New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, will you please call the house to order?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The house will come to order. Good morning everyone. Good morning. 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 of Tuesday, April 21. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, I move to dispense with a further reading of the journal of Tuesday, April 21, and at the same stand approved.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Without objection, so ordered.

[Assemblymember Joseph (Joe) Angelino]: We have a quote of

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: the day that's not by unknown today but by John Francis who is an American environmentalist named the planet walker in the spirit of earth day and the quote says, we are the environment and how we treat each other is really how we treat the environment. And these words are again by John Francis. Madam speaker, can I have the members attention so that we could announce the schedule for today? Members have on their desk and main calendar and a debate list. Before any housekeeping and or introductions, we will be calling for the following committees to meet in the Speakers Conference Room, ways and means and rules. These committees will produce an a calendar which we will take up today. We will begin our floor work by taking up calendar resolutions on page three. We will then take up the following bills on debate. Rules report 96 by Mr. Mcdonald. Rules report 97 by Ms. Paulin. Rules report 98 by Mr. Dinowitz. And rules report 99 by Ms. Rosenthal. I will announce any further floor activity as we proceed. Majority members should be aware that there will be the need for a conference once we conclude our work on the floor. As always I will consult with the minority on their conference needs. Members should also be aware that at the conclusion of our floor work today, the minority will be offering a motion to discharge. So with that as a general outline, Madam Speaker let us begin by calling for the Ways and Means Committee to meet in the Speaker's Conference Room.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Ways and Means Committee members, please make your way quietly to the Speaker's Conference Room. Ways and Means to the Speakers Conference Room. We have no housekeeping this morning but a few introductions. We will start with Ms. Warner for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Carrie Woerner]: Thank you Madam Speaker. We are joined in the chamber today by the very large extended family of a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and a civic leader from the city of Mechanicville, James R. Paluso. Just a bit about Jim. Following high school graduation in 1967, he volunteered for the US Army and airborne training. He proudly served with company A of the first battalion, sixteenth Infantry Regiment known as the Iron Rangers of the first Infantry Division, the Big Red One in Vietnam from 1968 to '69. As an infantry squad leader and platoon sergeant, his unit nicknamed him Sergeant Ambush out of respect for the countless five man night ambush patrols that he successfully led in the Iron Triangle. Jim was seriously wounded twice. First in '68 and then again in '69 when he was medevaced out of Vietnam. In addition to being awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster for his sacrifice, he was awarded many combat medals. Following his return from Vietnam, he met his wife of fifty one years, Sue. They had four children James, Janelle, Michael and Suzanne and now have 10 grandchildren and they are all here today. Jim's service to our nation, state and community didn't end when he took off his uniform and returned to civilian life. Jim's professional career spanned forty years as an advocate for veterans across New York State. He was appointed by then Governor Pataki to serve as state director of New York State Department of Veterans Affairs. He later served as a program manager for the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans and after retirement was recruited to serve as New York State Director of Operations for Soldier On. Jim also served as National Vice President and Legislative Chair for the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, served on President Clinton's Veterans Roundtable and as state legislative chair and board member of the New York State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Tri County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans. Madam Speaker, my colleagues, please join me in welcoming the Paluso family and honoring the sacrifices of their husband, father, grandfather, brother. Thank you so much Madam Speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On behalf of Ms. Warner, the Speaker and all members, we welcome the Paluso family to the Assembly Chamber, our people's house and extend to you the privileges of the floor, commend and thank Mr. Palusos for his honored, decorated service to our country. We are very much grateful for all you have done and thank you so very much for joining us today. Welcome, and thank you. Mr. Simpson, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Matthew (Matt) Simpson]: Thank you Madam Speaker. It is my honor to introduce to you the 2026 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D boys basketball state champions from the one hundred and fourteenth assembly district, the Bolton Central School District varsity team. They are here today with their coaches, head coach Cody Cobre and assistant coach Angel Figueroa, as well as athletic director Mark Andrkovic, and school superintendent Chad Shippy. The Cougars had a very memorable and record setting season, capturing not only Bolton's first ever state basketball championship, but the school's first state championship of any kind. The loaded roster included three career 1,000 scorers and finished the season with an overall record of twenty six and one. I'd like to introduce the players that are here today. Jackson Egleth set all time career point school record. Jace Hubert reached a thousand career points. Liam Foy reached a thousand points. Sam Foy, Abram Figueroa, Lance Cory, Jacob French, Will Hens, Andy Morehouse, Brendan Pagan, Jack Fowl, Teddy Phelps, and John Romer. These young men have worked diligently to be where they are today. So Madam Speaker, would you please welcome these fine athletes to the People's House and grant them the cordialities and privileges of the floor.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On behalf of Mr. Simpson, the Speaker, and all members, we welcome the twenty twenty six class d champions from Bolton Central School, our basketball champions, and extend to you the privileges of the floor. We hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Very prestigious, for you to be able to be state champions. No one can ever take that away from you. So congratulations again to you. Wish you continued athletic and academic success. And thank you so very much for joining us today. Mister Bendet, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Scott Bendett]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today for the purpose of an introduction. And it's my privilege to introduce to all of you Frank Dingmann. He's the president of the Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance. And this year, we celebrate seventy years. The coalition focuses on youth programs, programs for veterans, programs for anybody in the sportsman arena. We do work with environmental protection, fish stocking, making bluebird boxes, buying bluebird boxes, installing bluebird boxes, fishing derbies, and so much more. These are the true stewards of the environment, and I'm proud to be associated with them, and I'm proud to have been honored by them for my support. And on behalf of myself and assembly member John McDonald, madam speaker, could you please afford mister Dingman all the cordialities of the floor?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On behalf of Mr. Bendett, Member McDonald, the speaker, and all members, welcome sir to the People's House, our Assembly chamber, and extending to you the privileges of the floor. Happy seventy year anniversary to you and thank you for all of the wonderful work that you have done and will continue to do for our conservation purposes. Thank you so very much for joining us today. Mister McDonald, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today to recognize a group here from the Spina Bifida Association in the state of New York as we declare October 2026 as Spina Bifida Awareness Month here in New York State. Spina Bifida, as many people know, is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life here in The United States. It's a type of neural tube defect that occurs when a baby's neural tube fails to develop or close properly. In spite of Bifida Awareness Month, the reason we celebrate it and recognize it is to raise awareness regarding the challenges of living with spina bifida and the steps that can be taken to prevent it. It is the hope that this month of awareness will also remind all New Yorkers that people with spina bifida are not defined by their condition. Joining us today is Julia Duff and Kylie Largiteau as well as Elizabeth Dunn and my longtime friend Shamika Andrews. Madam Speaker, please extend the cordialities to the house to our guests.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On behalf of Mr. McDonald, the Speaker and all members, welcome And thank you so very much for being here today. Extending to you the privileges of the floor. We do hope you enjoy the proceedings today. And I wish you well for the critical work that you do on behalf of those that are diagnosed with Spina Bifida. And for all of the wonderful work providing services and important education to those here in the community. So, thank you so very much for joining us today. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, can you call on the rules committee to meet in the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Rules committee members, please make your way to the Speaker's Conference Room. Rules committee members, Speaker's Conference Room. Resolutions. Page three, clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven seventy six, miss Raj Kumar. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2026 as Tamil Heritage Month in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven seventy seven, miss Zimmerman, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 04/25/2026 as DNA Day in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven seventy eight, miss Walsh. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as public safety telecommunicators week in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Miss Walsh, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you very much, madam speaker, and good morning to my colleagues. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service and their sacrifice. Who are they? Who are these people? These are the people who operate telephone, radio and other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 911 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers all throughout the state. Nationwide, public safety telecommunicators receive two forty million nine eleven calls each year, each one requiring specialized knowledge and a very calm response. And for any of us who have had the need to call 911 operators, when you need them, you need them. And you need that kind of calm, measured response that they give. And you know, I was talking to a telecommunicator the other day who was saying that one of the biggest stresses of that job is that once they help one person or one person that's calling them on 911 and they dispatch the help, they just they disconnect that call and the phone rings again immediately. And so their entire day is just crisis after crisis after crisis and that really can have a cumulative toll. So they really are the unsung heroes of our emergency network and I'm so glad to be able to carry this resolution again this year that honors them. It is such important work, but it often, as I said, kind of flies under the radar sometimes. So I'm glad to shine a little bit of a light on it. Thank you to all of the members who have supported this resolution and thank you to all of our wonderful telecommunicators who help keep us safe and dispatch help when we need it the most. Thank you so much Madam Speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 1179, miss Giglio. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13 through the twentieth twenty twenty six as dark sky week in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Miss Giglio on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Thank you, madam speaker. It's a pleasure and appropriate as we celebrate Earth Day today that we also celebrate dark skies week. Light pollution is the human made alteration of outdoor light levels of natural light. Dark Sky Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of turning off unnecessary lights and to shine on the nighttime glare. Our goal is to reduce light pollution and enjoy the enchanting night sky. This resolution provides a stellar way to inform New Yorkers about environmental benefits by turning off lights and the beautiful night sky possesses. Responsible lighting practices will not only save you money on utility costs especially during these trying times but it will give you an opportunity for the environment to reset. For generations, the stars have inspired wonder, guided travelers and reminded us of just how vast and beautiful our world truly is. This year, as remarkable as we saw astronauts circle the moon in a desolate dark sky, it's also notable that as I did when I was a child, many children grow up never seeing the Milky Way. Remember, working together to preserve dark skies, we can protect our environment, conserve our natural resources and support our economies. Simple actions like using shields on lighting, choosing warmer bulbs and turning off unnecessary lights can make a difference. I urge you to join me once again in supporting this resolution to declare Dark Skies Week in New York State. Together we can create a sustainable, prosperous and enriching future for all New Yorkers. The stars haven't gone anywhere. We just need to let them shine. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven eighty, mister Ikis, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 19 through the twenty fifth twenty twenty six as volunteer week in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Ikis, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember (unidentified; listed as 'Mr. Ikis')]: Thank you, madam speaker. Come to the realization that volunteers across New York State save us billions of dollars every year. And when we realize, as many of us do, we have volunteer fire departments, volunteer ambulance corps and the like, it would be just incredibly costly for New Yorkers to support those things. And we must remember the volunteers that respond and in many cases go into very dangerous situations, Risk their own lives to save others. But I also want to remember those who simply go next door and check on a neighbor and make sure that they are okay during good times and bad times. Those volunteers we need also. Volunteers that show up at soup kitchens and the like. I just can't go through all of the types of volunteers that we should be thankful for and that we should emulate. Those are our heroes out there today and I wanna thank you, madam speaker, for allowing me to talk on this subject.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven eighty one, miss Levenberg, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as oral cancer awareness month in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven eighty two, mister Sayag, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as celebrate diversity month in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Sayers on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Nader Sayegh]: Thank you very much and good morning. April 2026, diversity month in the state of New York. Oftentimes, York is referred to as a melting pot. A place where multiple culture melt and rebond together to create a singular identity that all can resonate with. However, this approach to a multicultural environment often expects people to conform to a singular identity while ignoring the beauty of the unique traits that different cultures bring to our state of New York and our nation. Rather, I'd like to think of New York as a salad bowl, a mixture of different cultures interconnected yet each still retaining their distinct characteristics that add character to New York, our culture, and our society. Namely,

