New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Alright. The senate will come to order. Everyone please rise to accept the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In the absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a moment of silent reflection or prayer.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Reading of the journal. In senate Tuesday, 03/03/2026, the senate made pursuant to adjournment. The journal of Monday, 03/02/2026 is read and approved. A motion to send it adjourn.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Without the objection, the journal stands approved as read. Presentation of petitions, messages from the assembly, messages from the governor, reports of standing committees, reports of select committees, communications, and reports from state officers, motions of resolutions. Senator Jaenaires.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Good afternoon, mister president. Let's begin by recognizing senator mayor for an introduction. Senator mayor.

[Senator Shelley B. Mayer]: Thank you, mister president. It truly is my honor to introduce a number of guests who are here from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, which is a statewide cross sector coalition focused on expanding high quality early college opportunities for New York's high school students, something we are working hard to to enhance. Visiting the college visiting the capital today are college students who are alumni of high school early college programs. We had Buffalo and New York City, but our Buffalo person had to leave. So, I am pleased to recognize those that are here to learn about our government, to get to meet members of the legislature, and tell their stories about how early college really enhanced their lives and allowed them to, be very successful in their college careers. The group is led by Alexandra Wilcox, deputy director of New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, and Claire Burns, project operations manager. And I'd ask that you recognize these students, distinguished students who are here learning about how government works, and about the value of early college and sharing the message to our colleagues in the legislature. So I wish you would offer them all the cordialities of the house and thank you for recognizing them.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Merritt. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please rise and be recognized. Senator. Senator.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Jeremy Zelner for another introduction.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Zelner.

[Senator Sean M. Ryan]: Mister president, I rise today with immense pride to recognize the brave men of the Buffalo Professional Fighter Fighters Union Local two eighty two, President John Otto, Vice President Timothy Max, Treasurer Rick Panowitz, and Trustees Michael Pasquale and Otis Stevens. Before we go any further, I want to take a moment to honor a hero. Buffalo fallen firefighter Jason Arno. Jason was a proud member of local two eighty two who gave his life in the line of duty three years ago this week. He served the city of Buffalo without hesitation. He ran toward danger to protect us all, and he made the ultimate sacrifice. May he rest in peace, and may we honor him not just in words, but in how we support all who serve. And today, we remember every firefighter who has paid the ultimate price and service to

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: their

[Senator Sean M. Ryan]: community. To the Buffalo professional firefighters, we applaud you. You serve more than a quarter of a million people across 42 square miles of our great city. You don't wait for danger to pass, you run towards it. You answer every alarm with courage, skill and determination. You represent over 700 men and women who live this mission every single day to provide the highest quality fire, EMS and specialized services through leadership, action and partnership. This is not just your mission. It is a promise, and you keep it every time you step in the line of duty. To Buffalo's bravest, thank you for what you do, for who you are, and for the sacrifices you keep to keep our families, our neighborhoods, and our city safe. And let us honor your courage, not only with words, but by supporting you, backing you, and ensuring every firefighter has the resources and respect they deserve. Mister president, please join me in welcoming the Buffalo firefighters.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please rise and be recognized.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Senator Gineris. Mister president, I wanted to recognize that we had numerous members who wanted to recognize the firefighters, including senator Gallivan and others, but the house rules only allow one member to speak on an introduction, that was senator Zellner. So the firefighters should know they have a lot of fans here in the chamber. Now let's move on to previously adopted resolution fourteen eighty nine by Senator Sepulveda. Please read that resolution's title and recognize Senator Sepulveda.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Secretary O'Reed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Resolution fourteen eighty nine by senator Sapulveda commemorating the 180 to be celebrated on 02/27/2026.

[Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda]: Stanislavolo. Thank you, mister president president for allowing me to present this resolution. I'm going to begin in Spanish for the first time in the history of this camp of this senate chamber and then translate into English. Dear colleagues, distinguished guests, members of the Dominican community in New York, today we not only commemorate a date, today we celebrate a people. We celebrate resilience, dignity, and unwavering faith in freedom. A hundred and eighty two years ago, under the leadership of Juan Paulo Duarte, the Dominican Republic was born, a nation founded on principles sustained by sacrifice and guided by the rule of law. Duarte understood something very profound. Sovereignty is not unlimited power. It is a constitutional responsibility. And as a foreign minister, Roberto Alvarez has stated, sovereignty is not protected by rejecting inter commitments, but by negotiating clarity, reciprocity, constitutional compatibility, and preservation of internal decision making power. And with historical clarity, when the state assumes treaty obligations, it did not it does not advocate its sovereignty, it exercises. This vision is not rhetoric. It is reflected in results. In 2024, the Dominican economy grew by approximately 5%, positioning itself among the leaders in the Western Hemisphere. Foreign direct investments exceeded $5,000,000,000. Tourism received more than 10,000,000 visitors, consolidating the country the country as a regional leader. Free trade zones continue to expand exports and employment. And remittance, Remittances sent largely from New York reached approximately $10,700,000,000. By 2025, total projected foreign exchange earnings will exceed $46,000,000,000. That's no coincidence. That's institutional stability. That's macroeconomic discipline. That's confidence in the rule of law, and behind every number are human stories. The worker in the Bronx who sends support to Santiago, to La Romana, to Trinidad Sanchez. The young professional building a future in two countries without giving up either. Here lives the largest Dominican community outside of the country. The diaspora doesn't weaken sovereign sovereignty. If anything, it amplifies it. It honors it. Today, we celebrate living independence, a democracy that produces results, a nation that cooperates without losing its identity. As part of this commemoration and recognition, we have the honor of presenting a resolution of independence to the council general of the Dominican Republic in New York, the honorable Jesus Vasquez Martinez. Vasquez Martinez is a prominent Dominican political leader and public servant with extensive experience in public administration and diplomatic representation. Began his career as a health inspector in the municipality of Sanchez, Zamana Province, and at the age of 24, was appointed the youngest civil governor in Dominican Republic for the province of Maria Trinidad Sanchez. Between 1985 and 1986, he served as council general of The Dominican Republic in Caracas, Venezuela. From 1994 to 2010, he served as a senator for Maria de Ninad Sanchez province in the Senate, Dominican Republic, and an institution he also was president for from '9 from 2003 to 2004. And during his time in congress, I know that he championed significant legislative reforms and led committees. In 2024, he was appointed council general of The Dominican Republic in New York, a position that he currently holds. Today, we celebrate the cultural richness that the Dominican community brings to our city, as well as the enduring independence that has defined us since the historic day of 02/27/1844. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone present and in a very special way to council general Jesus Vasquez Martinez for his commitment and dedication and his wife Dionicia Martinez, as well as to those who are accompanying him today, particularly the delegation comprised of Leonel Tangi, Luis Rodriguez, and Jaido Diaz. Long live the Dominican Republic, long live the Dominican community in New York, and may the friendship between our two homes always endure. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, Senator Spivoda. Senator Jackson.

