Regular Session - April 26, 2017
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1 NEW YORK STATE SENATE
2
3
4 THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
5
6
7
8
9 ALBANY, NEW YORK
10 April 26, 2017
11 11:05 a.m.
12
13
14 REGULAR SESSION
15
16
17
18 SENATOR THOMAS D. CROCI, Acting President
19 FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
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21
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25
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1 P R O C E E D I N G S
2 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
3 Senate will come to order.
4 I'd ask everyone to please remain
5 standing as the Color Guard presents the colors
6 from the New York State Troopers.
7 Color Guard, parade the colors.
8 (The Color Guard entered the
9 chamber and presented the colors.)
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: If you
11 would please recite with us the Pledge of
12 Allegiance.
13 (Whereupon, the assemblage recited
14 the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
15 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: If you
16 will please remain standing for our invocation
17 today, offered by Rabbi Stuart Verstandig, who's
18 with us today. He's rabbi of the Young Israel
19 of Kew Gardens Hills in Flushing, New York.
20 RABBI VERSTANDIG: Thank you,
21 Mr. President, for allowing me to give the
22 invocation.
23 Almighty God, creator of heaven and
24 earth, we open today with a profound gratitude,
25 gratitude from our hearts and the profound
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1 depths of our souls for freedom.
2 We pause today to remember Trooper
3 Timothy P. Pratt, a 30-year veteran who was
4 killed on a highway on October 26, 2016. We
5 recognize the family of Timothy Pratt, who is
6 present here today with us.
7 This past Monday was Yom HaShoah,
8 Holocaust Remembrance Day, where we remember the
9 loss of 11 million lives that were taken from
10 this earth too early. We cannot stand by, as
11 individuals or as a country, and let hatred kill
12 again. It is our responsibility as human beings
13 on this earth to look out for and protect
14 others.
15 Hatred promotes violence and
16 destruction, while tolerance brings about peace
17 and unity. It is our duty to promote tolerance
18 and appreciate the diversity of our planet, our
19 country, and our state. We ask God for a
20 blessing upon our State of New York and our
21 country, the United States of America.
22 Senators, may your decisions here
23 today be wise and guided by the values of our
24 forefathers.
25 May the Lord grant life, liberty,
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1 and the pursuit of happiness to all people. May
2 the Lord give wisdom and strength to the
3 leadership and people of these United States,
4 protect the great State of New York,
5 Governor Cuomo, and my own New York State
6 Senator, Joseph P. Addabbo, and bless us all
7 forever and always.
8 And let us say amen.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Color
10 Guard, would you please retire the colors.
11 (The Color Guard exited the
12 chamber.)
13 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
14 reading of the Journal.
15 THE SECRETARY: In Senate,
16 Tuesday, April 25th, the Senate met pursuant to
17 adjournment. The Journal of Monday, April 24th,
18 was read and approved. On motion, Senate
19 adjourned.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Without
21 objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
22 Presentation of petitions.
23 Messages from the Assembly.
24 Messages from the Governor.
25 Reports of standing committees.
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1 Reports of select committees.
2 Communications and reports from
3 state officers.
4 Motions and resolutions.
5 Senator DeFrancisco.
6 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO:
7 Mr. President, I wish to call up Senator
8 Marchione's bill, Print Number 196, recalled from
9 the Assembly, which is now at the desk.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Very well.
11 The Secretary will read.
12 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number 63,
13 by Senator Marchione, Senate Print 196, an act to
14 amend the Criminal Procedure Law.
15 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now move to
16 reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
18 roll on reconsideration.
19 (The Secretary called the roll.)
20 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 45.
21 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I understand
22 the bill is now restored to its place on the
23 Third Reading Calendar.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
25 has been restored to its place on the
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1 Third Reading Calendar.
2 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I now offer
3 the following amendments.
4 And are the amendments received?
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
6 amendments have been received, and the bill
7 retains its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
8 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
9 I now move that Senator Gallivan's
10 bill, Senate 5678, be discharged from its
11 respective committee and be recommitted with
12 instructions to strike the enacting clause.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: So
14 ordered.
15 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you.