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: as

[Assemblymember Nader Sayegh]: a member of a multicultural diverse population, I really take pride in representing and applauding different cultures. Therefore, join me today in recognizing the rich diversity of New York, the importance that diversity brings to making us a better community, a better society, a better state, and a better nation. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven eighty four, miss Williams, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026 as Caribbean Heritage Month in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven eighty five, mister Santa Barbara. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 13 through the nineteenth twenty twenty six as direct support professional recognition week in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Miss Giglio on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Thank you, madam speaker. As the ranker in the assembly for people with disabilities, it's important that we we recognize DSPs. So I rise in support of this legislative resolution and direct support professionals often known as DSPs are the backbone of care for individuals with disabilities. Every day they provide essential hands on support that allows individuals to live with dignity, independence and inclusion in their communities. Their work is deeply personal and incredibly impactful. They assist with daily living, provide emotional support and help individuals achieve goals that many of us take for granted. Whether that's finding employment, participating in community life or simply maintaining a sense of stability and routine. Yet despite the critical role they play, direct support professionals are often under recognized and undervalued. They work long hours often under challenging conditions driven not by recognition but by compassion, commitment and the love for the people that they serve. This resolution is an important step in acknowledging their contributions and ensuring that their work does not go unnoticed. By designating a week in their honor, we send a clear message that their service matters, that their dedication is appreciated, that they are essential to the health and well-being of our communities. But recognition must also be accompanied by action. I am thrilled that there is a 4% designation in the budget for direct service professionals and for the agencies that provide for people with disabilities. Strengthening this profession ultimately strengthens the care provided to some of our most vulnerable populations. As we move forward, let us take this opportunity not only to recognize direct support professionals but to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in meaningful and lasting ways. I'm proud to support this resolution and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Thank you madam speaker. Members have on their desk an a calendar. I now move to advance the a calendar.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On a motion by Mr. Fall, the a calendar is advanced. Page three rules report one zero two, clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven zero two o, rules report one zero two, mister Pretlow, an act making appropriations for the support of government.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On a motion by mister Pretlow, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Clerk will read. Governor's message is at the desk. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: I hereby certify to an immediate vote, Kathy Hochul, governor.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: An explanation has been requested. Mister Pretlow.

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Absolutely, madam speaker. This is our sixth budget extender and this bill would ensure funding for state operations and other programs through April 27. This includes additional support for public health, veterans services, various OPWDD programs, unemployment insurance and general state charges.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Paul Massano.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Thank you madam speaker. Will the chairman yield for some questions?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Well, the sponsor yield? Absolutely. Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Thank you mister Prattlow. Few quick questions and then I'll get into a little bit more detail here. As we said in committee, what is the total amount with this extender that will have been appropriate?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Since April, the total amount for this is 10,100,000,000 right now. Since April 1, it's 12,700,000,000.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Okay. And, the increase of this extender above the other one was about how much?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: 68,800,000.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Great. Great. And, this is our sixth budget extender, correct? Yes, it is. And, I know when we started this conversation last week, I I kind of brought in the baseball analogy. I just kind of just and the reason was it kinda, you know, people who might just be pay not be paying attention to kinda say where we are in the middle of the game. I mean, when we first asked the question, I think on Monday, I said, you know, what inning is the x range? And you kinda referenced to the discussion and say, well, it's in little league or if it's in little league, we might be a little closer than pro. And then, when we got to the next discussion, Thursday, you kinda said after thinking about it and put in perspective, you said, we're actually in a rain delay. And then or excuse me, batting practice, you said. And so, then when we came back on Monday, asked, are we still in batting practice? She said, no. Actually, we're in a rain delay. So, now, I guess my first question for the sixth extender, is it still raining? Or are we still in a rain delay? Or where where do you

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: At the rate we're going, mister Mr. Palosamo, it is snowing. But anyway, we will. Snow Anyway, we're working diligently toward a final product.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: I know. I'm sure you are. And snow in April is has been seen before, so that's kind of scary. Happen. So I guess in that in that and and then on that context, I mean, you said you're working diligently. Do you see some sunshine in the future? Do you see some more clarity on where we are in the issues over the weekend or where we are now from where we were before?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Well, as it today is Earth Day and I do look forward to seeing plenty of sunshine. We do have a lot of issues having to do with climate and the CLPCPA is kind of clouding things up right now. So, that is part of the darkness that we are seeing is trying to get that rectified.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Sure, that's fine. And do you have any projection, not holding you to it, I'm asking you for game on it. Do you have an idea of how many more budget extenders we might have to pass before we actually get to passing the budget? Because I know last year we did 12. Do you have any projection on how many more you think we might at this point until we get to the actual budget votes?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Unfortunately, I don't have the same skills as Karnec. But, will be budget shortly. Now, defining shortly is something else but I will just use the word shortly.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Alright, I'll take that for now and maybe ask for a little clarification on Monday. I know when we talked about the and you mentioned the climate laws and when I asked you on Monday, I mean, obviously, we know those issues are probably still outstanding from what we hear, but since Monday, have we gotten any more clarification on any of these issues or actual budget language? I can just go through some of the issues, you can say yes or no, or clarify if you want, say whatever you want. Have we got any updates or progress or budget language on possible tax increases?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: As said on our last conversation on this issue, we don't have language. Everything is in a discussion state. And once the discussions all come to fruition, it will then be transferred into language and giving us something to vote on.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Okay. Then I won't go down the list. I understand it, maybe you could just acknowledge some of the outstanding issues, taxes, tax increases seeker, auto insurance, possible immigration reform changes, tier six, and the climate laws, as you mentioned. Are those do those seem like the big six policy issues that are outstanding before we get moving on the budget? Yes, they are. Okay. And it seems to me so we're going be coming back on Monday to do another our seventh budget extender. Do you know when we take up that budget extender on Monday, what state expenses, payroll that might cover, just so we know and plan ahead for that?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Next week, we'll have payroll for the institutional payroll. That's due Tuesday the twenty eighth. So, that'll definitely be next week's extender.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Alright. And, it seems like the governor seems to be openly providing public statements, updates on the budget. For instance, I guess just yesterday she stated there would be no further tax increases in the budget. Do you agree just doing public statements like that on budget negotiation is the proper approach when there seems to be no budget agreement or clarity at this time? Or is that just to kind of get perspective from her perspective?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Well, is the governor's budget as you well know and she to date has said that she does not want to increase any taxes. So, I take her at her word that our budget or the two houses, the senate and the assembly house spending priorities that are part of the overall discussion right now. One of the reasons that we are delaying the budget is because we are trying to emphasize the importance of these fiscal priorities that each house has and want the governor to incorporate those items in her budget.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Sure and I can appreciate that Mr. Partlow. The governor also seems to put the blame on the late budget as Albany being Albany. And I mean I understand that statement but I mean even Governor Cuomo, and I'm not yearning for him to come back here by any stretch of imagination, but even under his tenure, there are eight on time budgets. Nothing's really changed in the process since Governor Cuomo.

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: I disagree. The process has changed seriously because under the former governor, he shoved things down our throats and we were forced to put in policy issues that we kind of didn't agree with. The reason that we're discussing tier six is not because anyone in this house wanted tier six, it's because it was part of a proposed budget. And so every budget that we passed that was on time was only because we were promised a fifty two week extender which would include everything that we didn't want. I think that this current governor is really being helpful to us in at least discussing the issues that we hold near and dear to our hearts.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: I appreciate that response. And with the governor continuing to say Albany being Albany, so you believe her leadership in this process is is being balanced and appropriate in the discussions. Is that what you're saying here?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Well, been saying that discussions are happening and I'm and I'm grateful that these discussions are happening. I wish that they would move along a little

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: quicker.

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: I wish that our priorities were being adhered to a little faster, but that's what we're working on.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: And, the governor believes the system's the problem, have we really seen or has the governor suggested any proposals as a way to fix it, so we can have a more smoother process to get a budget done on

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: I guess things have been offered by the governor, which are all part of the discussion. Let me try to explain the whole budget process in a different way. Sure. Do you remember that child's game where you had a bunch of metal shrouds and you took a magnet and you dropped the magnet in the middle and all the pieces of metal came toward the magnet? I do. Well, that's the budget. All pieces of metal are the discussion items, the pieces that we want in the budget, and nothing is really adhered to each other until everything is adhered to. So once you drop that magnet in, which is the agreement, then everything comes together and all nine bills will come together at one time. So, that's where we are right now. So, no one has dropped that magnet in the middle of the middle shards. So, we don't have a completed agreed upon budget. But, I'm hopeful that that time is coming shortly.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: All right. And you know I would say on that context too, you know with the governor obviously we know the policy issues are the ones that are outstanding here. And you know even this week the legislature has been working in advancing policy on having debates. Some issues certainly we didn't care about, but it was done in an open transparent way. It just seems like this budget process continues to be a closed door budget process with policy being part of it. And do you think that's the best way to move forward? Is these policies really being used to leverage to get the budget passed?

