TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 2:42 P.M.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE HOUSE WILL

COME TO ORDER.

THE REVEREND ELIA WILL OFFER A PRAYER.

REVEREND DONNA ELIA: LET US PRAY. GRACIOUS

GOD WHOM WE CALL BY MANY NAMES, WE PAUSE TO TAKE A BREATH IN YOUR

PRESENCE. WE KNOW YOU SURROUND US WITH LOVE AND SUSTAIN US IN

EVERY MOMENT. THANK YOU, O HOLY ONE. POUR OUT A LARGE MEASURE OF

YOUR BLESSING UPON EACH ASSEMBLY PERSON AND EACH STAFF PERSON,

INCLUDING THOSE WHOSE VITAL WORK GOES UNSEEN. BLESS THIS LEGISLATIVE

BODY AS A WHOLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH DAUNTING TASKS LIKE THE

BUDGET. HELP THEM FIND A WAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PATH FORWARD IS

CHALLENGING OR DIFFICULT TO DISCERN. STRENGTHEN ANY WHO ARE WEARY.

ON THIS DAY WE ESPECIALLY GIVE THANKS FOR THE LIFE,

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

PROPHETIC WITNESS AND ONGOING LEGACY OF THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING, JR. WE KNOW, O HOLY ONE, THAT HIS DREAM REMAINS

UNFINISHED. EQUIP US ALL UNTIL OUR DYING BREATH TO DO THE WORK OF

ANTIRACISM TO BUILD A MORE JUST SOCIETY AND HELP US TO HONOR THE

MEMORY OF DR. KING BY CARRYING THE MANTEL OF JUSTICE FOR ALL NO

MATTER WHAT RACE, CLASS, RELIGION, GENDER OR PLACE OF ORIGIN. HELP US TO

LIVE INTO HIS VISION A BELOVED COMMUNITY. EMPOWER US TO PURSUE

PEACE WITH JUSTICE. PROTECT OUR CAPITOL AND ALL STATE CAPITOLS FROM

VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM. HELP US TO END THIS PANDEMIC AND TO GIVE

RETURNING GOOD HEALTH TO THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM THE VIRUS. GIVE US A

DEEP AND LASTING PEACE. AMEN. PEACE.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: AMEN.

VISITORS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE MEMBERS IN THE PLEDGE

OF ALLEGIANCE.

(WHEREUPON, ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY LED VISITORS AND

MEMBERS IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.)

A QUORUM BEING PRESENT, THE CLERK WILL READ THE

JOURNAL OF MONDAY, JANUARY 18TH.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: MR. SPEAKER, I MOVE TO

DISPENSE WITH THE FURTHER READING OF THE JOURNAL OF MONDAY, JANUARY

THE 18TH AND ASK THAT THE SAME STAND APPROVED.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: WITHOUT OBJECTION,

SO ORDERED.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: MR. SPEAKER, IF I COULD

GIVE A QUOTE, I WOULD LIKE TO THEN GO TO DISCUSSING WITH THE MEMBERS

WHAT OUR CALENDAR SCHEDULE IS GOING TO BE FOR TODAY. THE QUOTE IS

COMING FROM, AS I MENTIONED LAST WEEK, FROM THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING, WHO LEFT SOME -- SOME WORDS THAT ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT

TO US IN A LOT OF AREAS OF OUR LIFE. THIS ONE TODAY SAYS, WE MUST

DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE CAPACITY TO FORGIVE. HE WHO IS DEVOID OF THE

POWER TO FORGIVE IS DEVOID OF THE POWER TO LOVE. THERE IS SOME GOOD IN

THE WORST OF US, AND THERE'S SOME EVIL IN THE BEST OF US. WHEN WE

DISCOVER THIS, WE ARE LESS PRONE TO HATE OUR ENEMIES. AGAIN, MR.

SPEAKER, THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING.

MEMBERS HAVE ON THEIR DESK A MAIN CALENDAR WHICH

HAS 29 BILLS ON IT. OUR PRINCIPAL WORK FOR TODAY WILL BE TO WORK OFF THIS

CALENDAR ON CONSENT. AS WE CONCLUDE OUR WORK ON THE FLOOR TODAY, WE

WILL TAKE UP A PRIVILEGED RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND THE WORK OF

THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. AND MEMBERS SHOULD ALSO BE

MINDFUL THAT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS SESSION THERE WILL BE A NEED

FOR A MAJORITY CONFERENCE. AND AS ALWAYS, MR. SPEAKER, IF OUR

COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE -- AISLE HAVE SUCH NEEDS WE

WILL ADHERE TO THEIR WISHES.

WITH THAT AS A GENERAL OUTLINE, MR. SPEAKER, IF YOU

HAVE ANY HOUSEKEEPING OR -- NOW WOULD BE THE APPROPRIATE TIME.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: NO HOUSEKEEPING,

BUT WE DO HAVE RESOLUTIONS TO START THE CALENDAR.

ON THE RESOLUTION, THE CLERK WILL READ.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION NO. 13, MS.

PAULIN.

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING GOVERNOR

ANDREW M. CUOMO TO PROCLAIM JANUARY 24-30, 2021 AS CERTIFIED

REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST WEEK IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: ALL THOSE IN FAVOR

SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE; OPPOSED, NO. THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION NO. 14, MR.

MCDONALD.

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING GOVERNOR

ANDREW M. CUOMO TO PROCLAIM MAY 2-8, 2021 AS TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

AWARENESS WEEK IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: ON THE RESOLUTION, ALL

THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE; OPPOSED, NO. THE RESOLUTION IS

ADOPTED.

THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00338, CALENDAR NO.

1, PAULIN. AN ACT TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW, IN RELATION TO

REQUIRING TELEPHONE COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO SUBSCRIBERS

REGARDING THE BACKUP POWER SOLUTION FOR THEIR VOICE SERVICE

EQUIPMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF SUCH PROVISIONS UPON

EXPIRATION THEREOF.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE BILL IS LAID ASIDE.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00477, CALENDAR NO.

2, ROZIC, AUBRY, DE LA ROSA, GALEF, JEAN-PIERRE, NOLAN, SEAWRIGHT,

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

EPSTEIN, RODRIGUEZ, TAYLOR, CRUZ, SIMON, GRIFFIN, PICHARDO, DICKENS,

COOK, FERNANDEZ, OTIS, REYES, WALLACE. AN ACT TO AMEND THE PUBLIC

AUTHORITIES LAW, IN RELATION TO GENDER BALANCE IN STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC

AUTHORITIES; AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF SUCH PROVISIONS UPON THE

EXPIRATION THEREOF.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE BILL IS LAID ASIDE.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00935, CALENDAR NO.

3, CARROLL, COLTON, SEAWRIGHT, OTIS, GOTTFRIED, VANEL. AN ACT TO AMEND

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW, IN RELATION TO REQUIRING THE NEW YORK CITY

TRANSIT AUTHORITY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE, REPORT AND MAKE

RECOMMENDATIONS ON INSTRUCTING THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO REACT WHEN AN

INDIVIDUAL FALLS ONTO AUTHORITY FACILITY TRACKS.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE BILL IS LAID ASIDE.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00957, CALENDAR NO.

4, GALEF. AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 598 OF THE LAWS OF 1938 RELATING TO

INCORPORATING THE VOLUNTEER AND EXEMPT FIREMEN'S BENEVOLENT

ASSOCIATION OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NEW YORK, AND PROVIDING FOR ITS

POWERS AND DUTIES, IN RELATION TO PRECEPT OF PAYMENT OF FOREIGN FIRE

INSURANCE COMPANIES.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: READ THE LAST SECTION.

THE CLERK: THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE CLERK WILL

RECORD -- RECORD THE VOTE ON BILL NO. 957, CALENDAR NO. 4. THIS IS A

FAST ROLL CALL. ANY MEMBER WHO WISHES TO BE RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE

IS REMINDED TO CONTACT THE MAJORITY OR MINORITY LEADER AT THE NUMBERS

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED.