16 Can we now take up previously
17 adopted Resolution Number 246, by Senator
18 Marchione, read it in its entirety, and call on
19 Senator Marchione, please.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
21 Secretary will read.
22 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
23 Resolution Number 246, by Senator Marchione --
24 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Excuse me.
25 Pardon me. I've been corrected by Senator
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1 Marchione. She asked for the title only.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
3 Secretary will read the title only.
4 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
5 Resolution Number 246, by Senator Marchione,
6 mourning the tragic and untimely death of
7 New York State Trooper Timothy P. Pratt on
8 October 26, 2016.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
10 Marchione.
11 SENATOR MARCHIONE: Thank you,
12 Mr. President.
13 I rise to speak on my resolution
14 honoring the life and legacy of New York State
15 Trooper Timothy Pratt.
16 Trooper Timothy Pratt's life and
17 legacy stand as testaments to his courage,
18 selflessness, honor, decency, and steadfast
19 commitment to protecting, serving, and helping
20 others.
21 Trooper Pratt saved lives, he
22 touched lives and inspired lives. He was a life
23 of purpose, principle and character, one that
24 truly made a positive difference.
25 If you look up the definition of
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1 "public servant," there should be a picture of
2 New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt right beside
3 it. Trooper Pratt faithfully and dutifully
4 served our nation, our state, his family, and the
5 South Glens Falls community that he loved so
6 dearly.
7 He was a 1979 graduate of South
8 Glens Falls High School. Following graduation,
9 he joined the United States Air Force and
10 faithfully served our country for seven years
11 before being honorably discharged in 1986.
12 Timothy Pratt began his lifelong
13 career as a trooper with the New York State
14 Police on March 30, 1987. The duration of his
15 well-regarded career was spent patrolling in
16 Troop G, based out of the Wilton barracks. He
17 was assigned to the traffic incident management
18 detail and was a proud member of the elite State
19 Police Motorcycle Unit, where he led the 9/11
20 Memorial Motorcycle Ride from Albany to New York
21 City.
22 Trooper Pratt was a role model,
23 friend, and inspiration to his fellow law
24 enforcement officers. Trooper Pratt was a member
25 of the American Legion, Post 574, and
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1 participated in many volunteer events and
2 charitable causes. Among his volunteer work was
3 the annual South Glens Falls High School Marathon
4 Dance, as an alumni and as a member of the
5 school's first marathon dance. This year's dance
6 raised $823,614.91 and was in honor of
7 Trooper Pratt.
8 To the lives he saved and touched,
9 to those he inspired, Trooper Pratt was known as
10 the go-to guy. He was the one to call first when
11 in a pinch or in need of a helping hand, because
12 everyone knew, no matter what, he would always be
13 there.
14 He was the proud father of three
15 loving children -- Shane, James and Sarah -- and
16 also leaves behind his grandchildren, baby girls
17 Taegan Eichhorn and Charlee Pratt, his beloved
18 fiancee, Sue Clarke, and her two children, Taylor
19 and Hannah. In addition to his children,
20 grandchildren, fiancee, and her children, he is
21 survived by his siblings Michael Pratt, Kathleen
22 Bourdeau, Maureen Leggett, Laurie LaFountain,
23 Mary Belair; his brother-in-law, Paul Flood; the
24 Godon family; and many nieces and nephews.
25 And with us here in the Senate
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1 chambers today are his children, Sarah, James and
2 Shane; his fiancee Sue and his sister Laurie;
3 New York State Police Captain Bob Patnaude,
4 acting Troop G commander; New York State Police
5 Captain John W. McCarthy, Jr; Chuck Salaway,
6 station commander at Clifton Park Station.
7 In the gallery, Saratoga County
8 Sheriff Michael Zurlo; Warren County Sheriff Bud
9 York; Sharon Schiera, who is a two-troopers mom,
10 the proud mother of two troopers; and also
11 Tom Miffin, a historian from Halfmoon who wanted
12 to be here.
13 My husband, who has never come to
14 session, wanted to make sure that he was here
15 today to honor Trooper Pratt.
16 In addition, we have many members of
17 the New York State Police and the New York State
18 Police Honor Guard, which were also part of his
19 family.