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: Well, as I stated earlier, and I'll continue to repeat myself, I believe that the budget should be a solely fiscal document and the only language in that budget should pertain to fiscal items contained in that budget. Yet, before that has not been the case. This has happened ever since former Governor Paterson was in office when policies started going to the budget.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Thank you, Mr. Preetlow. I appreciate your time as always. I look forward to talking to you on Monday. Hopefully with more than another budget extender, but thank you so much for your time as always. Madam Speaker,

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: on the bill.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the bill.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: And I will say, Preetlow, appreciated that little analogy of the metal dropping and everything just scrambled in the middle. And it's kind of like a controlled chaos, and it does seem like we're getting into a process of chaos here with the budget process the way it's going. But I do appreciate your time as always, your candor, the discussion. But Madam Speaker, my colleagues, here we are again, passing another budget extender. This is our sixth budget extender. We have only passed one budget bill. We still have nine more budget bills to pass. You know, and the conversation about analogy to a baseball game or what the forecast is, where we are in the game, that's concerning. Process, know, we joke and say it's it's snow, it can snow. And we know snow snow could happen in April, but when it comes to the budget process, that type of analogy, I think concerns us all, but I do appreciate the analogy. I think it gives people back home if they're not paying attention where we are in this process, just something to compare it to to what's going on. But it seems like once again the public is left in the dark about where negotiations actually stand. You know, I've given the, you know, the Yogi Bear, like deja vu, here we go all over again. I did the Punxsutawney Phil, you know, Groundhog Day. And also now, I guess this is just like a dog chasing its tail. It's like same thing over and over again, and it's concerning. And it seems to me like the loudest voices on the budget this week weren't in our assembly chamber, the senate chamber, or on the 2nd Floor, but they came from the protesters outside and around the capital. And that's because the people that are actually negotiating this budget really aren't saying anything significant at all to the residents of the state and to the members of the legislature. We have school districts right now waiting for their information so they could take their budget out to a vote to their citizens. That timeline is right here, right now. We have local governments that are trying to plan their construction projects for their roads, bridges, and culverts. And that season continues to shrink and shrink and shrink. And the more we delay and continue to do extenders, that's going be much more difficult for them to plan and budget and make those types of decisions. Same thing with community organizations or not for profits. And certainly the taxpayers are waiting for us to do our job and we are not doing our job. Instead what are they getting? They're getting silence from the negotiating table and a press tour from our governor. You know yesterday the governor was at a press conference on the farm and from reports of those who watched it, the cows behind her when she was giving her excuses why we have a late budget, they couldn't tell if the cows were mooing or booing. And regardless of how you feel about that statement, that little joke, the reality of that statement isn't funny and it's actually kind of scary too. Because while the governor traveled around the state doing photo ops, this body was actually in this chamber doing work. And every extender we pass sends the same message to the voters and to the residents that this is acceptable, but that we can do better. It's not acceptable. Make no mistake about it. Our citizens that we represent certainly do deserve better. As I said before, I will continue to vote for this extender because we need to keep government open. We need to pay our employees who do a great job for us. We need to keep things moving. But let's not pretend this is leadership. This is dysfunction. And until this body and the governor start doing their job, the voices outside are only going to continue to grow louder and louder. So thank you, madam speaker, my colleagues. Again, I will be supporting this legislation by urge my colleagues and this governor, get back to work and do the job of the people. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Miss Walsh?

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you madam speaker. On the bill.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the bill.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: So I've been pretty quietly sitting through all of these extenders as you have been over the last few weeks. But I received a really interesting text message, actually a series of them from a man in my district who basically said, why are you just sitting there quietly? Why aren't you saying anything? This is embarrassing. This is not government working. I want to know why you're still voting for this when we now have a budget that is over three weeks late and I want to know why you're not in there blowing things up. And I want to explain to anybody watching or the people that live in my district that are supporting me why I'm continuing to vote for this extender but why I don't like it and probably none of you do. We're three weeks late right now which is not as late as we were last year. Last year the budget wasn't delivered for thirty eight days. I think we're thirty eight days late. But we're really on track to being as late as that and maybe even later. And when we work in this bubble that we call the capital, when we work in Albany in this bubble, we we we joke around about it a little bit. Know, we talk about baseball and we talk about the it's just all Groundhog Day and it's it's just to me at this point and certainly to the people outside of this bubble that are taking a look at this mess, it's It's absolutely embarrassing. You need to do better. You need to do better for the people of New York here. It's like it's your job. It's it's it's like your one job. After the budget is done, whenever that's done, we're going to have a few extra days left before we're supposed to break in June. And you know we normally would be taking up about another thousand bills. Every day the budget is late, that just compresses the time that we're going to have at the end to pass what I would hope would be meaningful legislation that's going to benefit your districts, my district and we're going be really compressed. It was mentioned already that chronic delays create financial uncertainty for our localities and for our schools. It makes it harder for them to plan for schools, their staffing and essential local services. So we're creating hardships on the very institutions and people that we get up all the time about in here and talk about how much we care about them. We're not helping them right now. Every day that we're late, it does not help them. Every day that we're late, that we have to bring the legislature back in to vote on an extension costs the tax payers more money. It costs them just shy of $100 every time they bring us back just with per diems and mileage and all that stuff. So there's a financial cost to the delay that the tax payers need to know about. Late budgets have policy implications. Late budgets give the governor more power, right? At this point, and I keep making this point, I'm sure you are too, today as we pass this 12,700,000,000 emergency appropriation bill, It includes state employees payroll. And listen, I have a local representative. I represent an awful lot of people who work for state government and they deserve to get paid. I don't get paid, you don't get paid, the Senate doesn't get paid, but the staff does and we want them to continue to be. But I want to emphasize for anybody watching this or for my constituents to know that we're not getting a paycheck every day that this budget is late and that's the way it ought to be. It ought to be that way. I'm not complaining but I'm telling you that there are some people in this chamber and maybe down the hall where missing three, four, five, six pay periods is going to really start to hurt. And that just gives the Governor more leverage. Is that what we want? You know? I just think that I'm getting a little tired of the analogies and kind of the joking that goes around. I think you know, I'm not in that room, you're not in that room either with those three people that are figuring out when to pull the plug on all of these policy things that are holding up the budget, when we're going to actually get down to real numbers. But there's got to be an adult in the room there. I hope that there are three but there's got to be an adult in the room that says enough. You know, under one party rule there's nothing, nothing standing in the way of bringing any one of those ideas into this chamber as a stand alone bill debating it, voting and passing it. So just do that then you know. If you do that whether it's you know tier six or insurance tort reform or the possible rollbacks or adjustments to CLCPA or to immigration concerns or to taxes, well the taxes would have to be in the budget, right? But I mean a lot of this stuff could have been done as stand alone bills. Why are we, it just, this dance is just getting a little bit old. So I am getting on my feet today and I'm explaining to the gentleman that reached out to me, I'm voting for this because I want to see state government continue to run. I'm not going to blow things up Plus it's going to pass anyway, right? There's enough votes in this house to pass this extender with me or without me. But as we move forward, you know, I don't know. I don't know. I just think we need to do better here. It needs to get done. Please, to the 2nd Floor, I'm sure that there are people probably watching this, to the leaders in both houses, we need to get the job done. We really need to get the job done for all of our sake and for the people that we represent. So I'll be voting in favor of the bill, madam speaker, but come on. You know? Let's let's bring this to a close here. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Read the last section.

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

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty four. Nays, zero.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The bill is passed. Miss Walsh, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you Madam Speaker for allowing me to interrupt the proceedings to introduce some guests in the chamber on behalf of members Pierzzolo, Riley, Tnussis and Fall. We're joined today by some advocates for people with autism and spelling to communicate. They're from the group called Crimson Rise. So today we have joined with us Lakshmi Rao Sankar who's the Executive Director Kimberly Yee, the Program Director and Max Asafsky and mom and dad Melanie and Dean. So madam speaker, could you please welcome these great guests to our chamber today and afford to them all the cordialities of the house?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On behalf of miss Walsh, members Pierzolo, Tanussis Paul, Riley, and the speaker, and all members welcome the members of Crimson Rise to our assembly chamber, the people's house. We extend you the privileges of the floor, and hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you so very much for all of the work that you do in our communities and thank you for visiting us with us today. Thank you for joining

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: us.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the main calendar, page five, rules report 96. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number seven sixty five, rules report 96, Mr. McDonald, an act to amend the public health law.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: An explanation has been requested. Mr. McDonald.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Thank you, madam speaker. This legislation requires a healthcare provider who administers an immunization to an individual of 19 years of age or older to report such information to the Department of Health unless such person objects to such reporting.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Jensen.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Thank you, madam speaker. Will, my friend yield for some questions.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield. Yes. Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Doctor. Thank you, sir. I appreciate you yielding. So currently in New York State, vaccines that are given to individuals over the age of 19 are reported to the central registry via opt in affirmative consent provision, correct?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: That's correct. Would

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: this legislation's removal of that voluntary opt in be a departure from the existing healthcare privacy provisions that exist for patients in other areas of healthcare treatment?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: No, actually this legislation if passed and signed into law, would actually bring in line years and above, in line what has already been in place for a full generation for vaccine reporting for children, those under.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: So, I'm not speaking to the vaccines or immunization process, but for other medical privacy measures. Like when I go in to my doctor, I get asked in addition for authority to bill, Also that I opt in to the sharing of my medical information with electronic health record systems that pharmacists, doctor's office, healthcare facilities have in the event of care being provided by a doctor provider that we're not meeting who may not have familiarity with the patient? I'm sorry. Lost track of what the I started again. It's okay. So, I'm not meaning in pertaining to existing vaccine privacy opt in or opt out. But when I go to the doctor's office in addition to giving authorization to bill my insurance, I also have to sign on the pad to allow for my medical information to be shared in the electronic health records with the medical information software that can be shared between my doctor and my health system with other ones in the region or in their state, that is currently an opt in provision, correct?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: That is actually it's a requirement to be seen by your provider. When you let's say for example you're going to establish an account at a pharmacy, we're required by law to have you opt in to share your information. We are not allowed to actually treat you unless it's an emergency without your consent. And basically, it's called HIPAA as you know. We're very familiar with HIPAA. And quite honestly, think maybe to try to answer some of your question, I think the question is, is anyone's privacy sacrificed in this process? And the answer is no. Okay.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: So, we'd be moving from an opt in, affirmative consent, where the patient would have to give their authorization for notification that they've got this to go to the central registry in New York City or statewide to an automatic system where if you don't want that information shared, would have to take action to opt out. Is there any provision within this legislation that would alert, notify, whatever language would be appropriate, patients that they have the ability to opt out if they so choose.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: So, when a patient presents for an immunization, I think many of you have been through the process, you fill out this form, it asks you a lot of different questions about your allergies, any adverse conditions, whatever it may be. And right now currently there's an option, you would just check the box if you want that information shared with the state registry or the city registry for New York City. What we're doing is changing the language that's saying, if you don't want it shared, check this box.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: So that's So what we're box, all the information would still be the same. The language on the documentation would change to say rather than do you want to share the information?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Do not