(THE CLERK RECORDED THE VOTE.)

MR. GOODELL.

MR. GOODELL: THANK YOU, SIR. PLEASE RECORD MR.

NORRIS IN THE NEGATIVE ON THIS BILL. THANK YOU, SIR.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR. MR.

NORRIS IN THE NEGATIVE.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER VOTES? ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.

(THE CLERK ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS.)

THE BILL IS PASSED.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00962, CALENDAR NO.

5, BICHOTTE HERMELYN. AN ACT TO AMEND THE AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS

LAW, IN RELATION TO PROHIBITING SYMBOLS OF HATE ON STATE-OWNED

PROPERTY AT THE STATE FAIR; AND TO AMEND A CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF 2020,

AMENDING THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS LAW AND THE AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS

LAW RELATING TO PROHIBITING THE STATE OF NEW YORK FROM SELLING OR

DISPLAYING SYMBOLS OF HATE, AS PROPOSED IN LEGISLATIVE BILLS NUMBERS

S.8298-B AND A.10729-A, IN RELATION TO MAKING THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH

ACT SEVERABLE.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: READ THE LAST SECTION.

THE CLERK: THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE CLERK WILL

RECORD THE VOTE ON CALENDAR 5, BILL NO. A.962. THIS IS A FAST ROLL CALL.

ANY MEMBER WHO WISHES TO BE RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE IS REMINDED TO

CONTACT THE MAJORITY OR MINORITY LEADER AT THE NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

PROVIDED.

(THE CLERK RECORDED THE VOTE.)

ARE THERE ANY OTHER VOTES? ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.

(THE CLERK ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS.)

THE BILL IS PASSED.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00968, CALENDAR NO.

6, THIELE. AN ACT TO AMEND A CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF 2020 RELATING TO

DIRECTING THE OFFICE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL WITHIN THE DIVISION

OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO FORM A TASK FORCE

AND ISSUE A REPORT RELATING TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT AND

RETENTION, AS PROPOSED IN LEGISLATIVE BILLS NUMBERS S.7589-B AND

A.9779-A, IN RELATION TO THE NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION TASK FORCE AND TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE

PROVISIONS THEREOF.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: READ THE LAST SECTION.

THE CLERK: THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE CLERK WILL

RECORD THE VOTE ON CHAPTER [SIC] 6, BILL NO. A.968. THIS IS A PARTY

VOTE. ANY MEMBER WHO WISHES TO BE RECORDED AS AN EXCEPTION TO THE

CONFERENCE POSITION IS REMINDED TO CONTACT THE MAJORITY OR MINORITY

LEADER AT THE NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED.

MR. GOODELL.

MR. GOODELL: THANK YOU, SIR. THE REPUBLICAN

CONFERENCE IS GENERALLY OPPOSED TO THIS AMENDMENT. WE HAVE GREAT

RESPECT FOR OUR COLLEAGUE AND PREFERRED THE ORIGINAL VERSION, AND I

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

SUSPECT WE'LL HAVE A MEMBER EXPLAIN HIS VOTE. AND WE MAY ALSO HAVE

A MAJORITY MEMBER, IF I'M CORRECT, EXPLAIN THEIR POSITION. BUT IT'S --

REPUBLICANS WILL GENERALLY BE IN THE NEGATIVE AND THOSE WHO WISH TO

VOTE FOR THIS AMENDMENT SHOULD CONTACT THE MINORITY LEADER'S OFFICE.

THANK YOU, SIR.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: YES, SIR.

AND MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER. THIS IS A PARTY VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. COLLEAGUES WISHING

TO BE AN EXCEPTION SHOULD PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT OUR OFFICES AND WE

WILL RECORD YOUR VOTE AS REQUESTED.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU.

MR. BYRNE TO EXPLAIN HIS VOTE.

(THE CLERK RECORDED THE VOTE.)

MR. BYRNE: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I SPEAK

TODAY TO EXPLAIN MY VOTE. MANY OF OUR COLLEAGUES SUPPORT THE

BILL-IN-CHIEF THAT PASSED THIS PAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION, THE BILL THAT WAS

INTRODUCED BY THE SPONSOR. MANY OF US WERE COSPONSORS AND

APPRECIATE AND SUPPORT THE IDEA OF HAVING A RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

TASK FORCE FOR THE VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICES. IT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

BUT, WHEN WE'RE LOOKING THROUGH THE CHAPTER AMENDMENTS WE

UNDERSTAND THAT WE NEED TO COLLABORATE WITH THE EXECUTIVE AND OUR

PARTNERS IN THE SENATE WHEN WE'RE PASSING POLICY AND LEGISLATION. BUT,

IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A LITTLE BIT OF A LOPSIDED COMPROMISE BECAUSE WHAT

WAS A REALLY GOOD BILL HAS NOW BEEN ADDED WITH NINE NEW MEMBERS

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. AND I BRING THAT UP BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR

ALREADY HAD A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF INFLUENCE ON THIS TASK FORCE AS IT

WAS INITIALLY PROPOSED IN THE BILL-IN-CHIEF. HE HAD NOMINATED MEMBERS

OF HIS COMMISSIONERS, THE CHAIR WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. BUT

NOW IN ADDITION TO ALL THAT, NINE NEW MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE

GOVERNOR. AND I BRING THIS UP BECAUSE BY COMPARISON, THE LEGISLATURE

ONLY HAS A TOTAL OF FIVE. THAT'S TWO FROM THE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, TWO

FROM THE SENATE LEADER, AS WELL AS ONE FROM THE MINORITY LEADERS IN

BOTH HOUSES. SOMETHING THAT I DO APPRECIATE. BUT I -- I SEE THIS AS A

LITTLE BIT OF A TROUBLING TREND. THE MAJORITY HAS A SUPER MAJORITY OF

BOTH CHAMBERS. WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO PUSH BACK ON SOME THINGS, AND

-- AND WE DON'T NEED TO GIVE AWAY EVERYTHING WHEN WE'RE

COMPROMISING WITH -- WITH THE GOVERNOR. AND THIS A RELATIVELY

NONCONTROVERSIAL IDEA FROM THE BILL-IN-CHIEF, AND I JUST THINK IT'S GIVING

TOO MUCH POWER TO THE GOVERNOR, THE EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, AND I HIGHLY

PREFER THE BILL-IN-CHIEF.

I DO APPRECIATE WHAT THE SPONSOR'S DONE, AND MANY OF

US WILL BE VOTING IN THE NEGATIVE BECAUSE WE JUST PREFER THE ORIGINAL

BETTER -- BILL MORE. THANK YOU.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR. MR.

BYRNE IN THE NEGATIVE.

MR. THIELE TO EXPLAIN HIS VOTE.

MR. THIELE, YOU'LL HAVE TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.

MR. THIELE: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I WAS

WAITING FOR THE CUE AND GOT IT. SO, I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

EXPLAIN MY VOTE. CERTAINLY, WE IN THE MAJORITY, WERE HAPPY WITH THE

ORIGINAL -- WITH THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE BILL, ALSO. WE GOT A REQUEST

FOR A CHAPTER AMENDMENT FOR ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS. THE IDEA FOR

THIS LEGISLATION ORIGINALLY CAME FROM THE VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICES. SO

MY OFFICE AND I CONSULTED WITH THE VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICES, THE MANY

REPRESENTATIVES, AND ASKED THEM ABOUT THE CHAPTER AMENDMENT. THEY

WERE MORE THAN SATISFIED WITH THE CHAPTER, HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE

CHAPTER AMENDMENT AND THAT'S WHY I SIGNED OFF ON THE CHAPTER

AMENDMENT. AS I LOOK AT IT, IT WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL APPOINTEES.

THEY HAPPEN TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR, BUT THIS IS GOING TO BE MORE

MEMBERS OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE THAT WILL BE ALLOWED TO

PARTICIPATE ON THIS, AND ULTIMATELY, I SEE THAT AS A GOOD THING.