20 We owe a debt of gratitude to
21 Trooper Pratt and all the courageous men and
22 women of law enforcement. They are -- all of you
23 are -- devoted public servants who risk your
24 lives to protect and serve. It is difficult,
25 demanding, and dangerous work that we civilians
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1 can scarcely comprehend. You deserve our thanks
2 and our praise.
3 To quote Scripture: Blessed are the
4 peacemakers, for they will be called children of
5 God. Public servants like Trooper Timothy Pratt,
6 they are peacekeepers and peacemakers, children
7 of God and pillars of their communities.
8 Trooper Pratt was all of these
9 things and a faithful, honorable, devoted public
10 servant. A loving grandfather, father, brother,
11 uncle, son, fiance, friend and role model, who
12 made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty
13 serving the residents of New York. Trooper Pratt
14 is a true hero among heroes. New York State
15 mourns the loss of this great man, this devoted
16 public servant, one of New York's finest.
17 We honor his life and his legacy of
18 service, and we will forever remember New York
19 State Trooper Timothy Pratt.
20 I want to again thank the members of
21 Trooper Pratt's family who joined us today, as
22 well as the members of the New York State Police
23 and all law enforcement. And to the New York
24 State Police Honor Guard, thank you.
25 Thank you, Mr. President.
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1 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
2 Gallivan.
3 SENATOR GALLIVAN: Thank you,
4 Mr. President.
5 I too rise to honor Trooper Timothy
6 Pratt today and welcome his family, thank my
7 colleague, Senator Marchione, for bringing this
8 resolution forward -- very appropriate that we
9 honor one of New York's finest in what is the
10 State Police's 100th year.
11 I had a chance to talk with some of
12 our guests today, and I was very proud when I was
13 able to tell them that I served in the New York
14 State Police. What I didn't tell you is that my
15 brother is still with the State Police, who
16 served with Tim. And while my service overlapped
17 with Tim's, I had not ever met him, but I know
18 that my brother did. I have an uncle who served
19 in the State Police. And my father served in the
20 State Police.
21 And I mention that because it has
22 been part of my life for as long as I can
23 remember, and part of my family's life. And you
24 have heard, I know, and I know you've
25 experienced, because you're part of it, the
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1 New York State Police family. And I feel that
2 very much, and of course, by extension, the law
3 enforcement family. And you see the support that
4 is here today.
5 I also had occasion, a number of
6 years ago -- I was George Beach's roommate for a
7 period of time at the academy. And the new
8 superintendent had just recently taken office,
9 and it was shortly after that that Tim gave his
10 life in service to the state. And I called the
11 superintendent, and what he said to me simply is
12 that he was out there grinding it, grinding it
13 out every day, still doing it after 29 years, and
14 in the superintendent's words, "one of the good
15 guys." Which I -- very simple words, but I can't
16 think of a better compliment. And clearly, from
17 what I have learned about Trooper Pratt, so well
18 deserved.
19 We were reminiscing a little
20 earlier. I recognize the gray hair of
21 Captain McCarthy, and I have some here. And I
22 had the occasion to be at the academy last night,
23 and I was looking on the walls of all the
24 troopers that had graduated and thinking to
25 myself, there's not many people left on the job
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1 that I worked with and remember. So, John, I'm
2 happy to see you here today as well.
3 And finally, while I was at the
4 academy, I had occasion to go and spend a few
5 minutes where the memorial is, the Wall of Honor
6 inside. And of course Tim's photo is up there,
7 in honor, with the other 139 members that gave
8 their lives over the past 100 years serving our
9 great state's citizens. And I took the time to
10 read the page that's dedicated to him.
11 And I just simply want to say to
12 you, thank you so much. You must be very, very
13 proud. While it's so sad and such a tragedy, we
14 are thrilled to have you here today to honor
15 Tim -- and I want to repeat it one more time --
16 to honor one of New York State's finest in the
17 100th year of the New York State Police.
18 Thank you, Mr. President.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
20 Little.
21 SENATOR LITTLE: Thank you,
22 Mr. President.
23 And thank you, Senator Marchione,
24 for this resolution, and to all of our state
25 troopers who are here today, and to the family
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1 who has come down today.
2 I've known the family for a long
3 time, members of them, and just want to express
4 my sincere sympathy about your loss.
5 We often hear the term that someone
6 says, Oh, that person was larger than life.
