 the desk. Could we have the resolution read in
4 its entirety and call on Senator O'Mara.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
6 Secretary will read.
7 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
8 Resolution Number 3934, by Senator O'Mara,
9 commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the
10 founding of Watkins Glen International.
11 "WHEREAS, It is the sense of this
12 Legislative Body that the quality and character
13 of life in the State of New York has been greatly
14 enhanced by the presence of certain extraordinary
15 recreational facilities; and
16 "WHEREAS, Attendant to such
17 concerns, and in full accord with its
18 long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body
19 is justly proud to commemorate the
20 65th Anniversary of the founding of Watkins Glen
21 International; and
22 "WHEREAS, On October 2, 1948,
23 Watkins Glen International's incredible history
24 began with its inaugural race, 'The Day They
25 Stopped the Trains'; this fulfilled founder
986
1 Cameron Argetsinger's dream of bringing
2 European-style competition to the village where
3 he spent his summer vacations; and
4 "WHEREAS, This event was the first
5 road race in the United States after World War
6 II, and laid the foundation for one of the
7 country's premier racing facilities; and
8 "WHEREAS, For five years, the top
9 names in American sports car racing visited
10 The Glen, and huge crowds came out to watch them
11 race; after using a temporary track, a new
12 2.3-mile permanent circuit was built in 1956; the
13 following year, The Glen hosted its first
14 professional race, a NASCAR event, won by Buck
15 Baker over Fireball Roberts; and
16 "WHEREAS, True international
17 competition began in 1958, with the running of a
18 Formula Libre race; in 1961, the stars of
19 Formula One were all present for the Inaugural
20 Watkins Glen U.S. Grand Prix, which would become
21 a fall tradition at the circuit through 1980;
22 Innes Ireland won the inaugural running, with
23 great drivers such as Clark, Hill, Stewart,
24 Lauda, Fittipaldi and Hunt among the winners of
25 later Grand Prix; and
987
1 "WHEREAS, In 1986, NASCAR returned
2 to Watkins Glen International with the NASCAR
3 Winston Cup series, featuring Tim Richmond's
4 triumphant return; and
5 "WHEREAS, This event, now called the
6 NASCAR Sprint Cup series, has returned to
7 The Glen on the same weekend for the past
8 22 years, and has featured some of the biggest
9 names in auto racing; this annual competition has
10 grown to become the largest weekend sporting
11 event in New York State; and
12 "WHEREAS, In 1997, International
13 Speedway Corporation became sole owner of the
14 historic road course, purchasing the remaining
15 interests of major benefactor Corning
16 Incorporated; this sale completed Corning's
17 mission of refurbishing the facility while
18 revitalizing the Southern Finger Lakes Region;
19 and
20 "WHEREAS, Watkins Glen International
21 has undergone many changes over the years; the
22 addition of the Inner Loop has increased the
23 length of the long course to 3.4 miles and the
24 short course to 2.45 miles; in 2005, The Glen
25 underwent many major capital improvements; these
988
1 new turns have enhanced competition while adding
2 quality spectator viewing for racing fans; and
3 "WHEREAS, The Glen cemented its
4 distinction as North America's fastest road
5 course when Davy Jones won the pole for the Camel
6 Continental IX with a fast lap of 150.334 MPH on
7 the reconfigured 2.45-mile short course; and
8 "WHEREAS, Today, this remarkable
9 institution continues to hold many popular
10 events, including The Sahlen's Six Hour IMSA
11 sports car race, the SCCA National Competition,
12 the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen NASCAR race in
13 August, Glenora Wine Cellars US Vintage Grand
14 Prix, and the Ferrari Challenge; and
15 "WHEREAS, More than 150 days of BMW,
16 Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, Mazda and various other