SO I WITHDRAW MY REQUEST AND I WILL BE VOTING IN THE

AFFIRMATIVE.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: MR. THIELE IN THE

AFFIRMATIVE.

MR. HAWLEY TO EXPLAIN HIS VOTE.

YOU HAVE TO UNMUTE YOURSELF, MR. HAWLEY. AND THE

THUMB IS FINE, BUT -- THERE WE GO. NOW YOU CAN GO.

MR. HAWLEY: JUST A BRIEF -- THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER. JUST A BRIEF COMMENT IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLYMEMBER

BYRNE'S COMMENTS. WE HAVE WATCHED OVER THE PAST TEN MONTHS OR SO

THE EXCLUSIVITY THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS ENJOYED AS THE SOLE VOICE, IN

ESSENCE. GIVING THAT -- GIVING NINE MORE MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY

THE GOVERNOR SEEMS A LITTLE EXCESSIVE TO ME. SO I WILL BE JOINING MY

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

COLLEAGUES IN NOT SUPPORTING THIS.

THANK YOU, SIR.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: YOU'RE WELCOME, SIR.

MR. HAWLEY IN THE NEGATIVE.

MR. LAWLER.

MR. LAWLER: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. AND I

APPRECIATE IT. I WOULD LIKE TO ECHO THE COMMENTS BY MY COLLEAGUES MR.

BYRNE AND MR. HAWLEY. I THINK IT IS PAST DUE TIME FOR THIS LEGISLATIVE

BODY TO TAKE BACK ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE AS A COEQUAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT

AND TO STOP ALLOWING THIS GOVERNOR TO -- TO TAKE AS MUCH AUTHORITY AS

HE WANTS. THIS LEGISLATION -- I WAS NOT HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL BILL THAT

PASSED. I SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL BILL. I THANK MR. THIELE AS THE SPONSOR

FOR PUTTING THAT FORWARD. AS SOMEONE WHO REPRESENTS A DISTRICT THAT IS

EXCLUSIVELY SERVED BY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS, IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT

THAT WE WORK WITH THEM AND HELP THEM TO RECRUIT AND RETRAIN -- AND

RETAIN NEW MEMBERS TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES. AND SO I SUPPORT THE

INTENT OF THE ORIGINAL BILL. I'M DISAPPOINTED THAT WE WOULD ONCE AGAIN

ACQUIESCE TO THE WHIMS AND THE WILL OF THIS GOVERNOR WHO CONTINUES TO

SHOW NO ABILITY TO WORK WITH US AS A COEQUAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT,

BUT RATHER USE HIS POWER TO TAKE AWAY THE RIGHTFUL POWER OF THIS

LEGISLATURE.

SO I VOTE IN THE NEGATIVE AND I THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: MR. LAWLER IN THE

NEGATIVE.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

MR. BARRON.

MR. BARRON: I HOPE THIS IS NOT THE BEGINNING OF A

NEW YEAR CAPITULATING TO THE GOVERNOR, REGARDLESS OF WHERE IT COMES

FROM, WHICH SIDE OF THE FLOOR. I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO STOP CAPITULATING

TO THE GOVERNOR. I AM TOTALLY SUPPORTIVE OF VOLUNTARY FIRE PERSONS.

THIS IS A EASY ONE. SO WE GET CHAPTER AMENDMENTS WHEN THE GOVERNOR

WANTS TO CONTROL MORE STUFF AND WE WIND UP WATERING DOWN LEGISLATION

AND/OR DISEMPOWERING OURSELVES. THIS IS A BAD WAY TO START THE NEW

YEAR OFF. SO IF WE START OFF LIKE THIS, I'M REALLY, REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT GETS TO BIGGER AND EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THINGS.

NOT THAT FIREFIGHTING IS NOT IMPORTANT, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. BUT

WHEN WE GET TO THE BUDGET, I'M JUST HOPEFUL THAT WE WON'T GIVE HIM THE

POWER WE GAVE HIM IN LAST YEAR'S BUDGET BY GIVING HIM THE POWER TO

CUT WITHOUT HAVING TO COME TO US AND THEN WE'LL SAY, BUT HE HAS TO

COME TO US TO APPROVE.

SO THIS IS A BAD WAY TO START OFF THE YEAR, AND I THINK

WE GOTTA STOP CAPITULATING TO THIS GOVERNOR. HE DIDN'T NEED MORE

APPOINTMENTS. THE BILL WAS FINE. IT'S SUPPORTIVE OF -- OF FIRE. SO I'M

VOTING IN THE NEGATIVE ON THIS BILL.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: MR. BARRON IN THE

NEGATIVE.

MR. GIGLIO.

I'LL GET IT RIGHT SOONER OR LATER.

MS. GIGLIO: OKAY, MR. SPEAKER, THANK YOU. I'D

LIKE TO VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. I THINK IT'S A GREAT THING THAT VOLUNTEER

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

FIREFIGHTERS, WHICH IS MOSTLY IN MY DISTRICT, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE KEEP

RECRUITING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS TO MEET THE CALL OF THE DISTRICT. I'M NOT

HAPPY THAT IT IS A TASK FORCE THAT'S BEING APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR,

AND I HOPE THAT THE GOVERNOR WOULD TAKE PEOPLE THAT ARE ON THE TASK

FORCE FROM THE DISTRICTS THAT HAVE THE VOLUNTEERS AND THAT ARE LOSING

THEIR VOLUNTEERS AS THEY MOVE OUT OF STATE. I ALSO THINK IT'S VERY

IMPORTANT THAT WE GET AN ANNUAL REPORT, BOTH THE ASSEMBLY AND THE

SENATE, AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TASK FORCE AND THE RECRUITMENT

NUMBERS THAT -- AND ALL THE THINGS IN THE BILL TO MAKE SURE THAT THE INTENT

OF THE TASK FORCE IS MET.

THANK YOU.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU. MS.

GIGLIO IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

MR. GOODELL TO EXPLAIN HIS VOTE.

MR. GOODELL: THANK YOU, SIR. I VERY MUCH

APPRECIATE THE INITIATIVE BY MY COLLEAGUE ON THE ORIGINAL BILL, MR.

THIELE. FOR THE REASONS MENTIONED BY MS. GIGLIO, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT

THAT WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP OUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO

MORE EFFECTIVELY RECRUIT MEMBERS. AND I ALSO APPRECIATE THE COMMENT

THAT SOMETIMES WHEN YOU EXPAND A COMMISSION YOU ADD ADDITIONAL

INSIGHTS AND WISDOM AND -- AND THAT CAN BE VERY POSITIVE AS WELL. MY

CONCERN IS THAT I'M IN AGREEMENT WITH MR. BYRNE, THAT IS WE BOTH AGREE

THAT IF WE WANT TO ADD MORE MEMBERS TO A LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION WE

CAN DO THAT WITHOUT TURNING OVER THE MAJORITY OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE

GOVERNOR. I THINK WE, AS THE LEGISLATURE, ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE -

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

MAYBE EVEN MORE CAPABLE - TO APPOINT MEMBERS FOR A RECRUITMENT

BOARD THAT RESPECT AND REFLECT THE WIDE DIVERSITY THAT WE HAVE ACROSS

NEW YORK STATE. THERE ARE A 150 OF US IN THE ASSEMBLY PLUS OUR

COLLEAGUES IN THE SENATE, ANOTHER 63. COLLECTIVELY, WE KNOW MORE

ABOUT OUR INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS THAN THE GOVERNOR, NO MATTER HOW SMART

AND WELL-ADVISED HE IS. AND SO, WHEN WE'RE LOOKING FOR A TASK FORCE

AND WE WANT THE BEST PEOPLE ON IT AND WE WANT THE PEOPLE THAT CAN

MOST REFLECT THE CONCERNS AND ISSUES IN ALL OF OUR DISTRICTS, I THINK THE

BETTER APPROACH IS TO EXPAND THE MEMBERSHIP THAT WE APPOINT,

REFLECTING OUR KNOWLEDGE AND OUR DIVERSITY, RATHER THAN TURN OVER THE

MAJORITY OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE GOVERNOR.