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: want Do decline to share? So would be, there would be language alerting patients of the option to opt out?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Yes, absolutely.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Okay. And that would be on an existing form, the Department of Health, either at the state or in the city, wouldn't have to create any new forms. For patients to be aware of?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: No, actually no. It's a matter of just changing a few words. It's not an expense if that's what we're concerned about.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: What is the mechanism for patients? So this legislation moves forward, it gets passed by the other place down the hall, signed into law by the governor. Now we have a provision where this information is automatically shared. What is, and maybe this is a commentary or a question on current practice, but when somebody comes from out of state into New York, whether for college, whether to move, whatever the case may be. And their medical records are being shared with New York State. What's the process for that?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: I'm going to try to answer this concisely, but there's a lot of different scenarios because everybody has different

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: You knew the reader's diagnosis.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: So, say for example, I don't know if I can, I'm going

[Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow]: to try.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Okay.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: So, say somebody comes in from Missouri. Yeah. And they come into my pharmacy and I want to get a tetanus vaccine. They would fill out the form just like anybody else, whether a New

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: York resident or not, same form.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: And they want that shared to the New York State registry, which is their right. They would just not check the box to say don't share. And that information would be at, depending on the provider, in the next twenty four, up to fourteen days, it would be uploaded into the New York State registry where it would say Joe Blow living at 123 Anywhere Street in Show Me, Missouri received this vaccine on such a day.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: So, would that happen, so you talked about if somebody comes into a pharmacy in cohost perhaps, I don't know.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Just throw

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: it out.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Or anywhere else in the state and they are getting a vaccine. But how would it work if the medical records are being transferred from a provider's office in Missouri, in your example, to a provider's office in But, New and I don't know if this is the case in Missouri or any other states where they don't have the same mechanism in place, where their information isn't automatically shared. So they're not the information is being shared on a provider to provider basis. Would their information automatically be uploaded to the registry or would the New York provider then have to alert the new New York resident about this policy?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: So it depends on the state. Now interestingly enough, and we've been debating this bill for a couple years, and I haven't checked in the last few months, but right now in 45 other states in this country, you walk into a provider and receive a vaccine, it's automatically uploaded into that state's registry, which then is able to be downloaded into a pharmacy provider's or healthcare provider's record, the medical record system. So for example, the pharmacy that I'm at, if Josh presents himself or something and for some reason I don't have a record of it, we can actually import with the patient's permission any of their vaccine records from the past. And the reason we promote this, and one of the underlying reasons, we haven't gotten to this point about why we're doing this, one of the reasons why I'm promoting this bill is to prevent unnecessary vaccinations. A lot of people have a lot of options in regards to healthcare in this day. They might go to the urgent care and get a vaccine. They might be in the emergency room and say, hey you should get a tetanus shot. A lot of different spots. But if reporters aren't reporting, we run a very significant risk of people receiving vaccines they don't need. And you know, I know there's definitely individuals who are vaccine adverse and I respect their rights and their privileges. But at the same token, this bill is really focused on helping the many of people who do believe that they want to receive vaccines. And I can give you that lately the last three years, what's been really predominant is we have a lot of individuals 65, 70 who are now receiving the RSV vaccine. Which is a one time only vaccine. But I've had to year over year after year when I'm giving them their flu vaccine, and some want their COVID vaccine, then they say I want another RSV. I said no, you're not, you don't need it. You already received it. You're protected. So quite honestly, I would argue that for those who are not supportive of vaccines, you should be supporting this legislation because it prevents unnecessary vaccination.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: No, understood. Certainly, think you mentioned tetanus earlier and I'm sure I've had my tetanus vaccine. But when? I have no idea when. Hopefully It's every

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: ten years in case you're wondering. What was that? It's every ten years in case you're wondering, but if your ER or your urgent care facility or your primary care provider didn't share that or put it in notice it because you didn't know enough to check the box and say please put this in my record, we wouldn't know.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Well, maybe I should talk to my physician about getting my shot updated. But besides that point, and I know this is not your main speaker, but with the opt out provision that's on, as you mentioned, on the piece of paper, would that be a one time only opt out? Or would a patient have to do it for every vaccine they receive or is it just I check it once, I opt out or can I do it on a case by case basis?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: You know, I can tell you from my experience, the same form is given each and every time somebody receives a vaccine. So they are reminded of they can opt out at any given time. And by the way, the Department of Health on their website actually provides a form so that if anyone ever wants to opt out, they can.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: So, and I guess, and this may be, you may not know exactly how answer this question, so if you don't, I understand. Because certainly your expertise is giving the vaccines in the pharmacy setting where it's a one off, patient's coming in strictly for that vaccination. If it's, to your example, the 75 year old individual who's getting flu, and they want an RSV they shouldn't be getting. But if somebody's receiving their vaccines, whether it's me for tetanus, for the update or anything else, and I'm getting it in my doctor's office, would there be what's the mechanism? Would I be signing at the point of check-in or would I be going through that form at check-in or would it be presented to me in the Examination Room?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Each practice has their own ability to manage the requirements that we put forward in this state. So I would think in my providers, I know when I signed in, I had the question, do you want your vaccine shared or not? And I said, yes, I do. And also by the way, when you signed up, many people, and you referenced this earlier, the regional health organizations, is now eHealth, you basically say, I'm going to share this information. You sign off on that. When you do that, it's not on every visit, although I've noticed, I don't know about you, when I go to my primary care provider every year, I'm filling out the same forms I every

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: mean I just get asked to sign on the thing and I sign the thing. They might

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: own I my house, who would recommend reading them, but that's beside the point.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: I know we debated this bill two years ago, has this legislation changed from its previous version?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Yeah, we trimmed it down a little bit to kind of, you know, to just focus on the main point, which is we're talking about 19 and above, and you'll see if you read the language, the majority of language is focusing on the opt out procedure to make sure people know they have a right to opt out if they don't choose to.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: And I think that was a big part of our previous debate was that, thank you, Mr. McDonald. Madam Speaker, on the bill.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On the bill.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: I appreciate the sponsor answering my questions, and I think today's debate versus the one we had previously in a different sitting of this assembly, Certainly understanding the need for those who wanna share this information or willing to share this information, have no concerns about sharing this information, certainly being able to do it willingly and clearly. And I do appreciate the sponsor adjusting the language from a previous version to be more concise and allow New Yorkers to know and see that they do have the opportunity to opt out from sharing this information if they are uncomfortable with it. And certainly I would agree with the sponsor that I don't think that having New Yorkers receive vaccines that are inappropriate or unneeded is I think that's wise, that's a wise choice. But certainly, I do understand that a lot of our members, a lot of our constituents do have concerns about moving away from the current system that is an opt in, especially if we are seeing robust willingness by New Yorkers to opt in. So certainly, I appreciate the movement and I think maybe there may be concern about instead of changing law, maybe increasing DOH's regulations to mandate greater knowledge from a provider to, from providers to patients to make them aware of their rights before we potentially look at changing the law. Thank you Madam Speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Ms. Giglio?

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Thank you Madam Speaker, will the sponsor yield?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Yes, I will.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: So who will have access to this information other than the patient? If I'm going to college and I'm going to fill out the forms and I check the box that says yes I've had all my vaccinations then if there's a little line under there that says that it authorizes the college to check with the Department of Health website to determine whether or not they've had all their vaccinations, who will have access other than the patient?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Well, first of all it would be only those authorized individuals who are able to access the system and there's a delineation of all the authorized entities. You have to have your own, they call it a health commerce account. You have to be approved by the Department of Health to have access to it. There are several layers of privacy on this. It's amazing to me. You deal with a lot of technology in this day and age and you have to go through multiple reauthentications on a regular basis to prove who you are. So they don't just let any Tom, Dick or Harry get in there. It's very restricted in that aspect. And by the way, like for example, we're out taking a walk and you said, hey, I want to check on a vaccine, what my history is. I could sure, if you give me your consent and I'm an authorized user, I can access it. But it's not like some random person can just get on health commerce system and start checking out the vaccines.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Yeah, because we and we have this conversation a couple of years ago when we passed this when I was going to get my shingles vaccination and I just want to let

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: It's not a HIPAA violation, I'm not your provider.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: No, no, you did not. I gave you the information.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: So,

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: I I'm concerned that the information could be weaponized if you don't have the vaccinations and I I've heard from many parents about all these vaccination bills that we're going to be taking up. But this one also and about the transparency and the actual you know, it should be the first thing on the form before somebody gets a vaccine to say, you know, do you want this information shared

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Yeah.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: In my opinion Because sometimes these things can get hidden and people don't know that they've authorized the sharing of this information and and I'm concerned it could be weaponized. I'm also concerned about fraud. We saw with the COVID vaccinations where we had people that were making up the cards so people could go to restaurants and go to work. You know, our our firefighters and our police in the city and there was a lot of fraud with that and I'm I'm just concerned that if the vaccine doesn't show up on the forms or they're going to the college is going to tell you or the elementary school is going to tell you get me your vaccination report otherwise we're not letting the people into the school. So that's my concern. How are we addressing like that

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: A per

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: couple things. First of all, once again these are words that I know you hear about weaponization. The idea behind this is really to help a patient who may be using multiple providers throughout the course of their life to have one central repository where their vaccine history is. And once again, that's to prevent unnecessary or over vaccination, which I think as a healthcare provider, I'm a major proponent of that. I also know that many members here do have pressure from some constituents that are not really supporters of vaccines. I get that. To be clear, they're not getting vaccines and they've never been reporting. So the fear of weaponization from my perspective is minimal because they weren't reporting before and more likely they're not going to the pharmacy tomorrow to get a vaccine. They won't be reported in the future. There's nothing to report because they're not getting anything. Does that make sense?

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Yeah, mean for the people that want that information or somebody may be getting older and they want all of their vaccine information in one space, can appreciate

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: It's a lot of people to be honest with you.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: I just am concerned about the transparency of when people are going in to get vaccinations. Mean we spoke with a lot of the pharmacists yesterday that are asking for permission from the state to be able to administer vaccinations for many different things. And when I go on CVS and I I make an appointment to make my vaccination, you know, there's a record of it. And I I just I fear that you know I went online to make my appointments but I don't know that everyone's going to be going online to make an appointment to go to the individually owned pharmacies. So I'm I'm concerned that those records and maybe it should be a HIPAA form every time you get a vaccination that you have to fill out a HIPAA form if you want to share it with someone like I have to do every time I go for a medical procedure. I have to fill out the HIPAA form and I have to say who I want to have the information and.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: So HIPAA as you know is federal legislation. There's no requirement that it be updated annually, but maybe you'd like to talk to your congressman or congress member about that. You mentioned transparency, I think really the conversation or my response to that would be more about privacy. And that's where HIPAA comes into place. And that's where individuals, I think it's important that they have a relationship with their provider. And they have trust and confidence in their provider that they're going to follow the rules just like anybody else. But let me be very clear, because most people may know this if you're not, if you're a Medicaid provider, you're required annually to take fraud, waste and abuse training and also HIPAA training. Every year you're reminded of the significant penalties, which doesn't start at $250 it starts at $50,000 and goes above. So there are significant penalties if any provider violates HIPAA, plain and simple and this is all covered underneath that process?

