New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: Madam speaker, could you please call the house to order?

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The house will come to order.

[Nader J. Sayegh (Member of Assembly)]: Good colleagues.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: In the absence of clergy, let us pause for a moment of silence. Visitors are invited to join members in the pledge of allegiance. A quorum being present, the clerk will read the journal Wednesday, February 26. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: Madam speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading of the journal of Wednesday, February 25. The next name should stand approved.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: With that objection, so ordered.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: Thank you so much. To my colleagues in the chambers as well as the guests that may be joining us today, I'd like to share some words with you today in the form of a quote from Tupac Shakur. He was an American rapper, a actor, a dancer, a record producer, and an activist. His words for us today. Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Long live the rose that grew from the crack in the concrete when no one else cared. Again, these words by before any introductions and housekeeping, we're gonna be calling for the consumer affairs committee to meet. We will, however, begin our floor work today with resolutions on page three, and then we're gonna take up on consent rules report number 88. It's on page five. And then we're gonna continue to consent where we left off on yesterday, calendar one fifty four. It's on page 29. There may be a need to announce additional floor activity, ministry for however right now. I will add that, members should be aware that at the conclusion of our session today, we will be having a moment of silence as well as taking up a privileged resolution honoring the life, the legacy, and the legacy of Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson. Majority members should also know that there is gonna be a need for conference immediately following today's work. So that's the general outline of where we're going, Madam Speaker. If you could begin by calling the Consumer Affairs Committee to the Speakers' Conference Room, please. And thank you.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Thank you. Consumer Affairs Committee to the Speakers' Conference Room. Consumer Affairs members, please meet Chair Razek in the Speakers' Conference Room. We do have a few pieces of housekeeping on a motion by Ms. Lunsford, page 23, calendar number 104, bill number A3126A. The amendments are received and adopted. On a motion by Ms. Rosenthal, page 13, calendar number 50, bill number A1388. The amendments are received and adopted. And we have a few introductions this morning as well. Ms. Walsh, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Mary Beth Walsh (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Good morning to colleagues. We're joined today by two great teams or athletes from the Shenandoahoe Girls Cross Country Team, New York State Federation Cross Country Champions, and also from the same school, New York State girls tennis singles champion, Jolie Chajac. So first cross country. The Shenandoahoe High School girls varsity cross country program now boasts three state championships demonstrating their superlative teamwork which has been a mainstay for this elite track and field program. The team this year compiled an outstanding ten two Suburban Council dual meet record and an exceptional 32 to two overall season record. The cross country athletes earned the program's first ever Federation title at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls on 11/22/2025. They earned a national berth to compete at Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon, finishing twelfth in the nation under the name Clifton Park with three eighteen points. They achieved a remarkable team wide grade point average of 94.05% exemplifying the true meaning of scholar athletes. They demonstrated superior teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship under the leadership of head coach Rob Clodier and his dedicated coaching staff. But as I said before, we have another person who has joined us today, Jolie Chajczak, a ninth grader who also attend Shenandoahua. She was the New York State Public High School Athletics Association Girls Tennis Single State Championship winner. And this is as a ninth grader. She captured this title on 10/29/2025 with a decisive seven six. Oh, I'm so sorry to run out of time. I I would ask, madam speaker, that you please welcome all of these wonderful female athletes from Shenandoahua High School to the People's House, and thank you so much.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Thank you. On behalf of Ms. Walsh, the speaker, and all members, we welcome you to the People's House. Congratulations to our Cross Country Team Champions, and Joey, Tennis Champion. This is an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations and continued academic and athletic success to you. We hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you so very much for joining us. Miss Forrest, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Phara Souffrant Forrest (Member of Assembly)]: Good morning, madam speaker. It is my pleasure to introduce I'll wait for him. Yeah. Introduce Remyke Forbes. He is the husband of my chief of staff Karen Narevsky who has served the constituents of eight thousand fifty seven since 2022. They are also joined by their son, Malachi Forbes. They are constituents of my distinguished colleague in 8057, Robert Carroll. Ramike grew up in Central Brooklyn and Southeast Queens and is a Jamaican political activist in the tradition of the great Michael Manley. He is the long time creative director of the Jacobin magazine, a publication on politics, economics and culture. The print magazine is released quarterly and reaches 75,000 subscribers in addition to a web audience of over 3,000,000 a month. Ramike's brilliant creative work has helped the magazine reached its wide circulation and engaged many people in politics over the last ten years. He is also a talented carpenter, computer programmer and banjo player. While Malachi is only two years old, he is already a very familiar piece in my district. He attends the daycare at the Shirley Chisholm State Office building in Fort Greene, where my district office is located, and where he is learning about Shirley Chisholm's legacy, as well as visiting Fort Green Park, Atlantic Terminal and other major 8057 institutions. Please join me in welcoming them to the chamber today and please extend them the privileges of the floor.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: On behalf of Ms. Forrest, the speaker, and all members, welcome Rumik and Malachi to the Assembly Chamber, our people's house. We extend to you the privileges of the floor and hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you so very much for joining us today. Ms. Rosenthal for the purpose of an introduction.