[Senator Robert Jackson]: Thank you, madam president. I rise in support of senate resolution j one four eight nine, which acknowledges Dominican heritage and commemorates home to New York City's largest Dominican population spanning North Of Manhattan and portions of the Bronx. Who call this district home are not just constituents, they are my longtime neighbors who have always embraced me with profound love and respect, underscoring our mutual solidarity and commitment to unity. Dominican heritage is rich with remarkable figures who shaped the destiny of their nation. From the founders of the Dominican Republic to the many heroes who struggle for freedom and justice, names such as Gregori Luperon, Selma Urena, Maximo Gomez, Aurelia Pepin, Maribel Sisters, Manolo Tavares Giusto, Jose Francisco Pina Gomez, and Mama Tingo stand as enduring symbols of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. And their legacy continues to inspire generations to pursue dignity, liberty, and pride. Yet among the remarkable names that adore the annals of history, let us uplift, the everyday hero who graced our streets and communities and have contributed so much to our society in New York. Dominican New Yorkers strengthen our state every single day as entrepreneurs, workers, street vendors, parents, students, and public servants. And they represent shapes of neighborhood, strengthens our economy, and enriches the cultural life of our state. But that spirit is also present within my own office, where half of my staff proudly trace their roots to the Dominican Republic. Each carries forward a tradition of perseverance, dignity, and dedication that reflects the very best of the Dominican spirit. Progress is built not only by historic figures, but by everyday people who refuse to surrender their hope, their voice, or their commitments to the community. They teach us that in the face of adversity, the strength of community and the resonance of human spirit will always prevail. And as someone who has made an honorary citizen of Haina in 2010 and as an ally, neighbor, friend, and representative, I have the privilege of witnessing the spirit every single day. So today, we commemorate the one hundred and eighty second anniversary of the Dominican independence. I proudly represent, the support of this resolution in welcoming the general counsel Jesus Antonio Velasquez Martinez, honoring enduring contributions of Dominican New Yorkers in District 31 and across the great state of New York. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Jackson. Senator Weber.

[Senator Bill Weber Jr.]: Thank you, mister president. I wanna thank senator Sepulveda for bringing this annual resolution forward, this year the hundred and eighty second anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic. Now, mister president, I have actual ties to the Dominican Republic, both politically and personally. And you may say, does a guy like me have ties to the Dominican Republic? But, while I'm while I was a teenager, my father married got remarried and married a woman from Bunny. So I was able to, visit the island of the Dominican Republic many times through my teen years and into my adult life as well. And it was a it's it was a wonderful experience to to learn the culture and the everything that was great about the island. I also have a stepbrother who is Dominican too. He's also a police officer in the 41st Precinct in the Bronx. So, great memories of visiting the island and great, experiences throughout my life. Now politically, I represent, the town of Haverstraw. And in the town of Haverstraw, we have a very large Dominican community, including in the village of Haverstraw where I think 70% or more of the residents of the village of Haverstraw are Dominican or of Dominican descent. So we have so much and so such a big vibrant Dominican, community in my district and people like Johnny Ortiz, who was the first town of Haverstra councilman that was Dominican. We have West Haverstra trustees Ramon Lopez and Joel Santana. We have a clerk, Raquel Ventura. We have judges, Rosalina Dionunzi Dionunzi and Ivan Santos. So we have a great vibrant Dominican community, great members of the political persuasion within that village and in that town as well. So I'm happy to be a part of this recognition. We had a flag raising ceremony in the village of Haverstra last Friday. We went back to the Kisquea Sports Club to have a very cold presidente beer, and it was, it was a great night for all of us to be there. So thank you again, senator for the resolution. Mister president, I

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: proudly vote aye. Thank you, senator Weber. Senator Bailey.

[Senator Jamaal T. Bailey]: Thank you, mister president. Thank you again to senator Sapovala for introducing this very important resolution. When we speak about the Dominican diaspora, senator Weber speaks, but we should look no further than our the doors of those chamber where, the secretary of the senate, miss Alejandra Paul Paulino, a proud woman of Dominican descent, runs the show here. And so if you look no further than Ali about the the aspect and the and the impact of the Dominican community. I also proudly represent The Bronx in the city of Mount Vernon, but as Senator Sapulva alluded to, Dominican population is the largest in the Bronx outside of the Dominican Republic, the fastest growing population in the city of New York, and one where we have so many different heroes and heroines and and and leaders. And so I just wanna thank the Dominican community for continuing to uplift themselves, but uplift all of us. There's a phrase that my Dominican friends which they say is, are more or less loosely translated to you're one of us. And they have bestowed that honor upon many of us, but it's due to the hard work that we put in in the efforts of collegiality that they put in towards us. So they're making this country truly great. They continue to impact the lives of every New Yorker. And I say, I remember this, senator Sapovan and all of my friends. Patria, liberty. You, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Baileys. Senator Fernandez. Senator Fernandez.