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: I respect the bill in that for people that want it that they can have that information stored somewhere where it's easily accessible. The transparency that I'm talking about is that people are aware when they're getting that vaccination right front and center in a red box with a red line saying do you want to share this information with the central database for New York State. I think that's really important. I think it should be the number one box on the

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: form. So I understand what you're saying. We sometimes get criticized in this body for being too prescriptive on our legislation. So, I've left that to the of Health to determine where or which it should be on it. But if you'd like, you should send a letter to Commissioner Help. He's a nice guy.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Sure

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: you appreciate your response.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Know he is.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: You're suggesting.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: So thank you very much for your answers to my questions, and I guess we'll stay tuned for the rest of the vaccination debates. It ought to be an interesting day. Thank you. Thank you, assemblyman.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Menktolo.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Thank you madam speaker with the sponsor yield.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield? Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Thanks John. Just to clarify something here, so if I'm a senior citizen going into a doctor's office and if this bill goes through it is signed into law, tell me what that office will do to help let that individual know about this new bill, about this new law, and tell me how that's going play out.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: When I was talking to Mr. Jensen earlier, I referenced the health commerce system. Health commerce system, it's through the Department of Health. And besides having access to NYSIS, besides having access to the prescription monitoring program dealing with substance use. The other thing that's really great is that the Department of Health on a regular basis sends memos out to all providers where it's appropriate. So quite regularly, every week I get an update on the flu and COVID surveillance report to see where flu is spiking throughout the state. So once this bill is signed into law, provided we have the support here in both houses and the governor agrees, at some point the Department of Health will go through the regulation process just like any other agency, and when there's a change they will notify all providers this is how the process is now going to be. And it's usually said in there, I know it's normally said, make sure you make the proper changes to notify your patients.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Okay. So my second question is then, if this moves forward, once the state gets that information, does that go to the federal government at all?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: I don't know if people know this or not, but we had this thing called COVID five or six years ago, right? And back when the current president was the former president, through him and the Health and Human Services, they mandated that every COVID vaccine provided had to go into the state system and share it with the federal system. So it can happen. Once again, New York State is one of only five states in the country that doesn't follow that process. In healthcare, in general, most patients, because they consent to this, want their information shared. We're a mobile society, we're traveling all over the place. They want that information shared. I know that if a patient moves from California and comes to our pharmacy, once I get all the consents and the agreements and things like that, I can actually reach out and see whatever vaccine records are available even in other states. Which is I think a good thing if we're focused on making sure people, once again, it's not like the patient was dragged in and I put my hands around her neck saying you got to do this. I said, they came in saying I want to be a patient at my pharmacy or a medical practice. I consent to you gathering all my information and therefore there are networks that we are all associated with which is referred to in those agreements that patients sign that allows us to access whatever factual information is in the patient's medical record.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: So if a patient in New York say ends up in Georgia for half of the year, senior citizen, and they forget what they've had, how would they get that information? Would they have to reach back to their doctor's office?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: There's a couple different ways. One would they, a lot of times people will call their physician and say hey do you have a record of it? Once again, depending on the pharmacy, a lot of them have access to a national clearinghouse that can actually pull in. And this is not just pharmacies. EHR systems are becoming more and more predominant all the time. So a lot of information with patient consent is able to be imported into their system so they can actually get a fuller picture of how to provide proper care.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: And maybe I missed this with the prior assembly members asking questions. Is there going to be a one time sign up or is this every single time?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Well, every healthcare practitioner addresses this system differently. If you come into the pharmacy and sign this, then you are giving consent until you change otherwise. Think people know this, but under HIPAA, if you decide at some point you don't want to consent to sharing your information, you have every right to do that. There's like 12 different things that healthcare providers have to follow by in regards to consent, not consent, who I share it with, who I don't share it with. There's a lot of different things. Most people just really are more in a rush to just sign the form and get care, but there's a lot that goes on to it.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: My last question, John, would be some of the individuals that are in nursing homes, sometimes the doctors will come into the nursing homes to treat them, to give them vaccines. How does that all work in this situation?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: If a provider provides vaccines, are required to share that information if the bill is passed, unless the patient says I don't want that shared.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: What if the patient is in a dementia unit and doesn't

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: have Well, when I'm not here, I actually still go out and do some home vaccines and I actually go to facilities. So, we go through a process before we even show up, getting consent from the family member. There's always power of attorney, not power of attorney, healthcare proxy who would consent to that information. And that protects to make sure that individuals who may not be able to respond, there is somebody responding on their behalf. Otherwise, they don't get vaccines.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Thank you for answering my questions. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

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

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: A party vote has been requested. Miss Walsh.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, madam speaker. The minority conference will, generally speaking, be in the negative on this legislation. There

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: may

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: be some exceptions. If you want to vote yes, please do so now at your seats. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you Mr. Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Thank you Madam Speaker. The majority conference will be in the affirmative on this piece of legislation. For those that would like to vote in a different direction, they could do so at their desk.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. The clerk will record the vote. Ms. Glick to explain her vote.

[Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick]: I just want to thank the sponsor for this. So many people I know have had their doctors retire and changes because of insurance changes and so forth and are going different places and aren't 100% clear about their own records. So I think this is very important for people, particularly older folks, be able to find out whether they got that shingles vaccine. They think they did but they're not sure. So I think this is really important and I want to thank the sponsor for doing this. I withdraw my request and vote in the affirmative.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Miss Glick in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? And that's the results.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, 93. Nays, 42.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The bill is passed. Page five, Rules Report 97. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number 2078, Rules Report 97. Ms. Pollan, an act to amend the public health law.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: An explanation has been requested, Ms. Pollan.

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: Yes, of course. Thank you so much. The bill requires the immunization of certain post secondary students against hepatitis B.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mr. Jensen?

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the chair of the health committee yield for some

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: I will definitely yield.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Sponsor The minority ranker.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Thank you Madam Chair. You mentioned in your explanation this would apply to certain post secondary students. What would be the caveat about who hepatitis B would be a mandatory vaccine versus who would it not be a mandatory vaccine?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: It's for college entrance in New York State schools. Just similar to the way we have it for meningitis.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Okay. Would this requirement for the hepatitis B vaccine be for only SUNY or CUNY institutions or all public and private post secondary institutions in the state?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: It's for post secondary. It's Why? For

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Certainly, and correct me if I'm wrong, but as of right now, those who want to attend college in New York, they have to provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. Why are we adding hepatitis B to the list of vaccines?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: We've also added, I can never say this vaccine, but the vaccine against meningitis.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Can

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: you say the name of that vaccine?

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: What?

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Not him. Could you say the name

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: of it? The meningococcal.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Oh, okay. From my understanding, and I'm not a pharmacist or a healthcare provider, but all the other required immunizations for post secondary entrance are all illnesses or diseases that are respiratory, that are spread through the air, where in a dormitory setting or a classroom setting people are in close proximity, there could be a higher likelihood potentially for an individual to acquire that illness. However, hepatitis B is not a respiratory illness. It's spread in a blood to blood or fluid based illness. So, why do we believe that college students would be more likely to acquire hepatitis B by you know, why we're necessitating that they have to get this vaccine?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: Well, number one, meningitis is also spread through body fluids and saliva. And I don't know what you did in college, I'm very familiar with what I did and with my what my children did, but saliva is something that is often transferred from one college student to another.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Didn't know where you're going with that, madam chair, but I'm glad glad that's the destination we went.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Stars. Would

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: there be any age restriction to individuals who are entering and you talked about your own college experience. If somebody is not living on campus, but they are a commuter student, or they are an adult learner who is maybe working in a job, or they're going back in retirement to get their degree, where they're not gonna be in a dorm room setting where people could get into things, would they still be required to receive this vaccine as a prerequisite for admission?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: Yes. Why? Because it's hard to make sorry. Because 18 year olds often do what other 18 year olds do on or off campus.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Right. And I and I understand that. But, for adult learners who are going back to school post graduate, they're not 18, they may be in their late 40s, they may be in their 60s, where they might not be in close proximity in the dorms or in the local establishments within a college town to the 18 year olds or the 21 year olds, who knows? Why would they still need to receive this vaccination?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: You know, we just don't make the distinction. There's probably so many more 18 year olds than there are 40 year olds going to entry college. So, we just don't make the distinction.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Is there any concern, and certainly we've seen with the requirements for publics or for the school vaccines for high school, middle for entrance into typical public education and private education, that some parents have exercised their right to pull their child out of the school system and homeschool them because they do have concerns about vaccines. Is there a concern that adding this particular vaccine could potentially limit the ability of some of those students who are not in the education system because of the vaccine requirement from pursuing higher education because of their decision to not receive certain vaccinations?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: We haven't seen that to be the case for the other vaccines we've already required, so I don't think that we'll see this as a problem either. In New York State, for New York State residents, we already acquire hep B at infancy. So, this is really geared toward students from other states where they don't have that requirement. And because we don't want the infection rate to go up in our settings for someone who might be coming in or was not vaccinated. So, it's really not going to be an issue for our residents.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Okay. Would this requirement, you mentioned that it would apply to both private and public institutions of higher education. Would it also apply to and I'm forgetting the name of the organization that these institutions belong to, but I'm thinking of an institution like Bryan and Stratton that is a strictly commuter based, career readiness focused, higher education institution that is still providing higher education, but in a different type of setting or circumstance than traditional two or four year degree granting institutions, would they be mandated to have their students receive this vaccine as

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: well? All post secondary students.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: All post secondary. Because I'm going down this rabbit hole, the minority leader yesterday introduced the priest from his community that attended seminary. Would this apply to non licensed post secondary institutions like institutions that are religious based for granting admittance to faith leadership, whether it's in in the Catholic faith, the Christian faith, Jewish faith, Islamic faith?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: It says Since I'm Jewish, I'm more familiar with how post secondary works. And they are usually part of a higher institution. So I would say yes for at least Jewish. I don't know how other theologies you know work exactly. So, I don't know that I can answer that or other faiths.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Understandable. Thank you to the sponsor for answering my questions. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Manktilo?