[Linda B. Rosenthal (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you Madam Speaker. Today we will be adopting a resolution proclaiming Friday March 6 as Lymphedema Day in the state of New York. And as we adopt that resolution, today we are joined by Doctor. June Wu, a resident of the 67th Assembly District. Doctor. Wu has spent her career researching lymphatic diseases, is a dedicated patient advocate for those living with these conditions. Not only is Doctor. Wu an Associate Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, she is also co director of the New York Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center Interdisciplinary Vascular Anomalies Group and co director of the Vascular Anomalies Basic and Translational Research Program. Doctor. Wu is committed to ensuring that treatment for lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases remains affordable and accessible. She has helped patients thrive, has inspired other clinicians and researchers through her dedication, compassion and leadership. Lymphedema is a painful medical condition that causes extreme swelling of one's arms or legs or other internal organs and severely impacts people's lives. It may occur following treatment for cancer. It may be congenital. And more than ten million Americans suffer from this condition. And research toward a cure still lags far behind that of other health conditions. We are also joined by Doctor. Ajit Mooley. He is the Science and Medical Director for Lymphedema Education and Research Network. And he is instrumental in leading and guiding LEARN, a great organization that is dedicated to finding help and a cure for people suffering from lymphedema. We are also joined by Bonnie Song, guest of Doctor. Wu. And Madam Speaker, please extend the cordialities of the House to these very special people.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: On behalf of Ms. Rosenthal, the Speaker and all the members, welcome doctors to the Assembly Chamber. We extend to you the privileges of the floor and hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you for all the great work that you're doing in the community and we hope you enjoy the proceedings. Thank you. Resolutions. Page three, clerk will read.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number nine eighty seven, Ms. Rosenthal. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 03/06/2026 as Lymphedema Day in the state of New York.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. On consent, page five, rules report 88. Clerk will read.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Senate eighty seven seventy seven, rules report 88. Senator May, an act to amend the economic development law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Read the last section.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, 128, no, six zero.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The bill is passed. On consent, page 29, calendar number 154, clerk will read.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6192D, calendar 154, Ms. Callis, enact to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6285, calendar 155, Mr. Otis, an act to amend the public service law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6,346, calendar 156, Mrs. People Stokes, enact to amend the executive law. This

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6,448, calendar 158, Ms. Hunter, enact to amend the social services law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6,455, calendar 159, Ms. Septimo, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6480A, calendar 160. Mr. Bronson, enact to amend the labor law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: On a motion by Mr. Bronson, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6484A, calendar 161, Mr. Wepron, an act to amend the insurance law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6538, calendar 162, Mr. Scavoni, an act to amend the county law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Read the last section.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty. Noes, zero.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The bill is

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: passed. Assembly number 6540 d, calendar one sixty three. Miss Tibares, enact to amend the general business law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6559 c, calendar one sixty four, mister Benedetto, an act to amend the Veterans Services Law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Read the last section.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty two. Nose, it's zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number 6561 b, calendar 165, Mr. Wepron, an act to amend the insurance law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6,578 b, calendar 166 was previously amended on third reading and is high. Assembly number 6581A, calendar 167, Ms. Warner, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6677A, calendar 168, Ms. Zinnerman, an act directing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to rename the Utica Avenue Subway Station.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Read the last section.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty four. No nos, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number 66 30 nine, calendar one sixty nine, mister Kim, an act to amend the Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: This

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: bill is laid aside.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 6652 b, calendar 170, Mr. Wepprin, an act to amend the insurance law.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Read the last section.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, 136. Nose, zero. The bill is passed.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Miss People Stokes.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: Mister speaker, do we have any further housekeeping or resolutions?

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Yes. Resolution number nine eighty eight. The clerk will read.