17 club event days from all over the Eastern
18 Seaboard are presented each year; and
19 "WHEREAS, As a world-renowned
20 premier racing venue, Watkins Glen International
21 brings over $200 million in annual economic
22 activity to the Southern Finger Lakes region,
23 including the creation of thousands of jobs, from
24 track operation and maintenance on-site to
25 lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment
989
1 spending by its fans; and
2 "WHEREAS, The Glen's contributions
3 to its community go beyond motorsports; it
4 proudly hosts the Finger Lakes Beer Festival, as
5 well as the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, now in
6 its 18th year, which provides a unique
7 opportunity for people to enjoy products by
8 New York wineries from every corner of the State;
9 and
10 "WHEREAS, Throughout its 65-year
11 history, Watkins Glen International has embodied
12 more than giant crowds and great speed; the
13 racing community continues to return year after
14 year to witness its historic moments and unique
15 charms that have made this place one of the
16 premier motorsports facilities in the world; and
17 "WHEREAS, It is the custom of this
18 Legislative Body to recognize and take note of
19 certain celebrated recreational institutions and
20 to bring such institutions to the attention of
21 the people of this state that it strives to
22 serve; now, therefore, be it
23 "RESOLVED, That this Legislative
24 Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate
25 the 65th Anniversary of the founding of
990
1 Watkins Glen International; and be it further
2 "RESOLVED, That a copy of this
3 resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to
4 Watkins Glen International."
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
6 O'Mara.
7 SENATOR O'MARA: Thank you,
8 Mr. President.
9 I rise today in support of this
10 resolution that was just read honoring
11 Watkins Glen International for its 65th year in
12 Schuyler County, New York, one of the least
13 populated counties in New York, about
14 18,000 people.
15 The racetrack of Watkins Glen
16 International sits on a hilltop above Watkins
17 Glen, New York, surrounded by farmland,
18 overlooking the southern end of Seneca Lake,
19 beautiful wine country all around. It brings
20 people in from all over the world.
21 Within a 300-mile radius of Watkins
22 Glen, less than about a five-hour drive,
23 25 percent of the U.S. population resides. In
24 addition, we have markets in Canada that this
25 racetrack reaches out to and brings people in.
991
1 The economic engine that this track
2 has delivered over 65 years in Watkins Glen has
3 just truly been amazing. I've been going there
4 my entire life, as a boy with my father, and
5 meeting such great drivers as Jackie Stewart and
6 Mario Andretti and, in more recent years,
7 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Danny Kilpatrick, all
8 the great names coming to Watkins Glen.
9 And it's not just the NASCAR Sprint
10 Cup race, the Cheez-It 355, but the Sahlen's
11 Six-Hour race at the Glen, the nationwide series
12 Zippo 200, and about 150 other days of racing for
13 a variety of sport scar clubs from up and down
14 the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. All
15 these teams, these drivers, the crews come in,
16 they stay in the area's lodging, hotels, eat in
17 the restaurants. It's an amazing economic engine
18 that we have.
19 So we're very proud to honor that
20 great tradition here today. And I want to
21 introduce, in the gallery with us today,
22 Michael Printup, the president of Watkins Glen
23 International; Jon Beckman, the vice president of
24 Watkins Glen International; and Andrew Smith, the
25 director of marketing and promotions. They are
992
1 here with us today and will be helping us
2 celebrate the heritage of Watkins Glen throughout
3 this entire year.
4 We're looking forward to a very
5 exciting racing season coming up. The track at
6 Watkins Glen International, which is owned by
7 International Speedway Corporations -- which
8 includes many tracks around the country,
9 including Daytona that we're most familiar
10 with -- they continue to do impressive capital
11 improvements to the track's facilities, to the
12 track itself, year in and year out, to keep it
13 the premier road-racing course in the United
14 States and one of the top premier in all of the
15 world.
16 To keep it to those standards is not
17 an easy task. To keep it up to snuff for the
18 drivers and teams to want to come there and race
19 is a constant job that these gentleman work at
20 day in and day out.
21 I thank you for your service to our
22 community, for the great economic engine that you
23 are in the Finger Lakes region. Thank you for
24 being here today.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
993
1 you, Senator O'Mara.