7 Trooper Tim Pratt was larger than life. He made
8 a significant difference in everyone around him's
9 life. He contributed to the community. While he
10 lived in South Glens Falls, his community was
11 much, much wider than South Glens Falls. He was
12 one person who just spent most of his time
13 helping other people and actually died helping
14 someone, a truck driver who was lost.
15 You can't say enough about all of
16 his contributions. And just seeing the thousands
17 and thousands of people who have mourned him --
18 and the dance marathon, where they raised all
19 that money, almost a million dollars in his
20 honor -- is just unbelievable, but not really,
21 when you think of who it was being done for.
22 So as much as we wish his life had
23 been longer and not lost, we know that he lived a
24 life that was very, very well lived, a life that
25 you can be very, very proud of and that we can
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1 all look to to see how to better ourselves and
2 live our lives better.
3 And my love and prayers and our
4 thoughts are with you.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
6 Akshar.
7 SENATOR AKSHAR: Thank you,
8 Mr. President.
9 Senator Marchione, thank you.
10 Incredibly important that we're doing this today.
11 You know, I would respectfully offer
12 that there is no more noble a profession than
13 being a member of law enforcement. I'm a little
14 partial because I'm a former member.
15 You know, I think when we lose a
16 dedicated public servant in the line of duty, it
17 cuts to the very core of all New Yorkers,
18 regardless of your political persuasion. So on
19 behalf of the people of this great state, to the
20 family I say thank you.
21 Thank you for sharing your loved one
22 with us. We are incredibly honored, and I offer
23 my deepest condolences and sympathies to all of
24 you. And I pray that God continues to place
25 His mighty, powerful hand on each of you and
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1 brings you some peace.
2 Mr. President, thank you.
3 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: To Trooper
4 Tim Pratt's family, thank you. We're honored to
5 have you here today, honored that you're joining
6 us.
7 On behalf of the New York State
8 Senate, on behalf of a very grateful state and a
9 very grateful body, we would like to extend our
10 gratitude for his life, for your sacrifice, and
11 for the great service that Tim Pratt's life had
12 for this state. We'd like to recognize his life
13 and his service in our way in this chamber by
14 recognizing him now as a body.
15 So I'd ask the body to rise and to
16 recognize the life and service of Trooper Tim
17 Pratt.
18 (Standing ovation.)
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
20 DeFrancisco.
21 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, it's my
22 understanding that Senator Marchione has opened
23 this up for cosponsorship. And in this case, I
24 would ask you to mention that everyone will be
25 listed as a cosponsor unless they indicate
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1 otherwise to you.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
3 resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do
4 not wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the
5 desk. Otherwise you'll be listed as a cosponsor.
6 Senator.
7 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Can we now
8 take up previously adopted Resolution 1785, by
9 Senator Tedisco, read the title only, and call on
10 Senator Tedisco to speak.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
12 Secretary will read.
13 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
14 Resolution Number 1785, by Senator Tedisco,
15 recognizing April 28, 2017, as Blue Friday.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
17 Tedisco.
18 SENATOR TEDISCO: Mr. President and
19 my colleagues, it's only appropriate that this
20 particular resolution follow the wonderful
21 presentation by my colleague Senator Marchione in
22 relationship to the life and legacy and the
23 commemoration of Trooper Pratt. And we're so
24 thankful for his service and his courage. He
25 follows in the great line of wonderful
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1 individuals who are there to protect us
2 individually, our families, and our community.
3 Mr. President, each and every day
4 the brave and courageous men and women of
5 law enforcement put their lives on the line to
6 keep us safe and protect our community. These
7 men and women, as you have heard already, are
8 local heroes in every sense of the term.
9 Sadly, each year about 140 to
10 160 police officers are killed in the line of
11 duty, and their families and coworkers and all of
12 us are left to cope with this tragic loss. The
13 mission of Blue Friday New York is to help
14 rebuild the lives of survivors of law enforcement
15 officers killed in the line of duty by serving as
16 a clearinghouse for federal and state benefits,
17 information, and resources that may be available
18 to families of our fallen police officers.