FOR THOSE REASONS, I APPRECIATE ALL THE COMMENTS ON

BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE THAT HAVE BEEN MADE TODAY, BUT I WILL STILL BE

VOTING AGAINST THIS AMENDMENT. THANK YOU, SIR.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR. MR.

GOODELL IN THE NEGATIVE.

MR. TAGUE.

MR. TAGUE: GOOD AFTERNOON, MR. SPEAKER. I JUST

WANT TO ECHO THE WORDS OF MY COLLEAGUES, AND I ALSO AM IN AGREEMENT

WITH MR. BYRNE AND MR. GOODELL. AS A FORMER VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER,

THE LAST THING WE NEED IS THE SECOND FLOOR TELLING US HOW TO RETAIN

MEMBERSHIP IN OUR RURAL UPSTATE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES.

SO FOR THOSE REASONS, I DO WANT TO THANK THE SPONSOR,

MR. THIELE, ON THIS BILL. I, TOO, SUPPORTED THE FIRST BILL BUT

UNFORTUNATELY TODAY, GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND I WILL

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

BE VOTING IN THE NEGATIVE, MR. SPEAKER. THANK YOU MUCH.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR. MR.

TAGUE IN THE NEGATIVE.

MR. FITZPATRICK.

MR. FITZPATRICK: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I

RISE TO SUPPORT MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, MR. THIELE, ON THIS LEGISLATION.

I -- I SHARE THE SAME CONCERNS. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE MANY BATTLES WITH

THE GOVERNOR GOING FORWARD, BUT I DON'T THINK THIS IS -- THIS IS ONE OF

THEM. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADD MORE EXPERTISE FROM OUR FIRE

SERVICE. LOOK, IF -- IF THE GOVERNOR IS DEMANDING MORE SEATS, HE

REPRESENTS THE ENTIRE STATE. I THINK A -- A BALANCE OF EXPERTISE FROM

ACROSS THE STATE WILL BE -- WILL BE ADDED TO THIS -- THIS TASK FORCE. AND

WE DESPERATELY NEED TO RETAIN OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND STRENGTHEN OUR

VOLUNTEER FORCE. THAT IS WHY FASNY IS SUPPORTIVE OF THIS EFFORT AND I

SUPPORT IT AS WELL.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR. MR.

FITZPATRICK IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

MS. BYRNES.

YOU MUST UNMUTE YOURSELF. THERE WE GO.

MS. BYRNES: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SIR. I JUST

WANTED TO SAY VERY, VERY QUICKLY THAT I REPRESENT 37 VOLUNTEER FIRE

DEPARTMENTS IN MY DISTRICT WITH ONLY ONE PAID, AND I ABSOLUTELY OPPOSE

THIS BILL. OUR FIREFIGHTERS KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING, THEY KNOW HOW TO

MAKE THIS RIGHT. THANK YOU.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: MS. BYRNES IN THE

NEGATIVE.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER. WE DO HAVE SOME OF OUR COLLEAGUES THAT WOULD LIKE TO BE

RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: CERTAINLY.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: MR. BARNWELL, MR.

BARRON, MR. SANTABARBARA AND MR. MAMDANI.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: SO NOTED.

MR. GOODELL.

MR. GOODELL: THANK YOU, SIR. AS YOU ALREADY

NOTED, MS. GIGLIO AND MR. FITZPATRICK WILL BE VOTING YES, AND THEY ARE

JOINED BY MR. SCHMITT AND MR. DESTEFANO AND MR. DURSO.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: SO NOTED. THANK

YOU, SIR.

MR. GOODELL: THANK YOU, SIR.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: ARE THERE ANY OTHER

VOTES?

ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.

(THE CLERK ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS.)

THE BILL IS PASSED.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00969, CALENDAR NO.

7, PAULIN, OTIS, VANEL. AN ACT TO AMEND THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION

LAW, IN RELATION TO REQUIRING CONSENT PRIOR TO THE MERGER OF CEMETERY

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

CORPORATIONS; AND REPEALING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF SUCH LAW RELATING

THERETO.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: READ THE LAST SECTION.

THE CLERK: THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE CLERK WILL

RECORD THE VOTE ON CHAPTER [SIC] 7, BILL NO. A.969. THIS IS A FAST ROLL

CALL. ANY MEMBER WHO WISHES TO BE RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE IS

REMINDED TO CONTACT THE MAJORITY OR MINORITY LEADER AT THE NUMBERS

PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED.

(THE CLERK RECORDED THE VOTE.)

ARE THERE ANY OTHER VOTES? ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.

(THE CLERK ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS.)

THE BILL IS PASSED.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY NO. A00972, CALENDAR NO.

8, BRONSON, JENSEN. AN ACT TO AMEND THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW, IN

RELATION TO ENSURING PAID FIREFIGHTERS OF A COUNTY AIRPORT OR COUNTY

AVIATION DEPARTMENT WHICH PERFORM FIRE RESPONSE OR FIRE RESCUE DUTIES

ARE ELIGIBLE FOR EQUAL BENEFITS AS OTHER PAID FIREFIGHTERS.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: READ THE LAST SECTION.

THE CLERK: THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE CLERK WILL

RECORD THE VOTE ON CALENDAR NO. 8, A.972. THIS IS A FAST ROLL CALL. ANY

MEMBER WHO WISHES TO BE RECORDED IN THE NEGATIVE IS REMINDED TO

CONTACT THE MAJORITY OR MINORITY LEADER AT THE NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY

PROVIDED.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

(THE CLERK RECORDED THE VOTE.)

ARE THERE ANY OTHER VOTES? ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.

(THE CLERK ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS.)

THE BILL IS PASSED.

(PAUSE)

SPEAKER HEASTIE: MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: MR. SPEAKER, IF WE

COULD NOW TAKE UP THE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR.

REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING.

SPEAKER HEASTIE: THE CLERK WILL READ THE TITLE

OF THE RESOLUTION.

THE CLERK: ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION NO. 15, MR.

HEASTIE.

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE

OBSERVANCE OF THE 38TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY IN THE

STATE OF NEW YORK ON JANUARY 18TH, 2021.

SPEAKER HEASTIE: GOOD AFTERNOON. IN JUST A

MOMENT, WE WILL CONTINUE OUR LONGSTANDING TRADITION HONORING THE LIFE

AND LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. WITH A LEGISLATIVE

RESOLUTION. THIS RESOLUTION IS MUCH MORE THAN A CEREMONIAL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S INDELIBLE MARK ON

OUR NATION. THIS YEAR IS A REMINDER THAT THE FIGHT FOR EQUAL RIGHTS AND

JUSTICE FOR ALL IS STILL ONGOING.

IN 2015, WE ADOPTED THIS RESOLUTION ON THE SAME DAY

THAT I WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRST PERSON OF COLOR TO LEAD THIS BODY. THE

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

SIGNIFICANCE OF THAT MOMENT HAS NEVER BEEN LOST ON ME. SINCE THEN,

SLOWLY BUT SURELY, WE CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARDS MAKING DR. KING'S

DREAM A REALITY. WE'VE SEEN THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR ELECTED TO SERVE

AS THE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HERE IN NEW YORK. TOMORROW OUR

NATION WILL SEE THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR SWORN IN AS THE VICE PRESIDENT

OF THE UNITED STATES. WHILE THESE ARE UNDOUBTEDLY HISTORIC MOMENTS,

WE MUST CONTINUE TO KEEP DR. KING'S LEGACY ALIVE THROUGH OUR WORK

HERE IN THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE. AS DR. KING ONCE SAID, THE TIME IS ALWAYS

RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. AND OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS MY COLLEAGUES

AND I IN THE ASSEMBLY MAJORITY FOUGHT TIRELESSLY TO REFORM OUR BROKEN

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE

TREATED EQUALLY IN THE EYES OF THE LAW. MY COLLEAGUES AND I KNOW WE

ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR FIGHT TO KEEP THE SPIRIT OF DR. KING'S WORK ALIVE.