[Senator Nathalia Fernandez]: Oh, hi. Mister president. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on this resolution, and thank you so much, senator, for introducing it and giving a rightful place in our our state history to commemorate this day of independence and heritage of the Dominican community. I too am proud to represent a beautiful population in the East Bronx, and we see all over this state and this country the amazing contributions they have in food, in talent, in culture, in dance, and it is truly one of our most proudest communities in in in this state. So thank you so much for giving us the opportunity and the Dominican opportunity to shine in New York once again. I proudly vote aye.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please rise to be recognized. The resolution was adopted on January 28. Senator Janeiros.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Mister president, senator Sapulva, would you like to open that resolution for cosponsorship?

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk, senator Gionnaires.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Please take up the reading of the calendar.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: The secretary will read. Calendar number 117, senate print thirty five ninety eight by senator Harkin, enact to amend the executive law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Lay it aside.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number 300, senate print fifty eight fifty two by Senator Scoopers, enact to amend the insurance law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section seven is action taken effect on the January 1. Carter Roll. Adavo, GNR Scruggar of Ortsville Cutt and Zellner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results. In relation?

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Relation count of 300 voted in a negative r. Senators Barela, Ken Zayfish, Patrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Martins, and Tara, Murray, Obrak, O'Mara, Ort, Rhodes, Stett, Walzwick, Weber, and White. Also senator Todisco. Ayes, 42. Nays, 18.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Childhood number three zero one, senate print eighty three thirty four a by senator Gennard is an act from the insurance law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read that last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section five. This act took effect in the January 1. All the row.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: House results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: In relation to calendar three zero one voting in negative r, Senators Morello, Kensetha Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Grifold, Terre, Oberac, O'Meara, Ort, Palumbo, Rhodes, Steck, Walzik, and White. Ayes, 47, age 13.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bill is passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number 306, center print 8853 by senator mayor, enactment of public health law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section four, this act will be checked immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Call the roll.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Adabo, GNR, Spruger, Ort, Swilcut, and Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Done? No. Senator Weitz, explain her vote.

[Senator Alexis Weik]: Thank you, mister president. I rise to explain my vote. If I asked everyone in this room to take an aspirin today, I guarantee you several people would have to decline based on the interaction with current medicine or their health condition. Because there is no such thing as one size fits all medicine. Medicine is a as personal as it gets, it should be discussed, between a doctor and an individual or, or parents and their doctors. Mandatory medicine assumes one size fits all, which just doesn't exist. Government can suggest or recommend. That's all. I do not support mandatory medicine because as we can see, it just doesn't fit. I don't support this bill, and I vote no. And I encourage my colleagues to recognize this truth and vote accordingly. Thank

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator White will be recorded, in the negative. Senator Mayor to explain her vote.

[Senator Shelley B. Mayer]: Thank you, mister president. I proudly rise to support this bill, which is really to ensure that the current and long standing vaccination requirements for children entering school are in sync with science and are not driven by politics. This requires the commissioner of health to, create recommendations based on the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which I would point out has been greatly modified and changed and become political under Secretary Kennedy. But they're listed in there, and this, gives the Department of Health the ability to ensure that New York State does the right thing by our kids and provides that the mandatory vaccines that are generally required of all school children, are in line with science. I am very proud that our conference has this group of bills today that reflect our commitment to a scientifically based immunization schedule, and I would point out the other part of this bill deals with infant immunization, which of course is up to the parent already and is not required. So that again refers to science based, very legitimate organizations and does not exclude anyone in making the Department of Health the determinant of what is best for New York's children. I feel quite confident that we are doing the right thing by New York's infants and school children, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Mayor will be recorded in the affirmative. Announce results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: In relation to counter three zero six vote in the negative r, senators Barrella, Kenzo Amherst, Patrick Chan, Galvin, Grifle, Helming, Landsup, Martins, Ventura, Murray, O'Brack, O'Mara, Ort, Colombo, Rhodes, Rollins, and State, Tedisco, Walls, Weber, and White. Ayes, 39, age 21.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Comment number three zero nine, senate press 6108 by senator Stavitsky, an act from the education law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section two of this action taken effect on the ninety day of Shabbat Kama law. Call the roll. Adabo, GNR, Spruger, Ort, Sukut, and Zelman.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Aye. 60. Oh, sorry.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: No. Senator to Oh, senator Stavitsky, explain your vote.