19 Blue Friday is a reminder to pay
20 tribute to all those in the law enforcement
21 community who protect and serve, particularly
22 those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In
23 the Capital Region, radio station WGNA has joined
24 forces with Blue Friday New York, Hannaford
25 Supermarkets, the Ninety Nine Restaurants, and
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1 R.C. Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru to recognize this
2 Friday, April 28th, as the 13th Annual
3 Blue Friday.
4 Mr. President and my colleagues, as
5 we pass this resolution to designate this Friday,
6 April 28th, as Blue Friday in the State of
7 New York, I'm proud to be able to sponsor it. I
8 ask you to join me in saluting all members of
9 law enforcement and recognizing and thanking the
10 family members of those who served in that thin
11 blue line and who have sacrificed everything for
12 the protection of New York's families and for all
13 we hold dear.
14 Lastly, I would ask you to join me
15 in recognizing in the gallery several members of
16 law enforcement who are here to support
17 Blue Friday, including the vice president and
18 cofounder of Blue Friday, Saratoga County Sheriff
19 Louis A. Somma, as well as the director of
20 Blue Friday, Robert Markel, who is a retired
21 Bethlehem detective sergeant.
22 Also joining us, from WGNA, the
23 on-air hosts who are helping to promote and
24 sponsor Blue Friday and will be live on the air
25 to remind people about the day and support the
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1 families who are affected. Please welcome Brian
2 Cody, Chrissy Cavotta, Marissa Lanchak, and
3 Matty Jeff, and extend to them all the
4 cordialities of the chamber.
5 Thank you, Mr. Speaker {sic}, and my
6 colleagues.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: We would
8 like to extend all the courtesies and privileges
9 of the house. If you would please stand and be
10 recognized so that the chamber may recognize you.
11 Congratulations, and we are very
12 proud to recognize you here today.
13 (Standing ovation.)
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
15 DeFrancisco.
16 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could we now
17 take up previously adopted Resolution 1443, by
18 Senator Breslin, read the title only, and call on
19 Senator Breslin, please.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
21 Secretary will read.
22 THE SECRETARY: Legislative
23 Resolution Number 1443, by Senator Breslin,
24 congratulating the Albany Academy Boys Basketball
25 Team and Head Coach Brian Fruscio upon the
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1 occasion of winning the 2017 Boys Class A
2 New York State Federation Basketball Tournament
3 of Champions on March 26, 2017.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
5 Breslin.
6 SENATOR BRESLIN: Thank you,
7 Mr. President.
8 As this has been a tribute week to
9 basketball teams across the state who have done
10 very well, I'm honored to be here to recognize
11 the Albany Academy in the City of Albany who won,
12 for the second straight year, the Class A
13 Federation title.
14 Now, two years straight being a
15 state champion is kind of unique, but not with
16 Albany Academy. They're a very special group of
17 boys. And on March 26th, when you won that game,
18 you won it decisively by 30 points over Walton,
19 another team of distinction over the years.
20 And this Albany Academy team has
21 done much to put the area in the basketball
22 spotlight. And led by Brian Fruscio, who is a
23 phenomenon, a coach of excellence in his own
24 right, but also the Fruscio name, across the
25 Capital District as it relates to sports, has
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1 been phenomenal over the years. And with your
2 assistant coaches, Assistant Coaches Frank
3 Mahoney, Joe Motley, Mike Long, Jr. -- and the
4 Long family I have known for many, many years.
5 And your team, led by Hameir Wright,
6 who was the Gatorade New York State Player of the
7 Year -- and we should write down that name,
8 because we'll be reading about him for years to
9 come. And the other players on the team: Marcus
10 Filien, August Mahoney -- who led the last game,
11 incidentally, with 19 points -- Ian Donlon, Mike
12 Grandinetti, and Will Bennett -- and I'll stop
13 with Will for a minute. Because in the last
14 game, Will had 16 points, but for this body, Will
15 is the grandson of Justin McCarthy, who was the
16 long-time head of bill drafting and a phenomenal
17 basketball player in his own right -- and, as an
18 aside, was my first basketball coach.
19 And I see Mrs. McCarthy in the
20 audience, so I take a shout out to her and the
21 entire McCarthy family. Many of you know Patrick
22 and Bill and James. And the Bennett family,
23 Maureen. And they've been just an important
24 institution to us.