LAST YEAR PEOPLE ALL ACROSS THIS NATION WITNESSED RACIAL

INJUSTICE AND TOOK TO THE STREETS TO DEMAND EQUITABLE POLICING POLICIES.

THE ASSEMBLY MAJORITY ANSWERED THOSE CALLS AND PASSED SWEEPING

POLICE REFORMS HERE IN NEW YORK. WE KNOW THAT OUR WORK IS NOT

DONE, AND THAT WE MUST CONTINUE TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING JR. TODAY AND EVERY DAY. AND WHEN THIS -- I WILL VOTE YES

ON THIS RESOLUTION AND HOPE THAT MY COLLEAGUES WILL CONTINUE TO WORK

ALONGSIDE OF ME TO KEEP HIS SPIRIT OF HIS WORK ALIVE.

MR. AUBRY ON THE RESOLUTION.

MR. AUBRY: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. ON THE

RESOLUTION. I THOUGHT I MIGHT TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH YOU

THE EXPERIENCE OF WHAT THE GOOD OLD DAYS WERE LIKE. I WAS BORN IN

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

1948 IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. MY -- MY PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER

MOVED OVER TO MOBILE, ALABAMA WHERE SHE RAN THE COLORED SEAMEN'S

MOTEL. THE SEAMEN WHO CAME TO SHORE WORKED ON SHIPS THAT WERE

INTEGRATED BECAUSE THEY HAD NO CHOICE. BUT WHEN THEY CAME ON LAND

HERE IN THESE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OF ALABAMA, THEY HAD TO STAY

AT DIFFERENT HOTELS. AS A YOUNGSTER, I WOULD GO DOWN AND VISIT BOTH

GRANDMOTHERS, BOTH IN NEW ORLEANS AND IN MOBILE. INTERESTING TRIP. I

WOULD BE ABLE TO CATCH A TRAIN WITH MY FATHER COMING OUT OF NEW

YORK, BUT THEN WHEN WE GOT TO WASHINGTON, D.C. WE COULD SIT

ANYWHERE WE WANTED TO BETWEEN NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, D.C.

BUT WHEN WE GOT TO WASHINGTON, D.C. WE HAD TO GO TO THE BACK OF THE

TRAIN. SIMILAR, I GUESS, TO THE BACK OF THE BUS. WHEN I WAS THERE IN THE

SUMMERTIMES THAT I SPENT THERE, SPENT THERE MANY, MANY A SUMMER, I

LEARNED WHAT IT MEANT TO GO AND DRINK FROM A FOUNTAIN THAT SAID

"COLORED ONLY." I LEARNED WHAT IT MEANT TO HAVE TO GO TO THE BALCONY

OF A MOVIE THEATER BECAUSE I COULDN'T SIT ON THE MAIN FLOOR. OF COURSE,

FOR KIDS BEING IN THE BALCONY WAS A LOT OF FUN. BUT I DIDN'T AT THAT TIME

QUITE REALIZE THE IMPLICATIONS OF WHAT IT MEANT TO BE SEGREGATED IN THAT

WAY. I WASN'T ALLOWED TO SHARE THE SAME PEWS WITH MY FELLOW

CATHOLICS FROM THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. THEY HAD A SECTION MARKED OFF FOR

"COLORED ONLY." I WASN'T NECESSARILY ALLOWED TO WALK ON SIDES OF THE

STREET WHEN A WHITE PERSON WAS COMING DOWN THOSE STREETS. AND I

COULDN'T SWIM IN THE POOL IN MOBILE. IT WAS NOT ALLOWED.

AND SO, I WANT YOU TO GO BACK WITH ME IN THOSE DAYS.

YOU MAY NOT HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED THAT, MAYBE NOT EVEN BEEN ALIVE

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

WHEN THAT HAPPENED AND THE WORLD WAS LIKE THEN. BUT I THINK IT'S

IMPORTANT WHEN WE HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING THAT WE UNDERSTAND THAT

HISTORY. THE REAL LIFE HISTORY OF HUMAN BEINGS WHO WERE DENIED THE

OPPORTUNITY TO BE HUMAN. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. WE

WERE TREATED AS LESS THAN HUMAN, AND CERTAINLY NOT AS FULL CITIZENS OF

THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. DR. KING TOOK US FROM THAT PLACE TO

THIS PLACE. FROM THE PLACE OF MOBILE TO THE WHITE HOUSE. FROM THE

PLACE OF MOBILE TO THE CAPITOL OF NEW YORK STATE. TO THE PLACE OF THAT

HOUSE TO THE VICE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. HE

LAID THAT FOUNDATION. HE LAID IT WITH LOVE. HE LAID IT WITH DEVOTION.

HE LAID IT WITH COURAGE. SOME PEOPLE ACCUSE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

OF BEING A COWARD AND LAYING DOWN WHILE PEOPLE BEAT HIS PEOPLE. BUT

THAT'S NOT TRUE. IT TAKES COURAGE TO STAND UP TO VIOLENCE WITH LOVE. AND

SO TODAY, WE ASK THE WORLD TO REMEMBER THIS GREAT MAN. THIS MAN WHO

FOLLOWED THE GANDHI PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCE AND CHANGED THIS

WORLD. NOT ENOUGH, BUT HE BEGAN A CHANGE THAT IS SO REMARKABLE IN

HUMAN HISTORY THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABLE TO PAUSE AND THANK HIM.

GOD BLESS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING.

(APPLAUSE)

SPEAKER HEASTIE: MR. BARRON ON THE RESOLUTION.

MR. BARRON: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I ALWAYS LIKE

TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING,

JR., I LIKE TO REMIND US THAT HE WAS FROZEN IN HISTORY. HE WAS FROZEN IN

HISTORY TO "I HAVE A DREAM" IN 1963, TO INTEGRATION IN 1963. BUT ALL

OF US EVOLVED - NOBODY STAYS THE SAME - AND SO DID KING. HE EVOLVED

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

BY 1967 AND 1968, THE YEAR HE WAS ASSASSINATED, HE SAID TO HARRY

BELAFONTE, PERHAPS I'M TRYING TO INTEGRATE INTO A BURNING HOUSE,

AMERICA. PERHAPS AMERICA NEEDS ME TO MOVE TOWARDS A DEMOCRATIC

SOCIALISM. AND HE BEGAN TO CRITICIZE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED

STATES, AT THAT TIME, LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON. AND EVEN THE BLACK

LEADERS AROUND HIM SAID, STOP IT, MARTIN. STOP IT. WE'RE TRYING TO GET

PROGRAMS. WE'RE TRYING TO GET FUNDING. AND DR. KING SAID, IS THAT

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT? A PROGRAM? NO. WE'RE SUPPOSED TO SPEAK

TRUTH TO POWER. SO I'M SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THIS VIETNAM WAR. I'M

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST IMPERIALISM. AND I'M SPEAKING OUT AGAINST

CAPITALISM. DR. KING EVEN SAID HOW WE ARE SO PROUD TO SAY WE HAVE

THE FIRST BLACK THIS, THE FIRST BLACK THAT. DR. KING SAID THIS - NOT

CHARLES BARRON, THE BLACK PANTHER - DR. KING SAID THAT THE WHITE

POWER STRUCTURE CREATES, PRODUCES BLACK LEADERS BY GIVING THEM

PRESTIGIOUS POSITIONS AND RESOURCES SO AS LONG AS THEY ARE IN CONTROL BY

THE WHITE POWER STRUCTURE. AND YOU KNOW WHAT MARTIN LUTHER KING

CALLED THESE FIRST BLACKS THIS AND THAT? MANUFACTURED LEADERS BY THE

WHITE POWER STRUCTURE. OH, THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO HEAR THAT. THEY

DON'T WANT YOU TO TALK ABOUT THAT PART OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. DR.