2 Senator Little.
3 SENATOR LITTLE: Thank you,
4 Mr. President.
5 As chairman of Tourism, I'd just
6 like to add my congratulations on 65 years of
7 Watkins Glen. That's many, many years of racing,
8 many years of people attending the races, having
9 a great time, having the pleasure of watching the
10 races and being there, many years of good dollars
11 being spent in the area. And that's so important
12 to all of us.
13 But we in New York State are proud
14 to be hosts to Watkins Glen. So thank you for
15 all you've done for it.
16 Thank you.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
18 you, Senator Little.
19 Senator Marchione.
20 SENATOR MARCHIONE: Thank you. I
21 also rise to speak on the resolution.
22 I come from a NASCAR family, and I
23 lived the circuit my entire life, starting at
24 3 years old, with a father who was a stock car
25 racer and did the NASCAR circuit his entire life.
994
1 And I just want to thank you, not
2 from the economic standpoint, but from the
3 families of people who go to the races, who make
4 it their Friday, Saturday and Sunday events.
5 Because I tell you how good it is for families as
6 they bond together. Where maybe other kids in
7 their teenage years are out doing their own
8 thing, race car families who enjoy the sport stay
9 together and enjoy their Fridays, Saturdays and
10 Sundays as a unit.
11 And it's because of the efforts and
12 the economic engine that you have placed in the
13 other race car events. And I have one in my own
14 district, Lebanon Valley. And I just want to
15 thank you on behalf of a race car family for what
16 you have done in cementing our relationships as
17 families.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
19 you, Senator Marchione.
20 Senator Libous.
21 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
22 Mr. President.
23 I want to stand and join my
24 colleagues, particularly Senator O'Mara, who put
25 this resolution on the floor.
995
1 Watkins Glen is a great place. And
2 I don't know if any of my colleagues have ever
3 been there, but it's exciting. You should take
4 it in. You should go to a race. You should
5 listen to the roar of the motors and smell the
6 tires. And it really is exciting.
7 I mean, maybe there's something
8 wrong with those of us who love it, but I've got
9 to tell you why we're all so very special. You
10 know, I've been to Phoenix, I've been to Dover,
11 I've been to a number of tracks. And you know,
12 they're oval tracks. We have a beautiful raceway
13 at Watkins Glen. It is a challenge to drivers.
14 It's not just drivers going in a circle and on a
15 bank.
16 I mean, it is a beautiful, beautiful
17 track. It is a challenge to the pros that are in
18 NASCAR. And we have it right here in New York.
19 So if you can't make the big race in
20 August, there are other races that go on. And I
21 would ask you to call up Senator O'Mara, I'm sure
22 he'll get you there, he'll give you directions.
23 You'll have to pay for your tickets, because
24 that's very important.
25 But when you go there, if you've
996
1 never been, I guarantee you, even if you walk
2 away and say, "Well, I'm not sure," there's
3 something about when they say "Start your
4 engines" and you hear those engines rev and you
5 smell those tires turn. It is one of the most
6 exciting sporting events that you'll ever go to.
7 So I'm very proud that you are here
8 today, gentlemen. I'm excited that this
9 resolution is before us. And I wish you many,
10 many years of success at Watkins Glen.
11 Thank you.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
13 you, Senator Libous.
14 The resolution has been previously
15 adopted.
16 Senator Libous.
17 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
18 Mr. President.
19 Senator Larkin has Resolution
20 Number 4060 at the desk. Could we have the title
21 read, and I believe the colonel would like to be
22 called on.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
24 Secretary will read.
25 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
997
1 Resolution Number 4060, by Senator Larkin, paying
2 tribute to the memory of Master Sergeant Juan E.
3 Negron, United States Army, upon the occasion of
4 his posthumous designation as recipient of the
5 Medal of Honor.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
7 Larkin.
8 SENATOR LARKIN: Thank you,
9 Mr. President.
10 You know, it's not every day that an
11 individual receives the Congressional Medal of
12 Honor. But Master Sergeant Negron was cited for
13 action taken on the 26th of April, 1951. Do you
14 realize how long this has been?