25 And continuing on, Joe Whalen, Brett
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1 Young, Johnny Decker, Andre Jackson, Cj Mulvey,
2 Zach DiBlasi, Kieran Donohue, Saif Ullah, Pat
3 Lacey, and again Hameir Wright. And for each --
4 there's a number of other players on the team I
5 could talk about your families, because you go
6 way back in the Capital District. But this is a
7 real class group. You have much to be proud of.
8 Sometimes, you know, winning a title
9 once can be an aberration. Winning a title twice
10 means something special, and it means that
11 there's a special group of young men with their
12 coaches -- their head coach, Brian Fruscio, the
13 athletic director, Paul Gallucci -- and
14 Albany Academy.
15 I salute you. Congratulations.
16 (Applause.)
17 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Gentlemen,
18 we offer you congratulations on behalf of the
19 Senate. We extend to you the courtesies and
20 privileges of the house. Please rise and be
21 recognized by the chamber.
22 (Standing ovation.)
23 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: This
24 resolution has been opened for cosponsorship. If
25 you would like to be a cosponsor, please notify
2126
1 the desk.
2 And on Senator Tedisco's resolution
3 on Blue Friday, if you do not wish to be a
4 cosponsor, please notify the desk. Otherwise
5 you'll be listed as a cosponsor.
6 Senator DeFrancisco.
7 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you
8 please recognize Senator Tedisco to introduce a
9 class that's here visiting.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
11 Tedisco.
12 SENATOR TEDISCO: Well, the class
13 was here physically, but they had to leave.
14 But I'll let you know they were a
15 group from Karigon, an outstanding group of
16 students. And we had the fourth graders from
17 Mrs. Schmitt's and Mrs. Smith's class here, from
18 Shenendehowa School District, and they were
19 visiting today at the Capitol today and watching
20 our proceedings and learning a little bit about
21 their state government. And I was going to
22 extend them the cordialities of the house.
23 And when I spoke to them, I asked
24 them about using the dictionary. And they said,
25 Oh, yes, we do use the dictionary as
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1 fourth-graders. And I asked them if they knew
2 the longest word in the English Oxford
3 Dictionary. I wonder if anybody in the room
4 knows the longest word in the dictionary now.
5 I will tell you something about how
6 the human mind works. One day I was reading
7 Parade magazine, I opened up Parade magazine, and
8 it said the longest word in the English Oxford
9 Dictionary. I read it once, read the rest of the
10 magazine, and I told the young kids I got up the
11 next morning and guess what was in my head?
12 Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.
13 (Laughter.)
14 SENATOR TEDISCO: The longest word
15 in the English Oxford Dictionary.
16 Now, in case you think I'm making
17 that up, I'll say it again for you:
18 pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. I
19 wish I could get it out of my head. And I told
20 the students to be very careful when you read,
21 because sometimes when I'm giving a speech I
22 can't remember my own name, but that's in my head
23 right now taking up a lot of space.
24 But in case you want to know what
25 that means, and I told the students what that
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1 means, it's pneumonoultra, that's pneumonic
2 pneumonia, of an ash, pneumonoultramicroscopic
3 ash, silicovolcanoconiosis. And it's a volcanic
4 ash which causes a certain pneumonia.
5 But it's no longer supercalifragil-
6 isticexpialidocious, just so you know that. It's
7 pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.
8 But they were a great class, and I'm
9 going to go out and visit another one now and
10 tell them, if I can still remember that word.
11 Thank you, Mr. President.
12 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I think we're
13 all thankful, Mr. President, that they weren't
14 here, because the speech would have been a lot
15 longer.
16 (Laughter.)
17 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Could we
18 please recognize Senator Amedore for another
19 introduction.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
21 Amedore.
22 SENATOR AMEDORE: Thank you,
23 Mr. President.
24 I rise to introduce a class from
25 Fonda-Fultonville High School in Montgomery
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1 County who is here learning about the government,
2 because it is the senior government class.
3 And this fine group of students are
4 getting ready to finish their last few weeks of
5 high school but then venturing out into colleges
6 that their passion for government and public
7 policy leads them into majors in higher education
8 that would hopefully someday help us all in the
9 State of New York, because I believe these are
10 great young bright minds who have a heart to
11 serve their communities.