[Assembly Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number nine eighty eight, mister Hasty. Legislative resolution mourning the death of the reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson and honoring his lifetime of service, leadership, and advocacy for civil rights and social justice.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Yes. Thank you. On the resolution, you know, I've of course, I've had the pleasure of spending time with the with reverend Jesse Jackson. And, you know, although, you know, only one perfect person ever walked this planet, you know, Jesse Jackson did a lot, particularly for me growing up as a as a young man. And and I'd say the thing that Jesse Jackson did the most for me is a young guy who wanted to young African American who always thought one day that I wanted to run for office. His run for presidency in 1984 actually gave a lot of us, particularly here in New York, that maybe a black guy can do it. The fact that he won New York City in the presidential primary is a big reason why David Dinkins was able to become mayor of the City Of New York in 1989. And also in Virginia, Doug Wilder, who actually was my cousin's godfather, became the first black elected governor in this country after Jesse Jackson ran for president in 1984. So I just wanted to say thank you to the reverend for what he's meant for the civil rights movement, for what he meant as, like I said, a young black guy in the eighties who wanted to have a career of public service. He showed us that, yes, you could do it. And so I'm just happy that we're gonna give this do this resolution in commemoration of all of the work that he's done in this country and all across the world. So may his soul rest in peace. Miss Jackson on the resolution.

[Chantel Jackson (Member of Assembly)]: Well, thank you, mister speaker. You know, all of our leaders are are not perfect and they come with their own issues. But one thing I do know because of the life of reverend Jesse Jackson is that I am somebody. And the Reverend spent a good amount of time building coalitions, reminding us that we are sons of sons and daughters of slave masters and slaves. And we are here together in this body to take care of the people of the state of New York and this nation. And so the one thing that if if I can take away from his life and his legacy is to continuously build coalition from each and every individual that has the privilege of representing New Yorkers. So, today in honor of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Black History Month, I want us to all remember that we are somebody and we are responsible for a lot of somebodies. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Miss People Stokes on the resolution.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: Thank you, sir. What an honor in my lifetime to be able to stand and say a kind thanksgiving to a man like Jesse Jackson. I actually had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions because as you mentioned, did spend a lot of time in New York, not just when he was running for president, but in his work with the Southern Christian leadership and operation breadbasket. I can see vividly the corner of Jefferson and Utica where he met a ton tons of people to talk about how we get everybody fed. And it's kinda sad at this day in '26, not only that he is gone, but that we're still talking about how to feed people in what's supposed to be the wealthiest country in the world. But it is a conversation that we can never give up on because as was previously stated, everybody is somebody and everybody should be treated in the fashion that Jesse Jackson desired to have people treated in. I honor his work, and I hope that people understand that his fights for civil rights was not about division. It was about inclusion. It was about adding people to the opportunities of the American dream, not taking anybody out. So, to his family, I wish them swift comfort as they suffer and deal with grief. Grief is hard. Grief is very difficult. It's even grief for us those of us that are not immediately in his family. But all the honor to God for his life. And thank you, mister speaker. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mister Meeks on the resolution.

[Demond Meeks (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, mister speaker. I rise to support this resolution. The reverend Jesse Jackson senior meant a great deal to so many of us and his many great accomplishments going back to the civil rights era. Always a motivating factor in our communities. And, one of the things he always reminded us, no matter how grim things may seem, to keep hope alive. So, I just wanna lift that in the chamber today that we all continue to push and fight for the things that matter so much, social justice to so many in this state, in this country. May we continue to fight and keep hope alive. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mister Deyes on the resolution.

[Unidentified Member (male)]: Thank you, mister speaker. Speaking on behalf of resolution, one thing that I think people forget on 04/04/1968 when doctor King was assassinated, reverend reverend Jesse Jackson was present at the Lorraine Motel at that time. He was one of the people that picked up the torch to continue the civil rights movement that Doctor King was was a part of. But if you actually remember what Doctor King was speaking about at that time was working with the labor unions in Tennessee, working for working for working people. And I think that helped motivate reverend Jesse Jackson with the Rainbow Coalition, which was beyond just civil rights, but workers' rights. He was trying to unite Latinos, African Americans, progressives, farmers. He created a coalition across America, which won 1984 but I personally remember the nineteen eighty eight election when I was in second grade. And we had a mock election at our at our school where we went and we voted during during the primary. And I remember voting and going into the the old school voting machine when you had the the slot that you had to change over in the curtain. And I remember watching my dad vote for Jesse Jackson. And for my father who was born in 1940 in South Carolina, that was a moment for him. Reverend Justin Jackson was also a member of Omega five Omega five Psi of Omega Psi Fraternity Incorporated and he also was a big supporter of HBCUs and continued to make sure that education was a priority and what he wanted to make sure that young black men saw him as a positive example. No man is perfect, but he continued to make sure that all Americans can have a better America for tomorrow. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Ms. Glick on the resolution.