15 He first was recommended for the
16 Distinguished Service Cross, which he received.
17 And five years ago, people starting looking
18 around and saying "Why didn't he get it?"
19 This sergeant, when he was found on
20 April 27th, he was unconscious, and there were
21 35 Chinese laid out around him. He killed them,
22 some of them with a bayonet.
23 You know, I look around here and I
24 don't see anybody who remembers April of 1951.
25 Not you. But I did. I remember the battles that
998
1 were going on in that time because we were trying
2 to push out of the Pusan. We were trying to get
3 ready for the invasion of Seoul. The Marines
4 were going on the east coast. There was a lot of
5 casualties. And a lot of people got awards, and
6 a lot didn't.
7 But, you know, today here we have a
8 New Yorker, came from Puerto Rico, settled in the
9 Bronx. His daughter is in the White House today
10 with others receiving the Congressional Medal of
11 Honor.
12 For those interested, there will be
13 a reception Friday night in Senator Carlucci's
14 district in Nanuet, and then on Saturday there
15 will be a public invitation with the medal, with
16 his daughter and others, including the commanding
17 general of the National Guard of Puerto Rico.
18 But, you know, just think for a
19 minute. The man died in 1996. His memories were
20 of what happened. His unit was almost wiped out.
21 But it took us, America, till 2014 to recognize
22 his bravery.
23 The Buccaneers was the last Army
24 unit to use bayonets. I mean, you look in the
25 movies and you'll see these old-time movies with
999
1 bayonets and that. But this was real. This was
2 this country's battle. And it took us that long
3 to recognize an individual.
4 The Army thought he was deserving of
5 it. The commands of the Third Infantry Division
6 surely said it, because they recommended him.
7 But time passed, and he's passed away. But at
8 least his daughter is alive, and she's in the
9 White House today receiving that award.
10 And you know, I'm a little
11 disappointed there aren't more in this chamber,
12 because this man gave everything he had. Had it
13 not been for him, most of his battalion, when you
14 read the fight that went on, his battalion would
15 have been wiped out. But he laid there shooting
16 and throwing grenades. And at the last minute,
17 he was out of grenades and he took his bayonet
18 and he ended the life of some of his enemies.
19 This man did a lot for our country.
20 The least we can do is say thank you, thank you,
21 thank you.
22 Thank you, Mr. President.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
24 you, Senator Larkin.
25 The question is on the resolution.
1000
1 All in favor signify by saying aye.
2 (Response of "Aye.")
3 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
4 Opposed, nay.
5 (No response.)
6 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
7 resolution is adopted.
8 SENATOR LIBOUS: Mr. President,
9 Senator Larkin did tell he'd like to open up the
10 resolution. And all members will be put on it.
11 If for some reason you choose not to
12 be put on it, you should address the desk.
13 Thank you.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
15 resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do
16 now wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the
17 desk.
18 Senator Libous.
19 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
20 Mr. President.
21 I believe there's a previously
22 adopted resolution by Senator Montgomery,
23 Number 3332. I believe it is at the desk. Could
24 you please read the title, and Senator Montgomery
25 would wish to speak on the resolution.
1001
1 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
2 Secretary will read.
3 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
4 Resolution Number 3332, by Senator Montgomery,
5 commending Dr. Esmeralda Simmons upon the
6 occasion of being honored in conjunction with
7 Women's History Month 2014 in the State of
8 New York.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
10 Montgomery.
11 SENATOR MONTGOMERY: Yes, thank
12 you, Mr. President. I rise to pay tribute to
13 another one of those great women in New York
14 State during this month as we celebrate women.
15 Today I celebrate Dr. Esmeralda
16 Simmons, Esquire, who is the founder and
17 executive director of the Center for Law and
18 Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York. The center
19 is a small but very effective community-based
20 legal advocacy and research institution that is a
21 unit of Medgar Evers College of City University
22 of New York.
23 Prior to founding the center at
24 Medgar Evers, Esmeralda has already had an
25 accomplished career as the First Deputy
1002
1 Commissioner for Human Rights for New York State
2 and as a civil rights attorney for the U.S.