12 So I just want to thank Mrs. Brown
13 for all of her hard work and for organizing this
14 class trip, and I welcome them from Montgomery
15 County, Fonda-Fultonville High School and the
16 Class of 2017 Participation in Government class.
17 Welcome to the chamber.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
19 DeFrancisco.
20 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Would you
21 please recognize Senator Carlucci for an
22 introduction.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
24 Carlucci.
25 SENATOR CARLUCCI: Thank you,
2130
1 Mr. President.
2 It's an honor and a privilege today
3 we have with us my student advisory committee
4 sitting up in the gallery. These are students
5 from Rockland and Westchester County, I would say
6 some of the most talented students in our
7 community.
8 And what we do is we work together
9 on legislation facing us here in the Capitol and
10 also on opportunities in the community. These
11 students are the leaders in our community in
12 their schools, and the future leaders of our
13 state and of our nation. But they're not wasting
14 time. What we're doing is we're saying, Hey,
15 what are the resources available to us, what can
16 we do now to have a positive impact in our
17 community, in our schools? And they're doing
18 that.
19 So it's an honor and a privilege to
20 work with all of you. And today they're
21 observing us. And I think in the future we'll
22 see some of them sitting in this chamber and in
23 other seats of power across our country.
24 So it's an honor and a privilege to
25 work with all of you, and I want to thank the
2131
1 Senate for allowing us to be here today.
2 Thank you.
3 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
4 DeFrancisco.
5 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: For the final
6 introduction, please recognize Senator Addabbo.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
8 Addabbo.
9 SENATOR ADDABBO: Thank you,
10 Mr. President.
11 Today's invocation opened up with an
12 appropriate solemn acknowledgment of the life and
13 service of State Trooper Timothy Pratt, and we
14 welcome and pray for his family who are here with
15 us today.
16 So I want to thank Rabbi Verstandig
17 from Kew Gardens Hills for being with us today,
18 but I also want to acknowledge his guest that he
19 brought with him, his son, Sam Verstandig. Sam
20 is an eighth-grader at Yeshiva of Central Queens,
21 and he's president of the Mix It Up Club, a club
22 dedicated to addressing the issues of bullying
23 and cyberbullying.
24 So I want to not only welcome Sam
25 but thank him for what he's been doing in his
2132
1 school, acknowledging and working on the issues
2 of cyberbullying. So, Sam, thank you very much
3 for your efforts, and welcome to the Senate
4 chambers.
5 Thank you, Mr. President.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
7 DeFrancisco.
8 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, can we
9 now take up the noncontroversial reading of the
10 calendar.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The
12 Secretary will read.
13 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
14 125, by Senator Avella, Senate Print 1874, an act
15 to amend the General Municipal Law.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
17 last section.
18 THE SECRETARY: Section 10. This
19 act shall take effect immediately.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
21 roll.
22 (The Secretary called the roll.)
23 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
25 is passed.
2133
1 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
2 172, by Senator Funke, Senate Print 1121, an act
3 to amend the State Technology Law.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
5 last section.
6 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
7 act shall take effect on the 30th day.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
9 roll.
10 (The Secretary called the roll.)
11 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
13 is passed.
14 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
15 242, by Senator Gallivan, Senate Print 2933, an
16 act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
18 last section.
19 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
20 act shall take effect immediately.
21 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
22 roll.
23 (The Secretary called the roll.)
24 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
2134
1 is passed.
2 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
3 301, by Senator Griffo, Senate Print 3379, an act
4 to amend the Public Authorities Law.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
6 last section.
7 THE SECRETARY: Section 5. This
8 act shall take effect immediately.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
10 roll.
11 (The Secretary called the roll.)
12 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
14 is passed.
15 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
16 343, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 3158, an
17 act to amend the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and
18 Breeding Law.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
20 last section.
21 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
22 act shall take effect immediately.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
24 roll.
25 (The Secretary called the roll.)
2135
1 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
3 is passed.
4 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
5 415, by Senator Hamilton, Senate Print 2720, an
6 act to amend the Public Housing Law.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
8 last section.
9 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
10 act shall take effect on the 30th day.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
12 roll.
13 (The Secretary called the roll.)