[Senator Toby Ann Stavisky]: Thank you, mister president. Real quick. This legislation simply broadens the, scope for the for the, health care providers so that more people can administer the vaccine, under the very significant supervision? I vote aye.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator says he recorded in the affirmative. Announce

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: the results. Aye. 60. Calendar number three eleven, center print fifty three forty b by senator Savicki, enactment of education law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section three, this action taken effect on the 01/1980 of Dayton, shall become a law. All the roll. Gabo.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce the results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: In relation to counter three eleven voting in the negative are Senators Gallivan, Grifo, Lanta, Martinez, Ort, Palumbo, Walzik, and White. Ayes 52, nays eight.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number 313, senate print 57068 by senator Scoop is enactment of education law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Repeat the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section six is actioned to correct immediately. Call the roll. Adabo, GNR Skruger, Ortz, who cut in zone.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: In relation to calendar three thirteen, voting negative are senators Barello, Chan, Gallatin, Grifold, Walzig and White, ayes 54 and aye six.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number three fourteen, senate print seventy twenty five b by senator Cooney, enactment of education law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read your last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section two, this action is expected on the sixtieth day of child becoming law. Call the roll. Adabo, Ginoa, Schruber, Ort, Stukut, and Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Now it's results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Relations to calendar three fourteen, voting negative, Senator Martinez. Ayes 59, nays one. Bills passed. Calendar number three fifteen, senate print eighty four ninety six c by senator Hinchy, enact from the education law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section 10, this action took effect immediately. On the roll. Adabo, Gnars Kruger, Ort, Sukad, and Zelner. Announce yourselves. In relation to calendar three fifteen voted in a negative are senators Kansan and Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Grifle, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Matera, Murray, O'Brack, O'Mara, Ort, Colombo, Rhodes, Steck, Tedisco, Walzig, and Weber. Ayes 42, nays 18. Bills passed. Calendar number three seventeen, senate print thirty seventy one a by senator Sanders. An act from under education law. Read the last section. Section two, this action to conduct immediately. Call the roll. Adabo, GNR, Krueger, Ort, Sukad, and Zellner. That it? Results?

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Aye, 60. Bills passed. Calendar number three twenty, senate print thirty one eighty nine by senator Poussard, an act of the social services law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: This is the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section two, this act should defect immediately. Call to roll. Adabo, GNR, Krueger, Ort, Zulcud, and Zelman.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce the results. Aye, 60. Bills passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number 332, senate print twenty six thirteen by senator Adabo, enactment of tax law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section two, this action to correct immediately. Order roll. Dabo, GNR Spooker Ort, Sukad, and Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Relationship calendar March. Voting negative are senators Grifo and Ort. Ayes 58. Nays two.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number three sixty five, senate print four ninety by senator Fernandez, enactment of penal law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section four, this action to defect immediately. Charter roll. Adabo, GNR, Krueger, Ort, Sukad, and Zellner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Announce the results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Ayes, 60. Bills passed. Calendar number three seventy five, center print six two seventeen by senator Fernandez, enactment of workers' compensation law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section three, this action took effect immediately. I'm gonna say call to roll. Call to roll. Adabo, Gina R. Sprueger, Orkusuka and Zellner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Fernandez, it's, explain your vote.