KING ALSO SAID THAT, I STRUGGLED HARD OVER THE YEARS FOR REFORMING THE

INSTITUTIONS IN THE SOUTH. I WANTED TO REFORM THEM. A LITTLE CHANGE

HERE, A LITTLE CHANGE THERE. BUT NOW I THINK DIFFERENTLY. I BELIEVE THERE

NEEDS TO BE A RADICAL -- RADICAL, DR. KING SAID -- REORGANIZATION OF THE

ENTIRE SOCIETY. A REVOLUTION OF VALUES. A REVOLUTION OF VALUES. WHAT

WOULD MARTIN LUTHER KING SAY ABOUT DONALD TRUMP? WE'RE CLEAR.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

BUT WHAT WOULD HE SAY ABOUT JOE BIDEN AND KAMALA HARRIS AND SOME

OF THEIR PAST POLICIES THAT NOBODY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT BECAUSE WE'RE TOO

BUSY TRUMPATIZED. WHAT WOULD DR. KING SAY? WELL, JUST READ HIS

OWN WORDS IN WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE, HIS FINAL BOOK. AND HE

TURNED FROM AN INTEGRATIONIST FROM DREAMING TO A RADICAL REVOLUTIONARY

VISIONARY. THAT'S THE DR. KING WHITE AMERICA DOESN'T WANT YOU TO

KNOW ABOUT. THAT'S THE DR. KING BLACK LEADERS DON'T WANT YOU TO

KNOW ABOUT. DR. KING COULDN'T EVEN GET A CHANCE TO SPEAK IN A BLACK

CHURCH WHEN HE WENT AGAINST THE WAR IN VIETNAM. WHEN HE STARTED

TALKING UP AGAINST CAPITALISM AND IMPERIALISM, HE HAD TO GO SPEAK IN A

WHITE CHURCH IN NEW YORK CITY TO MAKE HIS SPEECHES. AND DR. KING

WAS FOR REPARATIONS. YOU LOVE DR. KING SO MUCH, THEN WHY DON'T YOU

BRING MY REPARATIONS BILL TO THE FLOOR. DR. KING WOULD BE SUPPORTING

THAT BECAUSE HE SUPPORTED REPARATIONS. REPARATIONS. DR. KING DID.

BUT THAT'S NOT THE DR. KING THEY WANT YOU TO KNOW. DR. KING, WHEN HE

FIRST MET CORETTA -- AND DR. CORNEL WEST'S BOOK SAID THAT HE SPOKE TO

CORETTA AND HE SAID TO CORETTA, I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT MY

PHILOSOPHY ECONOMICALLY IS NOT CAPITALISTIC, IT'S MORE SOCIALISTIC. AND

CORETTA TOLD CORNEL WEST THAT SHE DIDN'T KNOW THAT SHE WAS DATING AND

PROUDLY DATING A BLACK SOCIALIST.

SO LET'S TALK ABOUT DR. KING. AND THEY DID THE SAME

THING TO ROSA PARKS. ROSA PARKS SAT DOWN ON THE BUS AND THE WHOLE

PEOPLE STOOD UP. THEY DIDN'T TELL YOU THAT AFTER THE BUS BOYCOTT IN

MONTGOMERY THAT SHE MOVED TO DETROIT AND SHE WORKED FOR DON --

JOHN CONYERS, AND SHE EMBRACED THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY AND SHE

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

FOUGHT FOR THE FREEDOM OF POLITICAL PRISONERS. AND SHE FOUGHT FOR

REPARATIONS. AND WHEN THEY ASKED HER WHO WAS HER HERO, SHE SAID, I

LOVE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, BUT MALCOLM X IS --

SPEAKER HEASTIE: MR. BARRON, I'M SORRY, YOUR

TIME IS UP.

MR. BARRON: WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. DR.

KING, REST IN PEACE AND POWER.

SPEAKER HEASTIE: MR. GOODELL ON THE

RESOLUTION.

MR. GOODELL: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, AND

THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL WORDS INTRODUCING THIS RESOLUTION. WHAT

I FIND ASTOUNDING IS THAT SO MUCH OF WHAT DR. KING SPOKE ABOUT OVER A

HALF A CENTURY AGO IS STILL RELEVANT TODAY. I APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS OF

MY COLLEAGUE, MR. AUBRY, ON HOW THERE WAS SEGREGATION IN THE SOUTH

AND HOW DRAMATIC IT WAS AND HOW MUCH PROGRESS WE'VE MADE SINCE

THEN. BUT I'M ALSO MINDFUL OF LOOKING BACK OVER THE SUMMER HOW

MUCH MORE PROGRESS WE NEED TO MAKE. AND DR. KING, THROUGHOUT HIS

CAREER, SPOKE ABOUT NONVIOLENCE. BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT THE ONLY WAY

YOU COULD MAKE AN ENEMY A FRIEND IS THROUGH LOVE. AND HE SPOKE

ABOUT VIOLENCE. HE SPOKE ABOUT THE RIOTS THAT WERE OCCURRING IN HIS

TIME. AND HE SAID, RIOTS AREN'T GOING TO WORK. AND THOSE WHO

PARTICIPATE IN RIOTS KNOW IT WON'T WORK. AND AT THE END OF THE DAY, A

RIOT CREATES DESTRUCTION. AND HIS WORDS APPLY EQUALLY TO THE VIOLENT

DEMONSTRATIONS THAT WE'VE SEEN IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. THEY WEREN'T

GOING TO SUCCEED. PEOPLE WHO PARTICIPATED KNEW THEY WEREN'T GOING TO

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

SUCCEED. IN FACT, IN MANY RESPECTS IT WAS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. AND

WE'RE MINDFUL THAT DR. KING SPOKE DIRECTLY TO US AS LEGISLATORS WHEN HE

SAID, THERE COMES A TIME WHEN ONE MUST TAKE A POSITION THAT'S NEITHER

SAFE NOR POLITIC NOR POPULAR, BUT YOU MUST TAKE IT BECAUSE CONSCIENCE

TELLS HIM IT IS RIGHT. IT IS ONLY FITTING AS WE START THE NEW YEAR THAT WE

REFLECT ON THE THOUGHTFULNESS AND THE WISDOM OF DR. KING THAT'S

RELEVANT DECADES AFTER HE SPOKE.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

SPEAKER HEASTIE: THANK YOU.

MR. ANDERSON ON THE RESOLUTION.

MR. ANDERSON: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'D LIKE

TO BRIEFLY SPEAK ON WHY I AM SUPPORTING THIS RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND

COMMEMORATE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AS THE YOUNGEST

AFRICAN-AMERICAN OF THIS BODY AND AS SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN

INVOLVED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ACTIVISM THROUGHOUT MY CAREER, IT'S

VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE LOOK BACK AT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PAVED THE

WAY FOR ME AND OTHERS IN THIS SPACE OF ACTIVISM TO BE HERE. IT'S VERY

IMPORTANT THAT WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FIGHT THAT DR. KING REPRESENTED AND

TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF HOW YOUNG KING WAS WHEN HE

FOUGHT FOR THE THINGS THAT I FIGHT FOR TODAY. DR. KING WAS 15 WHEN HE

ENTERED COLLEGE AND 25 WHAT HE GOT HIS PH.D. AND -- AND -- AND IN HIS

TWENTIES WHEN HE FIRST BECAME THE MANAGER OF THE ATLANTA JOURNAL,

WHICH IS NOW THE ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION. AND SO HE WAS

INVOLVED IN LEADERSHIP AND COMMITTED TO SYSTEMS CHANGE THROUGHOUT

HIS -- HIS LIFE HERE ON EARTH, AND ALL UNDER THE AGE OF 39. DR. KING WAS

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

EXTREMELY ACTIVE. AND SO IN -- IN TRYING TO KEEP DR. KING'S DREAM

ALIVE, WHEN I WAS 18 IN 2015, I JOINED A MARCH OF OVER 30-PLUS PEOPLE

WHERE WE MARCHED ON FOOT, MR. SPEAKER, FROM NEW YORK CITY TO

WASHINGTON, D.C. TO SUPPORT CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, FIGHTING AGAINST

SYSTEMS OF RACISM AND OPPRESSION THAT HAVE KEPT BLACK PEOPLE

OPPRESSED IN THIS COUNTRY FOR SO LONG. AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO BE

DOING AS A LEGISLATIVE BODY AND AS INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITIES TO

KEEP DR. KING'S DREAM ALIVE. NO MORE EMPTY PLATITUDES ABOUT "I HAVE

A DREAM" OR TALKING ABOUT THIS, DR. KING IN THIS LIGHT OR WHITEWASHING

WHAT HE TRULY STAND -- STOOD FOR. BUT ACTUALLY ACTING ON THE THINGS THAT

HE FOUGHT AND STOOD FOR, MAKING SURE THAT WE SUPPORT WORKER --

WORKERS' RIGHTS AND LABOR -- LABORERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING IN THIS

MOMENT. MAKING SURE THAT WE SUPPORT WORKING-CLASS FAMILIES.