[Deborah J. Glick (Member of Assembly)]: Ms. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Jackson family, heartfelt condolences. There are few people in our history that are truly icons. And for me, Reverend Jackson was a transformative figure. Someone who because of the Rainbow Coalition raised issues that made a generation believe that this country was moving towards its promise of equality and opportunity for all people. And for that, I'm eternally grateful. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mr. Taylor on the resolution.

[Al Taylor (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to support this resolution and what my colleague just said. It just seemed like a lifetime ago but standing in these chambers as an intern in 1984 I was privileged to go to Howard University to his announcement that he's going to run for mayor. And since that occasion I had a couple other times to be in his presence but I found it always encouraging and uplifting and even wow talk about time. 1985 he joined then Denny Farrell on a run for mayor of New York City. And so his his his legacy is more than the sum total of what we could probably do in this space. But the energy and the I can do and I believe that I'm greater than the sum total of my experiences is ooze ooze from him when you're in his presence. I just wanted to acknowledge that. Send my condolences to the family. And that we not forget what the rainbow coalition was about. Don't forget about the man and the the ideas because it's so easy to summarize and say well that was

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: a good

[Al Taylor (Member of Assembly)]: enclosure. No. There's so much work to be done and this is a great time to keep that legacy going. So I would encourage my colleagues, it's a moment in time that we're all faced but let's not lose the identity of what he was doing and we can carry it to the next level. Thank you mister speaker.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mister Jacobson on the resolution.

[Jonathan G. Jacobson (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, mister speaker. I remember Jesse Jackson at the nineteen eighty eight Democratic National Convention. I was a delegate, And I was there when he gave that fiery speech in his own way and he was talking about the people that were being left out. And I always remember a line he says, and they take the bus to work. And they take the bus to work. So he was an inspiration to everybody that was involved in politics from then and on. And I got to meet him recently at the last convention. But he he he was an inspiration to all. Keep hope alive.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mister Levine on the resolution.

[Charles D. Lavine (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, mister speaker. I had the, extraordinary, opportunity, to meet doctor Jackson years ago at a conference on fair housing in Nassau County. And I recall vividly being with him in a crowded room and was full of people. And this man of world renowned, magnetic and charismatic, listened astutely to each and every comment that everyone in that room made. He brought great comfort and inspiration. And later, when I got to meet him in person, I was able to share with him that I had done a lot of my growing up in the city of Chicago. And I wasn't sure quite how that would go over, but he smiled graciously with a glint in his eye and was very pleased that we had that, along with other things in common. So at a time when justice, fairness, and equality is in grave jeopardy in our nation, it is truly fitting that we stand together to honor the accomplishments and the memory of a great American. And I very much appreciate having the ability to speak with respect to this particular issue. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mister Fitzpatrick on the resolution.

[Michael J. Fitzpatrick (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, mister speaker. I'd also like to rise and offer my condolences to the Jackson family, and I just wanna share a little story. I had the pleasure of meeting Reverend Jackson on a Saturday when I took my family to visit the USS Iowa docked in Brooklyn. And it happened to be the same day that Reverend Jackson was going to host Saturday Night Live that evening. And it just so happens that when we arrived, he arrived and we were able to take the tour of Iowa with Reverend Jackson. And I just remember how kind he was, how friendly he was introducing my family to him. And, you know, he really was an iconic figure. You know, even though we had many disagreements, you know, policy wise, in fact, was quite critical of The US defense budget at the time. But I couldn't get over how friendly he was, how nice he was. He certainly was a dynamic speaker, a great motivator, and he certainly was a giant political figure in The United States Of America. So he'll be missed. Always enjoyed listening to him. And I just wanna wish the best to the Jackson family. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Thank you, mister mister Fitzpatrick. Miss Ray is on the resolution.

[Karines Reyes (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, mister speaker. It is an honor to stand here and pay homage to the late reverend Jesse Jackson. And I wanted to comment as chair of the Puerto Rican Hispanic task force. Jesse Jackson was somebody who formed the Rainbow Coalition and galvanized not just the African American community but the Latino community and specifically the Puerto Rican community in the state of New York in support of all the plights of people who were oppressed. And the Somos conference actually began because the 11 Puerto Rican members of the state legislature supported his bid for the presidency and the Puerto Rican governor didn't. And that's how we descended, we began to descend on Puerto Rico every year. And he really has an incredible legacy. The first Puerto Rican woman elected to the senate, Olga Mendez was the one who put up his name for nomination as well for the presidency. He really taught us what it means to build coalition and to all work together for a cause that impacts all people. So it is an honor to pay homage to him, to remember him, and to continue to work in his legacy and in his name. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Mr. Sajid, on the resolution.