[Senator Nathalia Fernandez]: Thank you, mister president. At its core, our workers' compensation system was created to provide a swift and certain source of benefits to injured workers and to the families of those who lose their lives on the job. If we truly stand with labor and the hardworking men and women who power our economy, then we must ensure this system works for them and not against them. This bill restores that promise. First, we update it we update the outdated 100 1,000, pre authorization limit to a thousand $500. Medical costs have risen, yet the cap has remained stagnant. By adjusting it, it reflects today's realities. We reduce unnecessary delays for routine tests and procedures and ensure injured workers receive timely, appropriate care so they can heal and return to work. Secondly, we clarified the purpose of the medical treatment guidelines. These guidelines were meant to streamline care, not to function as an automatic denial system. Yet too often, necessary treatments are rejected simply because they are not on a list, even when prescribed by a medical professional. This has driven providers away from the system and left injured workers waiting. Finally, this bill restores access to out of network providers, allowing injured workers to obtain timely testing and treatment while still controlling costs by requiring providers to accept negotiated rates. Supporting this legislation means we support labor. It means standing up for workers when they are at their most vulnerable, and it means ensuring that when someone is hurt on the job, the system responds with care and not red tape. I proudly vote aye.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Fan, this will be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Aye. 60.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed. Senator Generis, that completes the reading of today's calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Let's take up the, one bill on the controversial calendar, please.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: The secretary will ring the bell. The secretary will read

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Calendar number one seventeen, senate print thirty five ninety eight by senator Harcom. And that to amend the executive law.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Lanza, rider, you rise.

[Senator Andrew J. Lanza]: Mister president, I believe there's an amendment at the desk. I waived the reading of that amendment and ask that you recognize senator Walzik.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Lanza. Upon review of the amendment in accordance with rule six section four b, I rule it non germane and out of order.

[Senator Andrew J. Lanza]: Accordingly, mister president, I appeal the ruling of the chair and ask that senator Walzik be heard on that appeal.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: The appeal has been made and recognized that senator Walzik will be heard.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Well, I'm disappointed in the ruling, mister president, but I thank you for the opportunity. This amendment is germane, in fact, to the bill in chief because the bill in chief deals with climate resiliency, and this bill would repeal the statutory requirement for a statewide cap and invest program. One of the pillars of New York's climate act, a law which threatens reliability and resiliency throughout our energy sector? I'm sure you're all aware last week, the governor released a memo outlining the impact of the CLCPA on New Yorkers pocketbooks in the next five years. The memo, which was put together by the state's Energy Research and Development Authority, you know, those experts, they concluded that absent changes by 2031, the impact of the CLCPA on the price of gas could reach or exceed $2.23 per gallon on top of whatever you're paying at the pump at the time. At today's price of gas, that would mean New Yorkers would be paying $5.25 a gallon. Upstate natural gas and oil households would see a cost increase of $4,100 a year. And New York City would see a natural gas household increase annually of $2,300 per year, per home. Small and medium commercial businesses could expect utility costs to increase by as much as 46%. New Yorkers are already experiencing skyrocketing utility bills. They cannot afford $350 a month additionally on their household utility bill. New Yorkers cannot afford 500 and or $5.25 for a gallon of gas. The memo confirms what our conference, the senate republicans, have been saying for years, that the cap and invest programs $12,000,000,000 a year tax on businesses will be passed on down to consumers, making things even more unaffordable in the state of New York. While I'm encouraged to see the governor has finally realized that our comp what our conference has been saying about this cost for years, New Yorkers cannot afford the climate act's unrealistic and costly green energy mandates. I hope my colleagues across the aisle will join me in repealing this costly program. This amendment that I offer up, mister president, will repeal section 75 dash zero one zero nine of the environmental conservation law and reverse the unrealistic timelines and goals. It will save New Yorkers $12,000,000,000 annually for the price of energy. In a moment, the president of the senate will say we're voting on the procedures of the house and not on the amendment that I'm offering up. People do not want technical excuses from any of us. They want affordable energy. They expect you as their representatives to do something about it. And that's why I offer up this amendment. A couple of weeks ago, you failed to send a $2,000,000,000 that is unspent in the clean energy fund back to rate payers providing immediate relief. Don't fail New Yorkers again today. Overrule the chair. Take up this amendment for a vote, and together, we can all lower the cost of energy in New York State now. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator. I wanna remind the house that the vote is on the procedures of the house and the ruling of the chair. Those in favor of overruling the chair signify by saying aye. Show of hands has been requested and so ordered announce the results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Aye '21. The ruling of

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: the chair stands and the bill in chief is before the house. Read the last section.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: Section two of this act should take effect on the sixtieth day shall become a law. Call the roll. Adabo, junior high school court, school captain Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Harco to explain your vote.