MAKING SURE THAT WE FIGHT FOR, AS MY COLLEAGUE MR. BARRON SAID,

REPARATIONS TO REPAIR THE HARM THAT THIS COUNTRY HAS DONE TO BLACK AND

BROWN INDIVIDUALS THROUGHOUT -- THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY. LET'S ALSO

UNDERSTAND THAT DR. KING WAS A YOUNG REVOLUTIONARY. AGAIN, UNDER THE

AGE OF 39 HE MADE HIS GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CHANGED THIS

NATION FOR THE BETTER. HE SPOKE ABOUT BEING AN ANTICAPITALIST. SPOKE

ABOUT A SYSTEM THAT CONTINUED TO OPPRESS PEOPLE ECONOMICALLY. WE

HAVE TO ALSO TOUCH ON THAT PIECE AS WELL, THAT DR. KING DID NOT SUPPORT

CAPITALISM IN THE WAY THAT WE ALL LIKE TO SEE IT, BUT HE ALSO -- HE

SUPPORTED A SYSTEM THAT WOULD BRING ECONOMIC EQUALITY TO BLACK FOLKS

THROUGHOUT THE NATION. AND SO THAT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE RECOGNIZE IT,

AND THAT'S WHY I RISE TO SHARE MY SUPPORT FOR THIS RESOLUTION.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR.

MR. RA.

MR. RA: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I -- I JUST RISE

BRIEFLY ON THIS RESOLUTION. AND -- AND I FIND THAT EACH AND EVERY YEAR

WHEN WE DO THIS RESOLUTION ON THE FLOOR, EVEN THOUGH WE'RE TALKING

ABOUT A RESOLUTION AND NOT A PIECE OF LEGISLATION, I FIND IT VERY

INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL AND HEARING FROM MY COLLEAGUES, YOURSELF

INCLUDED, AND MR. SPEAKER, YOU KNOW, ABOUT EXPERIENCES PEOPLE HAVE

HAD IN THEIR LIVES THAT HAVE BROUGHT THEM TO THIS CHAMBER AND, YOU

KNOW, THAT DRIVE THEM IN THE WORK THAT THEY DO IN THIS CHAMBER. IT

TRULY IS A WONDERFUL PART OF THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

AND, YOU KNOW, WE -- WE FIND OURSELVES AT A REALLY SIGNIFICANT TIME IN

OUR HISTORY AS -- AS A STATE AND AS A NATION. WE'RE GOING THROUGH

OBVIOUSLY A, YOU KNOW, ONCE-IN-A-CENTURY-TYPE PANDEMIC THAT WE'RE

HOPEFULLY STARTING TO COME OUT OF. AND OBVIOUSLY, WE ARE PERHAPS AS

DIVIDED AS WE'VE BEEN IN A VERY LONG TIME AS -- AS A NATION. AND I

THINK -- YOU KNOW, ONE OF MY FAVORITES QUOTES THAT I THINK IS REALLY,

REALLY IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND FOR ALL OF US DURING THIS LEGISLATIVE

SESSION, BUT AS WE MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE IT'S SO EASY RIGHT NOW TO SAY,

YOU KNOW, ON -- ON EITHER SIDE OF THE POLITICAL AISLE, WELL, THEY DID THIS,

SO IT'S OKAY FOR US TO DO THAT. THEY SAID THIS, SO IT'S OKAY FOR US TO DO --

TO SAY THAT. THEY TOOK THIS ACTION, SO IT'S OKAY FOR US TO DO THAT. AND

THE END RESULT OF THAT IS IT JUST KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. WE STOP

TALKING TO ONE ANOTHER AND WE END UP IN SITUATIONS WHERE WE'RE PRETTY

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

MUCH HEADING DOWN RIGHT NOW, WHERE, YOU KNOW, ALL PEOPLE THAT THINK

ONE WAY ARE WATCHING ONE SET OF TV CHANNELS AND ARE ON ONE TYPE OF

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM. AND HOW WE MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT HEARING

EACH OTHER AND HAVING THAT DIALOGUE, I JUST DON'T KNOW.

SO I JUST WANT TO READ THIS QUOTE QUICKLY, WHICH I'VE --

I'VE PUT INTO THE RECORD ON THIS RESOLUTION IN THE PAST. YOU KNOW, IT'S,

RETURNING HATE FOR HATE MULTIPLIES HATE, ADDING DEEPER DARKNESS TO A

NIGHT ALREADY DEVOID OF STARS. DARKNESS CANNOT DRIVE OUT DARKNESS.

ONLY LIGHT CAN DO THAT. HATE CANNOT DRIVE OUT HATE. ONLY LOVE CAN DO

THAT. AND THAT'S A QUOTE FROM DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. WHO, YOU

KNOW, INSPIRED SO MANY AND, YOU KNOW, WE -- WE HONOR TODAY. BUT I

HOPE WE CAN KEEP THOSE WORDS IN MIND AS WE DEBATE SO MANY DIFFERENT

ISSUES IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION AS WE GO OUT INTO OUR DISTRICTS THAT WE

CAN ALL BE AGENTS OF UNITY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES AND AMONGST EACH

OTHER AND HELP THIS NATION COME TOGETHER AND WORK TOGETHER SO THAT THE

FUTURE CAN BE BRIGHTER BECAUSE WE'RE WORKING TOGETHER AND NOT JUST

KIND OF, YOU KNOW, SEPARATING IT THROUGH OUR RESPECTIVE TRIBES OR -- OR

VIEWPOINTS.

SO THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR.

MS. WALKER.

MS. WALKER: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. JUST THIS

WEEKEND, THE SUNDAY BEFORE MLK DAY, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET

WITH THE NEXT SENATE MAJORITY LEADER OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE,

CHUCK SCHUMER. AND WE HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER'S

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

GRANDFATHER, AS I'VE MENTIONED BEFORE. HIS NAME WAS GUINEA CHARLES,

AND GUINEA CHARLES WAS A SLAVE. AND GUINEA CHARLES USED TO TAKE

GOODS, ITEMS, WEAPONS BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN SOUTH CAROLINA AND

MANASSAS FOR HIS MASTER. AND I WOULD THINK ABOUT WHAT MUST HE BEEN

-- HE -- HE WAS -- WHAT WAS HE THINKING ABOUT DURING THAT PROCESS OF

WALKING AND TAKING THAT JOURNEY. WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN HIS DREAMS FOR

HIS LEGACY THAT HE WOULD NEVER MEET? THAT HE WOULD NEVER LAY EYES

ON. THAT HE HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THEIR EXISTENCE BUT KNEW THAT HE WAS

DOING SOMETHING EVEN IF IT WAS AGAINST HIS WILL, AGAINST HIS OWN

FREEDOM, SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN THE CIVIL WAR. IN FACT, WHEN THE --

WHEN HIS OWNER'S PLATOON HAD BEEN TAKEN OVER, HE TOOK UP ARMS THERE

TO PROTECT THEIR -- THEIR LOCATION AS WELL AS TO NURSE MANY OF THOSE

COMRADES BACK TO HEALTH. WHAT MUST HE HAVE BEEN THINKING? WHAT

MUST HE HAVE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT AS HE WAS TAKING THOSE ACTIONS?