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Thank you, madam speaker. Will the sponsor yield for one question?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield? Yes. Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: How does this work for an online student that's not actually on campus?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: That's a good question. Since we already have the standard for meningitis, I would imagine that it will be exactly the same. But I'm not sure I can tell you. The language is very straightforward, so it says post secondary, so it might apply. But I'm 100% sure. So I need to get back to you on that.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Okay. I would appreciate it but thank you for answering my question. Thank you madam

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: speaker. Miss Giglio.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Thank you madam speaker. Will the sponsor yield?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield? Sure. Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: So is this only applicable for the students that are entering the college or is this applicable to all of the employees of the college as well?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: It's just for the students.

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Durso.

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: Thank you, madam speaker. With the sponsor yield for just two quick questions.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Sure. Sponsor yield. Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: Thank you, madam chair. So it's for all postsecondary. So you said public and private. Correct? So SUNY, CUNY, and any private college or institution within New York State. Correct?

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Mhmm.

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: Now and this would also be required for anybody coming from out of state. Correct?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: Yes.

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: Okay. Do you have any idea of I mean, not that you would off the top of your head, but how many students come in from out of state and out of the country that go to New York institutions, especially SUNY schools?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: I really don't have that number.

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: It's it's and I just looked it up very quick. It it's it's roughly 14 to 17,000 that just go to SUNY and CUNY schools here in New York State that come from out of state or international. Now all those people that come from out of state, whether they live in New Jersey or California or they're coming from Italy or Mexico, have to all have the hepatitis B shot. Correct? The three series shot prior to being allowed to attend the the college. Correct? Yes. Do you have any concerns, obviously, as as many of us do, with the SUNY and CUNY system, with attracting new students? And we say all the time, we're we're losing people that are enrolling. Obviously, we constantly push the fact that SUNY and CUNY are more affordable college for people to go to. And even coming from out of state, now they're paying the, you know, the full rate. Obviously, that New York students don't. But do do we have any concern that this will maybe hinder people from coming to New York State to use our fine institutions, both public and private?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: I don't because the CDC does this is on the list of CDC recommended mandated vaccines currently. Of course, it may be taken off, it's one of the six. But currently it is. So I would say that most students in our country are currently getting vaccinated. This is a precaution in case that's not the case going forward. But currently, I wouldn't worry about any student coming in from any other state. And I would argue that if you're coming in as an international student, there's probably many things that you have to abide by in order to become a student in this country.

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate it.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Miss Walsh?

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, madam speaker. Will the sponsor yield just for a

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: quick Will the sponsor yield?

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: Question. Of course.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Yeah. Sponsor yields.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you very much. No. I was just doing a little bit of, you know, researching here as during the debate And I saw that my question is, is this vaccine given in two parts or in three parts? So my understanding is that

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: there's two parts, but that there is one vaccine that can do both or it could be

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: done in two parts. Okay. So there because there was also a three part standard three dose schedule as well. And that the reason I'm asking is that kind of to follow-up on the earlier questions about the spacing that needs to happen in between them and you know how realistic that's going to be especially if you've got maybe somebody coming from overseas or internationally coming into the schools. But then I also saw that there was an adult dose 18 years old up, which is a two dose series available for adults given four weeks apart and now you're saying that there is one that might be That's

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: my understanding.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Okay. That's my Okay. But this doesn't specify which one is No. Your legislation does not? No. It's whatever which one they're

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: between them and their doctor.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: And is there anything in the legislation, I apologize I didn't get a chance to look at it to see, is there any exemption for any medical, any reason why anybody could seek an exemption? I know that exemptions at the younger ages has really been done away with, whether it be a religious or medical exemption. Are there any exemptions that are

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: allowed for this? I don't know whether the exemptions that we have in the law apply to college. I just know that we're putting it in the same section as meningitis. So whatever the exemptions are for that, I can certainly see whether the exemptions apply for the college vaccine. I don't know why they wouldn't, but I just would want to check.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Yeah, I'm asking because I know that, well, I'm not going to violate HIPAA and start talking about my own vaccination life. But you know, some vaccinations are harder than others and especially if you're getting them in a series. I'm particularly thinking of shingles was that second one really kicked me. But there are some that are harder than others. I do remember my one son before he went to college had to get hep B for where he was going and it really knocked him out. It really was a tough one. So I just don't know if there might be people that are maybe not quite as healthy or might have a reason to seek an exemption or something like that. Okay, so whatever we do now for meningitis one is being kind

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: of put into It's in the same section of law.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Got it. Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate the clarification.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: This act shall take effect July 1.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: A party vote has been requested. Miss Walsh.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, madam speaker. So the minority conference will generally speaking be in the negative on this piece of legislation. But if folks want to vote yes, they can do so now at their seats. Thank you.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Mister Fall. Thank you, madam speaker. The majority conference will support this bill. But for those that would like to vote differently, they can do so at their desk.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. The clerk will record the vote. Mister Jensen, to explain his vote.

[Assemblymember Josh Jensen]: Thank you, madam speaker. And I just wanna raise a comment in explaining my vote that the sponsor mentioned to me and to our floor leader that this would be the same area of law as meningitis vaccine for college students. That's actually not entirely correct. This legislation is amending public, section 2,165 of public health law. The provision for the meningitis vaccine is in public health law 2,167. And the provision for the meningitis vaccine says that it is required, but students have to either complete a form to say that they've either had the vaccine or have been informed of the risk, but are declining the vaccine for the time being. I believe, I'm voting no, because I believe and certainly understand the risk that the sponsor raised about the likelihood of acquiring hepatitis B in certain situations, but that it is more appropriate if we are going to move forward with this, that it be in public health law section 2,167 rather than 2,165 where this legislation places the hepatitis B vaccine along with measles, mumps, and rubella. And for that reason I will be voting no.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mr. Jensen in the negative. Ms. Glick to explain her vote.

[Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick]: Thank you very much. Again, want to thank the sponsor for bringing the measure forward. We don't want students who live in close proximity to one another wind up with lifelong problems with their liver which of course is the issue here. And so I applaud that and of course would just be remiss as a former chair of higher ed not to point out that we're seeing a diminution for many reasons for students going to college. Some of it is cost. Some of it has to do with the elimination of review of student visas which has slammed the door for many students who come to this great state for their education. So with that, I withdraw my request and vote in the affirmative.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Ms. Gluck in the affirmative. Ms. Walsh to explain her vote.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. So from what I can gather, hepatitis B is not respiratory. It's spread through sexual contact, shared needles, and blood to blood contact. And we did talk a little bit about saliva, much to the embarrassment of my colleague. But that's a that is possible, but it's not as likely as the other things that I already mentioned. About ninety percent of healthy adults will fight it off and fully recover within six months without specific treatment. For the ten percent who do not, there is treatment that can make it undetectable, which is a series of antiviral pills. So I just think that young college aged adults are presumably well suited to being able to fight it off. And I think that this should be an informed choice, not a mandate. And I do think that it is coercive to require this. So I'll be voting no. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Miss Walsh, the negative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, 87. Nays, 49.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The bill is passed. Mister Fall?

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, would you please call on mister Angelino for the purposes of a motion to discharge?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Angelino.

[Assemblymember Joseph (Joe) Angelino]: Thank you madam speaker. I move to discharge the committee on ways and means from any further consideration of assembly bill ten sixty four sponsored by me for the purpose of bringing the same before the house for its immediate consideration and I request permission to explain this.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The motion is in order. On the motion, Mr. Angelino.

[Assemblymember Joseph (Joe) Angelino]: Thank you Madam Speaker. On the motion. From my experience in the in this body for the last six years, I wish to discharge the committee on ways and means from consideration of that bill to bring it to the attention of all of my colleagues. This bill deals with a $2,500 income tax credit that would be offered to all volunteer firefighters and EMS across the state. And because this bill has not had any movement in the committee, I choose to follow the rules of this chamber and bring it to the floor. By creating a $2,500 state income tax credit, we are going to help retain what volunteer firefighters we have and recruit the next generation of volunteers. Currently, 90% of the firefighting force in New York state is volunteer, and nearly 50% of EMS relies on volunteers to answer 911 calls. Over the past decade, volunteer fire and EMS has seen a drastic decrease in the amount of people offering the service. Approximately ten years ago, we had 120,000 volunteer members, and we are now hovering around the 80,000 people mark. In my district alone, in the last year, I've had two volunteer fire departments fold fold up, close shop, and sell their equipment. I have a third teetering on that same decision right now. They probably won't make it to the end of the year, if not sooner. I remind you, these are volunteers, meaning no pay. Yet they are doing dangerous work and they take great risk every time they answer a call. A tax credit is certainly warranted for these individuals and will help attract the next generation of our firefighters. We allowed in this chamber through legislation a property tax credit for volunteer fire and EMS, but not all volunteers own a home or they may not own a home within the district for which they volunteer, which was required by that legislation. There's been a credible study done in this state that indicates if New York state had to pay for the same level of volunteer service that we currently have by a paid service, the initial startup cost, first first one time startup would be about 8,000,000,000 and then annually thereafter would be about $4,000,000,000 a year. A tax credit now seems to be a pretty wise investment in our future of fire service. I know the topic of which I speak. I am a volunteer in my fire department and a truck company in my hometown, and my fire department is a combination paid and volunteer. And it may be a coincidence, but earlier today, one of my colleagues had a resolution, eleven eighty, that proclaimed this volunteer week in New York State. For those reasons, ma'am, I appreciate the consideration.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you, Mr. Angelino. Just as a reminder, the motion before us is a procedural question and therefore doesn't include the Q and A. Comments, if anyone wants, are offered to the advisability of the motion rather than the bill's merits. So on the motion, mister Smollett.

[Assemblymember Robert Smullen]: Thank you very much, madam speaker. This motion is very important for this body. This vote today is very important for this body because the substance of what is going on here is to make sure that the voices of 6,000,000 New Yorkers are heard, that Republican voices on important issues such as this volunteer tax credit for firefighters and volunteer ambulance corps members are heard. Our communities are literally dying, and we need to make sure that they are filled with the people who have given their lives to their communities to support their volunteer fire companies, their volunteer emergency medical services, their ambulances. Because without them, the entire New York state will bear the burden for providing those services. Right now, they do it out of the goodness of their hearts to support their communities as part of the tradition of the rural areas from where we are from. And those voices need to be heard today on this motion. The entire state should give a 2,500 tax credit. Think about it. $25 an hour in a hundred years of sir hundred hours of service each year. It's reasonable. It's cost effective. It supports not only our fire and emergency services, but our sheriff's department for fire police to make sure that our communities remain safe. And it's unreasonable that this motion should not pass because of partisan politics in this body. I urge all members to pass this so we can get this done so the voices of Upstate New York can be heard. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Mister Darcel?