[Senator Pete Harckham]: Thank you very much, mister president. Good to see you up there. I wanna thank my colleague for his hostile amendment. I was actually hoping for more doctor Seuss this week, but perhaps we'll have to wait. I just wanna respond to a few things that we heard. We we keep hearing about this so called NYSERDA memo, which I would characterize as governor Hochul's, the Iraqis have weapons of mass destruction moment. This is a completely fabricated memo. It's a fabricated number cherry picked from the most extreme circumstances when the New York State independent system operator and members of the governor's own administration have reported recently that the one number one driving factor of high utility prices in New York State is the price of natural gas. Full stop. No mention of the climate law. No mention of clean energy. The number one driver is the cost of natural gas. And when we see with Donald Trump's erratic foreign policy invading the Middle East, whatever people think of that, we saw the price of natural gas double on the world markets the other day. Double. And now the notion that some people on the other side of the aisle want us to double down on those energy policies, is really, something that should be frightening consumers. When we know that a kilowatt of clean energy, a kilowatt of wind, a kilowatt of solar is far cheaper than a kilowatt of natural gas and a kilowatt of solar a kilowatt of nuclear. So, mister president, on the bill regarding the office of resilience, for those who say we can't afford to address climate change, I would point out our taxpayers are paying for this right now. In 2023, American taxpayers spent $800,000,000,000 on storm related damage. In my district, I'll give you an example. Last week, DOT put out a press release touting a road project called the Anvil Circle in my district, where the towns of Cortland and city of Peekskill meet, it's a travel circle. They spent $25,000,000 of taxpayer money to elevate that eight feet because of climate driven sea level rise of the Hudson River. Several years ago, we spent 60,000,000 of taxpayer money to elevate one mile section of the Sawmill River Parkway because of climate driven storm flooding. All of our municipalities are dealing with that. These are just two examples in my district. So, mister president, the office of resilience on the merits of the bill, office of resilience, definitely need. What we don't need is, more rhetoric and false information about natural gas. I vote aye.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Harkin will record it in the affirmative. Senator Barrel to explain his vote.

[Senator George M. Borrello]: Thank you, mister president. Last year, I voted yes on this bill, but then I got to thinking about it this year. This is just one more, I guess, layer of bureaucracy that's going to do the same thing that everyone else has done. We literally blame everything on climate change. It doesn't matter what it is. If you get into a car accident tomorrow, it was probably because of climate change. I'm not even kidding. That's actually happened. So we're gonna have a create an entire office, an entire bureaucracy, an entire additional cost so we can blame everything on climate change. You know, it's funny. The history of climate change as a as a term came about from the fact that it used to be global warming, but we had to stop saying that because every time Al Gore would show up somewhere to talk about how the weather was getting warmer, it would snow. So they had to change it to climate change. You guys keep moving the goalpost on us. You blame it all on climate change, and this bill is just gonna create another bureaucracy to blame everything on what actually isn't the problem, which is bad policy. It's bad policy in all, but it's raising our utility rates. It's bad policy that has allowed our farmland to be eaten up by wind and solar. It's bad policy that is causing the problem, not climate change. So I'm voting no. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator negative. Senator Generis?

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Mister president, I neglected to mention that we've agreed to restore this to the noncontroversial calendar, so let's please record the vote that way.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: The bill is restored. Senator Krueger.

[Senator Liz Krueger]: Thank you very much. I would just like to say a bid to Pete Harcom's speech. He's 100% right. And anyone who's still walking around this place thinking there is no crisis for us to deal with with climate change doesn't actually read anything that's going on around the world each and every day. And I just hope that our children and grandchildren I hope our children and grandchildren are a lot smarter than we all are so that they can address this real crisis that they will be inheriting and have to deal with? I vote yes. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Krueger will be recorded in the affirmative. Senator Lanza to explain his vote.