14 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
15 Hamilton.
16 SENATOR HAMILTON: Yes,
17 Mr. President. I rise for the individuals who
18 live in NYCHA housing throughout the State of
19 New York. And this bill is for people who are
20 disabled.
21 We all know Sandy had a detrimental
22 impact to our state, and in some parts of our
23 state, in Coney Island, we still have individuals
24 who are living under conditions that are still
25 affected by Storm Sandy.
2136
1 When Storm Sandy hit the Rockaways,
2 we led a relief effort to go to NYCHA housing.
3 And when I got there, to my surprise, what stood
4 out in my mind was the Porta-Potties that lined
5 the street.
6 People had been living in high-rise
7 buildings -- 17, 20 stories -- for several days
8 with no water, with no electricity, with no gas.
9 It was horrific conditions. We had to bring
10 supplies, we had to bring food, and we had to
11 climb several flights of stairs to get to the
12 elderly, who could not be reached because there
13 was no elevator service, and actually bring them
14 down the stairs physically.
15 This law will allow citizens,
16 residents of NYCHA housing, to be able to move to
17 a lower floor. In case another storm like Sandy
18 were to come by, they'll be able to have access
19 to emergency services and be able to get out of
20 the building without much help.
21 So today this law is for all those
22 individuals who weathered the storm through Sandy
23 under horrific conditions, and that no elderly
24 person or person with a physical disability will
25 have to live through it again.
2137
1 Thank you, Mr. President.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
3 Hamilton is recorded in the affirmative.
4 Announce the result.
5 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
7 is passed.
8 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
9 433, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 4546, an act
10 to amend the Insurance Law.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
12 last section.
13 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
14 act shall take effect immediately.
15 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
16 roll.
17 (The Secretary called the roll.)
18 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
20 is passed.
21 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
22 470, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 3249, an act
23 to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
25 last section.
2138
1 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
2 act shall take effect on the first of November.
3 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
4 roll.
5 (The Secretary called the roll.)
6 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
8 is passed.
9 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
10 474, by Senator Marchione, Senate Print 4662, an
11 act to amend the Highway Law.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Read the
13 last section.
14 THE SECRETARY: Section 3. This
15 act shall take effect immediately.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Call the
17 roll.
18 (The Secretary called the roll.)
19 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
20 Marchione.
21 SENATOR MARCHIONE: Thank you,
22 Mr. President.
23 I rise for the purposes of
24 explaining my vote on the legislation before us.
25 I'm proud to sponsor this legislation that would
2139
1 establish the New York State Trooper Timothy
2 Pratt Turnaround.
3 The measure designates a turnaround
4 on Interstate 87, the Adirondack Northway, at
5 Mile Marker 38.8 in Saratoga County. The
6 legislation also directs the Commissioner of
7 Transportation to install and maintain signage to
8 make this designation.
9 I introduced this bill at the
10 request of Trooper Pratt's colleagues in the
11 New York State Troopers. Dedicating this area of
12 the Northway where Trooper Pratt faithfully
13 patrolled for so many years is a fitting tribute
14 to his dedication to protecting and serving his
15 fellow New Yorkers.
16 And I appreciate your support for
17 the passage of this legislation to honor one of
18 New York's finest.
19 I vote aye.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator
21 Marchione to be recorded in the affirmative.
22 Announce the result.
23 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 57.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: The bill
25 is passed.
2140
1 Senator DeFrancisco, that completes
2 the noncontroversial reading of today's calendar.
3 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO:
4 Mr. President, just a short explanation to those
5 visitors who wanted to see government in
6 operation. It's not normally this friendly,
7 okay?
8 (Laughter.)
9 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: This is a
10 getaway day, so much of the noncontroversial
11 items are on getaway day, the legislation. And
12 come during budget time, and you'll spend a lot
13 more time here listening to serious debate.
14 With that said, is there any further
15 business at the desk?
16 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: Senator,
17 there is no further business before the desk.
18 SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: In that case,
19 I move to adjourn until Monday, May 1st, at
20 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative
21 days.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT CROCI: On motion,
23 the Senate stands adjourned until Monday,
24 May 1st, at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being
25 legislative days.
2141
1 (Whereupon, at 11:48 a.m., the
2 Senate adjourned.)
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