[Assemblymember Michael Durso]: Thank you, madam speaker. Speaking upon this motion and how important it is as my colleague was saying, this motion is brought to the floor and it is part of the process or else it wouldn't be at the floor and be discussing it right now. And the reason why it's so important is because of the legislation that's following in it. It is important to be able to bring motions like this to the floor when we talk about the affordability in New York State, when we're talking about housing, when we're talking about the retainment and recruitment of these volunteer firefighters and ambulance court members that we so desperately need. A motion like this will be able to which brings this to the floor immediately, and we can take an immediate vote on the floor, which many of us support many of those bills that will recruit and retain many of those volunteer firemen and firewomen and those that work in the EMS corps. We could do that right now. We don't have to pass another bill. We don't have to talk about other potential legislation. We could do this now in a twenty five hundred dollar tax credit for those to join and stay within the volunteer fire department, which are so important to so many communities throughout our entire state, I think is well deserved of this motion. I will be supporting it, and I hope everyone does the same.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Mister Sempolinsky on the motion.

[Assemblymember Joseph Sempolinski]: Thank you, madam speaker. You know, I rise in support of my colleague, mister Angelino's motion. I represent an extraordinarily rural district. Only two communities in my district have paid fire service. If I make a call from my house, it's gonna be volunteers that are coming to protect me, protect my wife, protect my kids. So I certainly hope that the body will discharge the committee of this bill and that it would receive full consideration on the floor and passage on the floor and to be signed into law because as my colleague quoted, the costs if we lose our volunteer services are gargantuan to the state of New York and to the to the state taxpayer. And as a broader commentary, you know, this is the third motion to discharge that's been considered this week. We've obviously had a lot of republican bills considered in committee this week. It's been kill a bill week here in the assembly. It doesn't have to be this way. Other legislatures don't operate this way. The legislature in Washington DC doesn't operate this way. In most places in America, minority bills, when they're non controversial receive consideration. So, it's a distressing thing that this is the regular order of business. When I consider how to vote on a piece of legislation, there are people that I disagree with 99 times out of a 100, but that one hundredth time, I vote yes. And I think it should be that way regardless of the parts and affiliation of the sponsor of a piece of legislation. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you, mister Tague on the motion.

[Assemblymember Chris Tague]: Thank you, madam speaker. Again, this is another example where politics take over over priority. And, again, this body that allows politics to take over from priority. This is a great bill. Those of us that live in rural Upstate New York and those of us that have been volunteer fire and EMS members know how important this is. The recruitment and retention of members in rural Upstate New York is so important. As, the sponsor of this bill had mentioned earlier, he has at least two volunteer fire departments in his district that folded up. Wasn't because they didn't have the equipment. Wasn't because they weren't able to maintain it. The problem was they didn't have enough members to run it. And you're asking these people, some who work two or three jobs that still find the time to volunteer to preserve and protect our properties and our lives. So I think that it's important that we give this vote this bill an up or down vote. As I mentioned the other day on another bill, this isn't a political bill. This isn't a Republican or a Democrat or a policy bill. This is about common sense, which is doesn't happen very often here. We're over three weeks late on a state budget, but we're still here this afternoon. Let's do something worthwhile. Let's do something that's a priority to save and protect people's lives. I would expect everybody here that cares about fire and EMS to approve for this bill to come to

[Assemblymember Jodi Giglio]: the floor for a vote.

[Assemblymember Chris Tague]: And I wanna commend you, my good friend and colleague, Joe Angelino, for bringing this bill to this to this process, to this floor, And those of us that are either former or still fire and EMS, or those of us whose lives have been saved, our properties have been saved, we say thank you, Assemblyman Angelino. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Ms. Walsh on the motion.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you. On this motion, I want to add it, I wanted to add my voice. You know, many of us who represent Upstate areas, last weekend was recruit New York weekend. So whether you were going to a pancake breakfast at a firehouse or a cookout or whatever they had, they were really doing almost all the firehouses in the district that I represent were doing something to try to get people in the door and try to encourage people to sign up and to volunteer. You know, when my dad and mom moved from Troy over to Latham, one of the first things my dad did is he joined the Verdoy Fire Department. That was just very important. He didn't have a whole family legacy to keep up. Like I was just at an event last weekend for one of my fire departments and there was a sixty year member. There was a six generation family of fire service. But you know the reality is starting to change and it has changed in the areas that I represent because it used to be that you were raised in an area and you stayed in that area. That's very often not the case anymore. People are moving, well we all talk about people moving out of New York State, but are moving to different parts of the country, different parts of the state and they don't have those strong connections to community that they once did. It's becoming an unusual thing to have somebody whose father and grandfather and great grandfather and so on, uncles have all served. And so to try to address that, fire departments try to do really creative things. They try to do things like length of service stipends. They try to get individuals to maybe they are the firehouse manager for the weekend and they are able to give them a little extra. But when you've got young families and younger people that are trying to maybe afford that first house or that are working a job that's not right in the community where they live but they have a commute or they have a two income family but they've got young kids, there's so many reasons why people can't serve. And this bill, the reason why I support the motion to discharge and allow this bill to get considered on the floor is that this just seems to be common sense. All of the fire departments that I represent are really crying out to be able to give this kind of an option to the firefighters, the young firefighters that they're hoping to attract and EMS. Because it's, you know, volunteerism is great. We celebrate it every day. We could give out a citation or shake a hand and thank people personally for the volunteerism. But you know, having a tax credit for that kind of service I think would go a long way to really showing people that we appreciate their efforts. So I support the motion to discharge in this case. I hope that it will have the support of both sides of the aisle. And I really do think that when we think about the fire service, for those of my colleagues that represent downstate areas, cities where there is paid fire, you might not understand what the reality is in the areas that I and so many of my colleagues represent, but this is a real, real problem. And this bill, if it would be discharged from committee and taken up on the floor, would I think do a lot to address the current crisis that we're facing right now in the fire and emergency service arena. So I'll support this motion. I really do hope it will have some support on the opposite side of the aisle. So thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Mr. Paul Massano on the motion.

[Assemblymember Phil Palmesano]: Thank you, Madam Speaker and my colleagues. I also rise to support this important motion. This motion before us is crystal clear. I know your side of the aisle is going to say it's about procedure, it's about process, it's also about politics. We always talk about choices to make. The choice on this void is crystal crystal clear. On one side of the aisle, I think you have process, procedure, politics. On the other side of the equation, you have supporting our volunteer firefighters who risk their lives each and every day in our rural communities. On the other side of the equation, on that same side, you have a common sense piece of legislation that can help them and help our communities. And also on the same side of that equation, you have saving lives. We are losing, as I've said in this argument, volunteer emergency workers, firefighters day after day in these communities. We put more mandates on them for training, but we do not support in the system. We've heard the screams from our community. It's not just Republicans that have volunteers. You guys have volunteers in your communities too in some of your districts. You heard the argument, if the services had to be provided by our volunteers for paid services, just on an annual operation, it would cost your property tax, our property tax payers more than $4,000,000,000 annually. $4,000,000,000. One of my counties alone is 1,400 square miles. That's bigger than the size of state of Rhode Island geographically. I often say and I hear a speaker say, this is a great institution. I love being a part of this institution. It's a privilege to be a part of this institution. But often time and time again, votes are taken in this institution that disappoint me. That I think hurt this institution and what it stands for. To hide behind helping our volunteer firefighters, to hide behind saving lives, to hide behind common sense legislation under the terms of procedure, under the terms of process, and make no mistake, you have to add under the terms of politics to that too. You might not say it, but it's politics. We all know it. To hide that behind that is simply disappointing and wrong. I've often said, we've said we can and must do better on so many issues. This is one of those issues. You all have a choice to make today. What side of the equation you're gonna be on? Are you gonna support our firefighters? Are you going to support the efforts to save lives? Are you going to support common sense legislation? Are you going to follow politics and process and procedure? This is an easy vote. As I said, we can and must do better. Let's do better right here, right now. Let's send the message to our volunteer firefighters in the rural communities and citizens that they represent. We have their back. A no vote on this resolution, this motion says the opposite to them. Make no mistake about it. Please do the right thing. Support this very important motion. Thank you.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Mister Riley, on the motion.

[Assemblymember Michael Reilly]: Thank you, madam speaker. On the motion. So, basically, we heard it earlier that this week has been kill a bill week. The process that this is taking is because those committees won't let the minority side put a bill forward to actually come for a vote on this floor. How is that really good government? It's not. It's the rules in this body that make the process so divisive. There is no way that every one of our constituents throughout New York State appreciate this. They wanna know why we just can't come to agreements on anything. But I got news for you. Your decision on this motion is very reflective of why we have no budget. Twenty one days late because of process like this. A fair way would be to actually have a discussion about bills that kinda make sense, that have a compromise. But you never do that. I've been here eight years. Every time a bill comes in towards the end because of motions like this, it's a no. You wanna put your foot down on us every time. That's not good for New York, and that's not good for New Yorkers. And you are just demonstrating how you are dividing us. I'm sorry, but just the idea of saying you're not allowed to put a bill forward is a bad luck. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you, miss Walsh.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. So as you heard, the minority conference will be supportive and will be yes votes on this motion to discharge that's been brought forward by Assemblyman Angelino.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mr. Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to remind my colleagues that the proper procedure of dispensing bills is through the committee process. Today, we've been asked to have a bill bypass that process. The vote on the motion to discharge is a procedural vote, not on the merits of the bill itself. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting against this motion and voting no.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: A party vote has been requested. Members are reminded that the motion before the house is a procedure question and not a vote on the merits of the bill. On mister Angelino's motion, the clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Ayes, 49. Nays, 86.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: The motion is lost. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, do we have further housekeeping or resolution?