[Senator Andrew J. Lanza]: Yes, mister president. On the bill. Are we no. We're explaining. Explaining. Listening to governor Hochul and some of her allies talk about the high cost of energy bills and affordability in New York is like watching the arsonist blame the house for burning down. If you want to decrease the cost of electricity in the state of New York, you could do it overnight and that's by ridding the New York State and the New York City tax, which in New York City is about 30% on the cost residents pay for electricity. I heard a senator, a US senator, from the other side of the aisle the other day talking about how the oil companies and the natural gas companies are gouging are gouging Americans. The biggest gouger is government. The number one factor increasing the cost of living in New York is taxes and regulations. And in terms of the environment, we got have a debate on how it's changing, when it's changing. Fact is it's always been changing. Not so long ago, there was three miles of ice sitting right here and it melted away, not because people were driving cars. We could talk about, but you're not allowed to have an honest conversation about the extent to which human activity is either speeding that, slowing that down, or what the impact is. We keep hearing about carbon emissions. I've asked this question to numerous folks who advanced this. How much carbon should we have in the environment? And you can't get an answer. The answer is less. We all want clean air. We all want clean water. We all want good and clean food. But if anyone thinks that turning on your gas stove in New York City changes the weather, you're just a useful idiot that governor Hochul is looking to exploit. I vote no.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Lance will be recorded in the negative. Senator Martins,

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: to explain Mister president, you know, I'm voting for this bill. I voted for it before. I'll continue to vote for it. And we can disagree on policy, But I just it's a hard thing for me to understand when we get up here and try and convince from a public policy standpoint, the residents of our state telling them that we're not doing enough as a state. We're not doing enough. You know, we hear statistics, mister president. We are the thirteenth largest economy in the world if we were to be our own country. We are a an industrial state, tremendous production yet. We make up point 4% of the carbon footprint of the world here. And so over the last twenty, thirty years, we have done more in this state to reduce our carbon footprint than anywhere else in the world. Now if we were a polluter and a net polluter of this of the environment as there are examples throughout the world, sure, we can have this conversation. But we're asking our residents who are now paying the highest energy costs in the country, if not the world, to pay more because somehow we have to go out there and solve the world's problems when we already have. We've asked our residents, our businesses to sacrifice for decades in order to protect the environment, and they have. And yet here we are again, somehow claiming that we are not doing enough when every one of our residents is telling us that they can't afford the energy bills each and every month, that there are spikes in those bills and that they continue to pay more and enough is enough. So, mister president, I would just caution everyone to understand that when we talk about the environment and energy costs, it comes down to policies in this chamber supported by the majority in this chamber, by the governor on the 2nd Floor, and the majority in the other chamber that have put us in this position, and our constituents deserve better. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Maher is recorded in the affirmative. Senator Generis to close.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Thank you, mister president. It's always a great moment in this chamber when someone from the minority gets up, rails about what we do here, and then votes yes on the bill. And so I wanna thank Senator Martins and all my colleagues across the aisle who are voting in favor of this important legislation that Senator Harkim is advancing, and as we continue to do what the people of the state want in fighting for a responsible environmental policy. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: The United Recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.

[Alejandra N. Paulino, Secretary of the New York State Senate]: In relation to calendar one seventeen, voted in a negative r, senators Barello, Grifo, Lanza, O'Mara, Ort, Steck, and Walzer, ayes 53, nays excuse me. Also, senator Oberacker. Also, White. Ayes 51, ayes nine.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: The bill is passed. Senator Generis, that completes the reading of today's calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: Is there any further business at the desk?

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: There is no further business at the desk.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader]: I move to adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, March 5 at 11AM.

[Acting President of the Senate (Presiding Officer)]: I motion the senate stands adjourned till Thursday, March 5 at 11AM.