[Nader J. Sayegh (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, Speaker. I also rise really to celebrate the legacy of Reverend Doctor. Jesse Jackson. I've had the pleasure of attending conferences with him, whether in Washington, D. C. Or New York, largely on the issue of the Rainbow Coalition. And when we talk about the reverend's work continuing the fight for civil rights and individual rights, sometimes we look at his role as being a national role, but I can attest to the role that the reverend played on the international scene, where throughout the world, people followed Reverend Jackson, and they saw Reverend Jackson truly take action, whether it's attempting or following up on peace initiatives, or getting people to recognize that through diplomacy and negotiation, that that is a better path than conflict and division. So today, we celebrate his life, we celebrate his accomplishment, his legacy, and hopefully to continue to push in the direction of recognizing that there's more commonality than differences, and we should learn to work together and stop the polarization that is dividing our nation. Thank you.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: You. Ms. Zenterman on the resolution.

[Stefani L. Zinerman (Member of Assembly)]: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every day I walk into my office when I come to Albany, I have the pleasure of looking at a photo of Reverend Jackson standing next to my predecessor Al Van, my predecessor Annette Robinson, former assembly member Nick Perry. It is a reminder for me daily of why I am able to serve in my community. For me, Jesse Jackson has always been a household word, household name. Every summer I went down south as most people with southern roots did to spend the summer. First half of the summer I spent in Virginia, the second Greenville, South Carolina where he was born and raised. I went to school with my older cousin Sandra. And so I knew his name, I knew his face, I knew his story. And to grow up at a time in Brooklyn when members of the democratic party understood that black leadership was important and they wanted to support him. People from my neighborhood worked and organized to get him on the ballot twice. And when they first went to Chicago, people said who are these people and who is this man? I mean who are these people, who is this man Al Vann that could get so many people from Brooklyn and elsewhere into Chicago to ensure that he was rewarded for all of the hard work that he did of organizing people of different hues to dare to be the president of The United States. And so there are so many things that we can lift up about who he is. But I know as I stand here, there was no doubt that I was going to come and be a member of the black Puerto Rican Hispanic and legislative caucus, Asian legislative caucus. It was a privilege to see how different groups could come together with some of the same struggles but different culture and different lifestyles but understand that we were part of one human family and that we would and should work together in the political arena. His voice resonates in my mind and so many others because he was absolutely emphatic about the fact that we could if we worked together achieve anything that we wanted to achieve. And we've done so much of that. And so I want to just say thank you to him. I want to say thank you to my predecessors. I want to thank everybody who spoke today and for those of you who wanted to say something. But whether or not you found the words today I hope you all appreciate what he has done for this body and many others. I know that there is some stigma that still kind of follows his name, but I think when people look at the body of his work and all that he tried to do to bring us all together to fight for equity and justice, we should continue to raise his name. I just want to end by saying just a couple of things that I wrote earlier when he was actually when we found that he had transitioned. Through operation push, he demonstrated that economic justice required organized action. Through his historic presidential campaigns, he expanded democracy and proved that black leadership belonged at every level of American government. Through his global advocacy, he connected our local struggle for justice to movements for freedom around the world. His work helped lay the foundation for expanded voting rights, greater economic opportunity and the diverse leadership we see across the country and in this body today. As a legislator, I know that the opportunity I have to serve in part is because of the legacy that he built. Ubuntu is a principle rooted in African culture and heritage and it says I am because you are. Reverend Jackson's life reminds us of that truth that we are because he was. His his legacy lives on in every effort to advance justice, to expand democracy and serve the people with courage and conviction. May he rest in eternal peace.

[Carl E. Heastie (Speaker of the Assembly)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The the resolution is adopted. Thank you.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: We have a number of resolutions before the house. Without objection, these resolutions be taken up together. On the resolutions, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The resolutions are adopted. Miss People Stokes.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: Madam speaker, if you could please call on our colleague, miss Clark, for the purposes of an announcement.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Miss Clark, for the purpose of an announcement.

[Sarah Clark (Member of Assembly)]: Again. Thank you, madam chair. Madam speaker, I rise to say we have majority conference immediately following session in Hearing Room C. Majority conference immediately following session.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: Thank you. Majority conference Hearing Room C immediately after the conclusion of session. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)]: I now move that the assembly stand adjourned until Friday, February 27, tomorrow being a legislative day, and that we reconvene at 2PM on March, the intercession day.

[Helene E. Weinstein (Speaker Pro Tempore, Presiding)]: On miss Peoples Stokes' motion, the house stands adjourned.