3 Department of Education, and also as a New York
4 State Assistant Attorney General and a New York
5 City Assistant Corporation Counsel. She had also
6 served as a law clerk to a federal judge.
7 In addition, she has served on
8 several major public boards in New York City
9 government, including the New York City Board of
10 Education and the New York City Districting
11 Commission. An activist and a leader, she has
12 been involved in the community empowerment
13 movement in central Brooklyn and in progressive
14 political causes for over 35 years.
15 Dr. Esmeralda is an attorney who
16 specializes in racial justice issues such as
17 quality public education for students of color,
18 voting rights, and cultural rights. She chooses
19 to work locally with community organizations
20 using advocacy community education, coalition
21 building and organizing methods, as well as civil
22 rights and human rights legal tools.
23 Dr. Esmeralda Simmons is a deeply
24 spiritual woman who is grounded in African
25 culture, who finds constant inspiration in the
1003
1 vision of her ancestors, her belief in piece and
2 her respect for life and cultural diversity.
3 Today it is my pleasure and my honor
4 to recognize Dr. Esmeralda Simmons for the many
5 years of her contribution to her community,
6 including to people who I serve in the Borough of
7 Brooklyn. So I am happy that we are able to
8 pause today to celebrate the contribution of this
9 great New York State woman.
10 Thank you, Mr. President.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
12 you, Senator Montgomery.
13 Are there other members wishing to
14 be heard on the resolution?
15 Senator Parker.
16 SENATOR PARKER: Thank you,
17 Mr. Chair.
18 Let me first begin by thanking
19 Senator Montgomery for her leadership in making
20 sure that every week that we take some time
21 during Women's History Month to actually honor
22 women of the great State of New York, and
23 particularly from the People's Republic of
24 Brooklyn.
25 And particularly today, as we pause
1004
1 in our deliberations to honor the work of
2 Esmeralda Simmons, I absolutely had to rise to
3 add my voice.
4 This is someone who has been a real
5 champion for the people of the State of New York
6 and particularly of Brooklyn. A lot of the work
7 that she has done -- and you've heard how
8 extensive her resume is. I think that what you
9 don't get is her sense of caring about people,
10 about the dedication, the level of sacrifice that
11 she has made in her personal life to make sure
12 that she's helped create a world which we're
13 happy to call our own and raise our children in.
14 Her dedication in particular, her
15 work around civil rights has been, you know,
16 nothing less than astonishing. She is someone
17 who always is on the right side, as an attorney
18 always ready to offer her legal skills and
19 expertise.
20 And in particular, she has been
21 really, really involved around the issues around
22 redistricting and making sure that fair
23 redistricting happens in the state and, again,
24 particularly for the districts in Brooklyn.
25 And so we want to thank her -- at
1005
1 least I want to thank her, on behalf of the
2 constituents of the 21st Senatorial District, for
3 all her work, and encourage her to continue the
4 work that she's been doing, because she's really,
5 really, greatly needed for all of us.
6 Thank you.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
8 you, Senator Parker.
9 Senator Espaillat.
10 SENATOR ESPAILLAT: Thank you,
11 Mr. President.
12 I rise also to speak in support of
13 this resolution and to say that I met Esmeralda
14 Simmons back in the early '90s when the Board of
15 Estimates was done away with in the City of
16 New York and the City Council expanded to the
17 number of seats that they have today in the City
18 of New York.
19 She was entrusted, along with the
20 late Frank Macchiarola, to head a nonpartisan
21 independent redistricting commission that led to
22 the creation of 52, I believe it was, new seats.
23 And with that expansion of the City Council, we
24 got the first LGBT member of the City Council
25 from that community. We had the first
1006
1 Asian-American elected to the City Council. We
2 had the first West Indian member, Jamaican
3 member, for the City Council, the first
4 Dominican-American elected to the City Council.
5 So the work, the groundbreaking work
6 that she did as a member of the -- get this,
7 fellow Senators -- independent redistricting
8 commission led to the -- I know that we're going
9 back a few years and our memories may betray us,
10 but the work that she did made the City Council a
11 more representative body of the City of New York.