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: We have no housekeeping. We do have a few privilege resolutions. We're going to take up a resolution by miss McMahon, clerk Will Reed.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven ninety five, Ms. McMahon, legislative resolution commemorating the fifty sixth anniversary of Earth Day on 04/22/2026.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Ms. McMahon on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Karen McMahon]: Thank you, madam speaker, for allowing me to talk about Earth Day. The first Earth Day was commemorated fifty six years ago on 04/22/1970. Sadly, I remember that as a child. What began as an opportunity to educate Americans on the importance of protecting our land, air and water, Earth Day has now become a worldwide observance and a call to action to protect the planet and its resources. I've been standing up every year for the last few years to talk about Earth Day but it feels particularly relevant today as we, as a state, are in the process of navigating and negotiating a path forward with regard to our own climate legislation and the federal government seems intent on abdicating its responsibility to regulate toxins in our air, water and food supply. Sadly, it seems that the urgency of our climate crisis has been minimized as so many other issues have dominated the headlines and monopolized our collective psyche. We all know that human activity has contributed to pollution, overdevelopment, ozone depletion, deforestation and species extinction. While we may not always agree on the specific steps that need to be taken or policies we should implement, I think we can all agree that we must change human behavior to address these serious problems. As legislators, we have a duty to advocate for and implement meaningful environmental policy. As citizens, we can all do more to reduce our footprint. Things like reducing consumption and waste, conserving resources and using energy more efficiently. On Earth Day and every day, let's work together to protect our planet for the generations that will follow us. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Ms. Kellis on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Anna Kelles]: Thank you. Today, we pause to recognize Earth Day, a moment to reflect on the extraordinary planet we call home and the responsibility we carry to protect it. We are living in a moment when the science is no longer distant or debatable. It is unfolding around us in real time. Temperatures are rising, storms are intensifying, droughts are deepening, and the ecosystems are under sustained stress. And part of that process that we are going through is already underway of increasing our temperatures from 1.5 to two degrees Celsius warming thresholds. Thawing permafrost, releasing methane, loss of reflective ice, feedback loops that accelerate warming, these are not future risks. These are happening right now. Young people understand this in a deeply personal way. They're not just concerned. They're carrying it. We are seeing rising levels of anxiety, grief, and a sense of fatalism tied directly to the state of climate. Young people are questioning whether it makes sense to plan for a future. That is a real and growing mental health burden and it reflects a loss of trust that we will act that we will even act in time. That is why today I want to recognize and thank the leaders of this body who in 2019 had the foresight and courage to enact the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The CLCPA is one of the most comprehensive climate laws in the nation because it is grounded in science and built to meet the scale of the crisis. It aligns New York State with the Paris Agreement and the global commitment to limit warming and avoid the most dangerous and irreversible impacts. It reflects a clear understanding that this is a global challenge we have a responsibility to lead. It recognizes something essential: that how we measure progress determines whether we are actually making progress. Methane is a short lived but extremely potent greenhouse gas. Measuring it over a twenty year timeframe captures its real impact on near term warming. Shifting to a one hundred year timeframe dilutes that impact on paper and can make it appear as though we are making progress when we are not. If we are serious about the science, our accounting has to reflect it. The CLCPA also centers on equity in a way that few laws have done before. It directs at least 35% of investments to disadvantaged communities that have borne the greatest burden of pollution and environmental harm. That is about correcting inequity and ensuring the transition is fair and lasting. And this law is not only about reducing emissions. It is about building energy independence by investing in renewable energy, efficiency, and modern grid. We reduce our independence on volatile fossil fuel markets and the global events that drive price spikes. We create jobs here, lower long term costs, and give New Yorkers more control over their energy future. This is what it looks like to govern with both urgency and responsibility to take seriously the conditions we are inheriting and the ones we are leaving behind. So today, as we recognize Earth Day, I want to express my deep gratitude to those who helped bring the CLCPA into law. Your work reflects a clear understanding that protecting our environment and protecting our communities are inseparable. We have more work ahead of us and the stakes could not be higher. But we are not starting from scratch. We have a roadmap grounded in science, shaped by equity, and built with the courage to act. And for the young people who are watching, who are worried, who are wondering whether we will meet this moment, we hear you. And we have a responsibility to prove through our actions of implementing a CLCPA that is our current law that your future is worth fighting for. Thank you and happy Earth Day everyone.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. A resolution by mister Marr. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (unidentified)]: Assembly number eleven and ninety six, mister Marr. Legislative resolution commemorating the fourth annual honor flight day in the state of New York.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Mister Mangtilo on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today, I bring this resolution forward for Assemblyman Marr. As we speak today, Assemblyman Marr is serving our country, protecting us. And as we talk about this resolution this afternoon, let's not forget who he is and what he is doing for all of us today, commemorating the fourth annual Honor Flight Day here in the state of New York. I usually don't read off of something, but I want to share a couple of the whereases within this resolution. One of them says, residents of the great state must never forget the courage with which these men and women serve their country and must recognize no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved nation and those who continue to be missing in action. This legislative body today is just as proud to commemorate the fourth annual honor flight day here in the state of New York observed today, Wednesday, April 26 I'm sorry, 04/22/2026. I just wanna share the number of honor flights that are here in New York State. In the state of New York, this noble mission is advanced through the dedicated efforts of numerous regional honor flights across the state, including Big Apple Honor Flight, Honor Flight Long Island, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Patriot Flight Albany, Leather Stocking Honor Flight, Honor Flight Syracuse, Twin Tears Honor Flight, North Country Honor Flight, Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight, and Honor Flight Rochester whose volunteers and supporters work tirelessly to ensure that veterans from every corner of this state are afforded the opportunity to participate in these meaningful journeys. I just want to share a little bit about a meaningful journey. I probably spoke on this before. A couple of years ago, I had the chance to be a guardian on an honor flight. He was a Vietnam veteran. And as we did the flight, I got to know that veteran and his family prior to the flight. But as we got to Washington DC, when we got into the airport, we saw other honor flights coming home from across the country. And to see our honor flights being recognized as New Yorkers meant everything to those veterans, those men and women, and back home, their families. One of the days that we were down in the mall, I was pushing one of the wheelchairs on my veteran, and I was struggling. It was a very, very warm afternoon in the springtime in Washington DC, and we were going from monument to memorial to monument to memorial. And there were a bunch of girl scouts that were there that day looking as well from another state. And one of the young girl scouts came up to me and said, sir, can I help you push that veteran around? And it broke my heart. It showed that there is still love in this country. It showed that that young lady, whatever her name was, wherever she came from, recognized those veterans there that day. They may not know exactly why we were there, but they recognized that we owed them all something. And as she pushed that wheelchair over to the Vietnam Wall, we talked a little bit about it, but more so, the veteran that I had talked with her as well. It was such a memorable day for all those veterans and those of us who were considered guardians that day. As the day went on, we went back to the hotel in the evening. We had a chance to do dinner with many, many of the veterans on that plane in that room that night. It was great to see those veterans, those individuals that we were recognizing on that honor flight to get to know each other, to share a few stories, maybe a few tears, maybe a few laughs, but most of all, just the friendship that they gained within twenty four, thirty six, maybe forty eight hours of knowing everyone. So in this body, with this resolution, I encourage all of you back home in your districts, reach out and recognize the honor flights. The ones up in our area in Rochester, I know when those individuals come home, the airport is absolutely packed with people recognizing those veterans. So please take the time to get to know those veterans. I'll finish up right now, ma'am.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you.

[Assemblymember Brian D. Manktelow]: Our nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the state of New York for their service and their dedication to their communities, their state and their nation. So, again, I just wanna say thank you to Assemblyman Marr that he allowed me to bring this resolution forward today. Please please pray for Assemblyman Marr and his family as he serves our country. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Mister Slater on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Matthew (Matt) Slater]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I also just wanted to rise and lend my voice to this important resolution and also honor my colleague, our colleague, who cannot be with us today because he is away serving his nation. It's a little ironic that we're doing this resolution because yesterday was actually his birthday. And so I hope that our colleague over in The Middle East enjoyed a wonderful day. But I can't think of Honor Flight without thinking of our colleague Assemblyman Marr. He has been a voice for Honor Flights all across New York State for as long as I have known him. He's one of the founding members of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, he and his wife Becky. And Becky continues to serve on the board of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight that services so many veterans. I've had the privilege of traveling on the Honor Flight and participating in several of their ceremonies. And just like my colleague had described on his trip, it is truly one of the most memorable experiences of your life. And when you think about ways that you can give back to veterans who have given us this amazing country, this is one of those ways to do that. And just quickly, I can give you two examples. I was with a neighbor of mine, mister Thompson from Yorktown, a Korean War veteran. We were at Arlington National Cemetery for the changing the guard, and an entire class an entire class of students could not walk by him without shaking his hand and saying thank you. Later that night, mister Thompson, is a very soft spoken individual, leaned into my ear and said, this was the greatest day of my life. What more can you give to someone who's given so much to this country and to all of us? And just last year, I was down with the Honor Flight, and I was with Angelo Arena, a Vietnam veteran from my community. And Angelo, for the first time in his life, had the courage to go to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. And we found one of his comrades. We found his name. We got the piece of paper. We etched the name on the piece of paper, and you literally saw you physically saw the closure that that gave Angelo that day. And he still talks about it every time I see him. That is what the Honor Flight does. That is what the Honor Flight Honor Flight provides for these amazing men and women, and you get to meet some of the most incredible people when you participate. And so I just wanna encourage all of you. If you have the opportunity, whether you're gonna be a guardian going on the flight and spending a day with these amazing veterans or just showing up for the send off or the return home, take advantage of it because you will make the day of the bravest men and women we've ever known, the veterans of The United States Of America. Thank you very much, madam speaker.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. Mister Cashman on the resolution.

[Assemblymember (unidentified; called 'Mr. Cashman')]: Madam speaker, I rise in support of this resolution because it is very personal to me. I had the great privilege a number of years ago to serve as a flight leader for the North Country Honor Flight, flight 27. Met men and women from across the North Country that have given this country everything. Honor Flight is something unique. It has become almost like a fraternal organization bringing DAV and American Legions and all these other veteran groups together because the mission of Honor Flight is to send these men and women down to DC to see the monuments built in their honor. What I am calling upon this body is to take on a personal mission to seek out every veteran in our community and encourage them to go on one of these healing flights. Too many of our veterans still to this day do not think that they deserve this experience. It is incumbent upon us to tell them that we see them, that we welcome them home, and that we celebrate them. Thank you to the sponsor of this resolution. It is very meaningful.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. We have a number of resolutions before the house without objection. These resolutions will be taken up together. On the resolutions, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolutions are adopted. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the chair for the majority conference, Ms. Clark, we will have immediate conference in the Speaker's Conference Room at the conclusion of session today.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: Immediate majority conference at the conclusion of our session today, Mr. Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: I now move that the assembly stand adjourned until Thursday April 23, tomorrow being a legislative day and that we will reconvene at 2PM, April 27, Monday being a session day.

[Presiding Officer (Acting Speaker, unidentified)]: On mister Fall's motion, the house stands adjourned.