12 It left no one out, and I mean no one out.
13 And she's a tremendous advocate for
14 not only Brooklyn, we share -- the whole city
15 shares her. And I'm happy to be affiliated with
16 this resolution, Mr. President.
17 Thank you.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
19 you, Senator Espaillat.
20 Senator Hassell-Thompson.
21 SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON: Thank
22 you, Mr. President.
23 I rise to commend Senator Montgomery
24 for the continuing work that she does to
25 recognize Women of Distinction. And they're not
1007
1 necessarily the women that will ever be made
2 famous within the history books, but who do so
3 much for the State of New York. And
4 Dr. Esmeralda is certainly one of those people.
5 As I listened to Senator Espaillat
6 talk about her work, I wanted to just stand and
7 say that I have too have been a tremendous
8 beneficiary of her work around redistricting.
9 She came to Westchester County and helped us to
10 really understand the relationship between the
11 census and how to really do that census in a
12 proper fashion to allow us to get the best
13 benefit out of redistricting that's possible.
14 And she did not just confine herself
15 to Brooklyn, but anywhere that people asked her
16 to come to educate them about the process, she
17 was more than willing to come. And in most cases
18 she came with no remuneration whatsoever.
19 So when we were putting together
20 ideas in my first term here, we were in the
21 middle of our first redistricting for our seats.
22 And she was one of the best people that helped us
23 to understand what this process meant from a
24 legislative perspective. And while we still
25 struggle to make sure that the redistricting
1008
1 happens in a way that is as least partisan as
2 possible, we have the benefit of her education,
3 her knowledge, and her commitment to do the right
4 thing even if we don't choose to.
5 So I commend you, Senator
6 Montgomery, and I commend Dr. Esmeralda Simmons
7 for the continued work around social justice
8 issues that she does for the people of the State
9 of New York.
10 I thank you, Mr. President.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
12 you, Senator Hassell-Thompson.
13 Senator Smith.
14 SENATOR SMITH: Thank you very
15 much, Mr. President.
16 And I rise also to congratulate my
17 colleague Senator Velmanette Montgomery for
18 honoring and bringing forth the name of
19 Dr. Esmeralda Simmons.
20 I rise because I want you to get a
21 full appreciation for the depth of what
22 Dr. Simmons has done, not just in Brooklyn, not
23 just in Manhattan, not just in Mount Vernon, but
24 also in Queens as well.
25 The seat that I represent today was
1009
1 drawn many years ago because of Dr. Esmeralda
2 Simmons, where Senator Andrew Jenkins was in that
3 seat. Senator Alton Waldon, who was the first
4 African-American elected to Congress, and then
5 Congressman Floyd Flake, which was the seat in
6 which my colleague Senator Addabbo's father
7 actually sat in, she was part of that redrawing
8 as well.
9 So you really don't get a full
10 understanding of the impact that this young lady
11 has had on not only New York State politics, but
12 across the country. And there are so many
13 people, especially this young lady, who has had
14 an impact on politics in this state that you
15 would never know. You have never heard her name,
16 you wouldn't have known who she was. She's a
17 very short young lady, unassuming.
18 But yet and still, when she would
19 walk in a room, for those of us who knew her, we
20 would genuflect, because we recognized the power
21 of her intellect, the power of her pen. When she
22 stood on the floor of any courtroom, we knew when
23 she set forth an argument, it would be one that
24 would change the course of history.
25 So, Senator Velmanette Montgomery,
1010
1 let me thank you with a sincere heart, because
2 what you have done today and the name that you
3 brought forward allows us to remember. Because,
4 you know, as colleagues sometimes we can forget,
5 we can get wrapped up in our moments and kind of
6 forget how we got here and why we're here. But I
7 will tell you, when you bring forth names like
8 Dr. Esmeralda Simmons, it allows us to humble
9 ourself but reminds us that we are here for a
10 cause, and a cause that somebody else put their
11 life on the line to make sure that it happens.
12 So I thank you, and God bless you
13 for it.
14 Thank you, Mr. President, for the
15 opportunity.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Thank
17 you, Senator Smith.
18 Are there any other members wishing
19 to be heard on the resolution?
20 This resolution was previously
21 adopted on February 4th.
22 Senator Libous.
23 SENATOR LIBOUS: Could we return to
24 motions. And I believe Senator Savino has a
25 motion.
1011
1 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Senator
2 Savino for a motion.
3 SENATOR SAVINO: Mr. President, on
4 behalf of Senator Avella, on page 24 I offer the
5 following amendments to Calendar Number 278,
6 Senate Print Number 6599A, and ask that the said
7 bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: So
9 ordered.
10 Senator Libous.
11 SENATOR LIBOUS: Mr. President, on
12 behalf of Senator Griffo, on page 13 I offer the
13 following amendments to Calendar Number 152,
14 Senate Print 3149, and ask that said bill retain
15 its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: So
17 ordered.
18 Senator Libous.
19 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you, sir.
20 On behalf of Senator Hannon, on
21 page 10 I offer the following amendments to
22 Calendar Number 104, Senate Print 6477A, and ask
23 that said bill retain its place on the Third
24 Reading Calendar.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: So
1012
1 ordered.
2 SENATOR LIBOUS: Mr. President, at
3 this time could we take up the reading of the
4 noncontroversial calendar.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
6 Secretary will read.
7 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
8 194, by Senator Robach, Senate Print 1020, an act
9 to amend the Correction Law.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Read
11 the last section.
12 THE SECRETARY: Section 5. This
13 act shall take effect immediately.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Call
15 the roll.
16 (The Secretary called the roll.)
17 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
18 Announce the result.
19 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
21 bill is passed.
22 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
23 253, by Senator Young, Senate Print 2203, an act
24 to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Read
1013
1 the last section.
2 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
3 act shall take effect immediately.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Call
5 the roll.
6 (The Secretary called the roll.)
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
8 Announce the result.
9 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
11 bill is passed.
12 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
13 256, by Senator Libous, Senate Print 4195, an act
14 to amend Chapter 455 of the Laws of 2011.
15 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Read
16 the last section.
17 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
18 act shall take effect immediately.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Call
20 the roll.
21 (The Secretary called the roll.)
22 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
23 Announce the result.
24 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
1014
1 bill is passed.
2 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
3 259, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 3968, an
4 act to amend the Education Law.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Read
6 the last section.
7 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
8 act shall take effect immediately.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Call
10 the roll.
11 (The Secretary called the roll.)
12 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 59. Nays, 1.
13 Senator Hoylman recorded in the negative.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
15 bill is passed.
16 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
17 268, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 1480, an
18 act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Read
20 the last section.
21 THE SECRETARY: Section 4. This
22 act shall take effect on the first of November.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Call
24 the roll.
25 (The Secretary called the roll.)
1015
1 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
2 Announce the result.
3 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
5 bill is passed.
6 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
7 272, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 2455, an act
8 to enact.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Read
10 the last section.
11 THE SECRETARY: Section 3. This
12 act shall take effect on the 180th day.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: Call
14 the roll.
15 (The Secretary called the roll.)
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:
17 Announce the result.
18 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: The
20 bill is passed.
21 Senator Libous, that completes the
22 noncontroversial reading of the calendar.
23 SENATOR LIBOUS: Mr. President, is
24 there any further business at the desk?
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: There
1016
1 is no further business at the desk.
2 SENATOR LIBOUS: Thank you,
3 Mr. President.
4 There being no further business, I
5 move that the Senate adjourn until Wednesday,
6 March 19th, at 3:00 p.m.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI: On
8 motion, the Senate stands adjourned until
9 Wednesday, March 19th, at 3:00 p.m.
10 (Whereupon, at 4:28 p.m., the Senate
11 adjourned.)
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