AND THEN I WAS REMINDED DURING THIS CONVERSATION WITH SENATOR

SCHUMER OF A SCRIPTURE THAT READS THAT THERE WERE -- THEY WERE TALKING

ABOUT JOSEPH AND THEY SAID, THERE GOES THAT DREAMER. LET'S KILL HIM

AND SEE WHAT BECOMES OF HIS DREAMS. AND A LOT OF TIMES WE LOOK AT

THE COROLLARY BETWEEN THAT STATEMENT AND DR. CLARK, AND OF COURSE I GET

TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION IN MY HEAD ABOUT MY OWN ANCESTOR. WHAT

HAPPENED OR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON WITH THAT DREAMER? DID

HE EVER DREAM THAT ONE DAY WHEN THEY WOULD FREE THE SLAVES, ALLEGEDLY,

AND IT -- AT MANASSAS, WHERE HE WAS LOCATED AT, HE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY

TO GO AND TAKE THE FIRST VOTE AFTER RECONSTRUCTION WITH THE SAME PERSON

WHO HAD KEPT HIM ENSLAVED, NEVER KNOWING IF HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

THAT VOTE HIMSELF BECAUSE, OF COURSE, IN SOUTH CAROLINA, THOUGH

EVERYONE HAD BEEN FREED, WE DIDN'T NECESSARILY GET THE RIGHT TO VOTE AS

A FREED BLACK MAN IMMEDIATELY. BUT WOULD HE HAVE EVER THOUGHT THAT

THERE WOULD BE A TIME WHEN HIS LEGACY, THE GRANDDAUGHTER OF HIS

GRANDSON, WOULD BE ABLE TO SIT AND SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER TO THE NEXT

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER. SO AGAIN, THEY MAY HAVE KILLED HIM -- THEY

MAY HAVE KILLED HIS SPIRIT, THEY MAY HAVE BROKEN HIM DOWN, BUT HIS

DREAM IS YET ALIVE. AND THE SAME THING GOES, OF COURSE, WITH DR. KING.

OF COURSE YOU KNOW I LOVE TO TALK ABOUT THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT. AND

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT DR. KING ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT IS ABOUT ACCESS TO

THE BALLOT. HE WAS LIKE, LOOK, GIVE US ACCESS TO THE BALLOT. WE DON'T

HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND BEG FOR ANYTHING

BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO ELECT PEOPLE TO SIT IN POSITIONS AND HAVE

OFFICES WHO ARE GOING TO REFLECT THE IDEALS AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND

THE DREAMS AND THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE THAT THEY REPRESENT. BUT JUST

LIKE WE HAVE SEEN ON SO MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, PEOPLE BEGIN TO CHIP

AT THE BIT ON ALL OF THE RIGHTS AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT WE HAVE BEEN

ABLE TO CHANGE IN THIS COUNTRY. AND NOTHING IS MORE EXACT FOR ME THAN

WHAT WE DID TO SECTION 5 OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT WHERE WE USED TO

BE ABLE TO -- ANY CHANGES THAT WAS DONE TO OUR VOTING RIGHTS HAD TO BE

CLEARED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. TODAY WE NO LONGER HAVE

THOSE LIBERTIES AND WE ARE ABOUT TO DRAW THOSE MAPS. AND WHO KNOWS

WHAT THOSE MAPS ARE GOING TO LOOK LIKE. WHO KNOWS WHAT THE LEGACY

OF DR. KING IS GOING TO BEHOLD. BUT I KNOW THAT THEY MAY HAVE KILLED A

DREAMER AND THEY'RE CONSTANTLY TRYING TO KILL HIS DREAMS, BUT YOU WILL

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

NEVER KILL THE DREAM. AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO TALK, OF COURSE, ABOUT,

YOU KNOW, THE FACT THAT WE COULD DO THIS HERE IN NEW YORK STATE ONE

DAY. WE COULD HAVE A NEW YORK STATE VOTING RIGHTS ACT WHERE

INSTEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HAVING TO APPROVE THESE CHANGES,

THAT WE COULD HAVE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CIVIL RIGHTS BUREAU HAVE

THAT PARTICULAR EFFECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DREAMS

AND THE IDEALS THAT MAYBE JOSEPH HAD ABOUT HIS FUTURE AND HIS LEGACY

ONCE HE WAS SOLD INTO SLAVERY, FOR HIS -- FOR HIS DECENDENTS, MAYBE IT

COULD BE THE PURSUING OF THE SAME DREAM OF MY OWN VERY GUINEA

CHARLES. OR MAYBE IT COULD JUST BE THE ACTUALIZATION AND CONTINUATION

OF THE DREAM OF DR. KING. WE HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOME

GREAT THINGS. AND WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO FOR THE LEGACY OF PEOPLE

WHO ARE GOING TO COME BEHIND US TO MAKE SURE THAT HIS DREAMS AND THE

DREAMS OF OUR ANCESTORS CONTINUE TO A BE REALITY THAT WE LIVE THROUGH

AND THAT WE MAKE SURE WE COME TO FRUITION.

SO I HONOR DR. KING TODAY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: MS. -- MS. WALKER.

MS. WALKER: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE

OPPORTUNITY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU SO VERY

MUCH.

MS. BICHOTTE HERMELYN.

MS. BICHOTTE HERMELYN: THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER, FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK ON THIS RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE

AND LEGACY OF REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. LAST YEAR ON HIS

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

BIRTHDAY I WAS VOTED IN AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN ELECTED TO RUN THE

LARGEST COUNTY PARTY IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. AND AS I CONTINUE TO

REFLECT ON THIS DAY, I'M REFLECTING ON ALL OF THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HE HAD

PAVED THE WAY FOR. LIKE THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN ELECTED AS VICE

PRESIDENT, KAMALA HARRIS. AND THE BLACK WOMAN WHO LITERALLY TURNED

THIS COUNTRY AROUND IN TERMS OF OUR DEMOCRACY AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE

IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA TO VOTE, STACEY ABRAMS, WHO LED AGAINST VOTER

SUPPRESSION. THE VERY SAME REASON WHY WE WERE HERE TODAY

CONFERENCING ABOUT THE VOTING RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE STATE OF NEW

YORK, ONCE AGAIN, LED BY ANOTHER BLACK WOMAN, LATRICE WALKER. SO,

DR. KING'S LEGACY CONTINUES TO LIVE WITH US TODAY.

YOU KNOW, AMERICA CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE --

THE CRISIS OF RACIAL INJUSTICE. WE SAW LAST SUMMER BLACK LIVES MATTER

PROTESTS ERUPTED ALL OVER THE NATION IN RESPONSE TO THE KILLING OF GEORGE

FLOYD. BUT HERE IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WE STILL FAILED TO PASS RACIAL

PROFILING. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EXPOSED UNDERLYING INEQUITIES

THAT HAVE EXISTED LARGELY UNCHECKED SINCE THE FOUNDING OF OUR NATION IN

THE BLACK COMMUNITIES. TWICE AS MANY BLACK AMERICANS DIED FROM

THE VIRUS AS WHITE AMERICANS. THE SAME DISPARITIES ARE SEEN IN

MATERNAL HEALTH CARE. YOU'VE SEEN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS REMAIN

SEGREGATED, AND WITH THE PANDEMIC THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IS CERTAINLY

DISPROPORTIONATELY HURTING STUDENTS OF COLOR IN THEIR ACADEMIC STUDIES.

SO WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THIS RESOLUTION AND WHEN WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THE

LEGACY OF REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., WHO DEVOTED HIS LIFE

AND LEGACY TO PROMOTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE, CIVIL AND LABOR

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

RIGHTS, WE WANT TO THINK ABOUT THE PRINCIPLES THAT HE PREACHED BY. THE

SAME PRINCIPLES WE NEED TO REMEMBER TO PAY -- PAY TRIBUTE TO IN THE

FACE OF THE RISE OF WHITE SUPREMACIST IDEOLOGIES AND DISPARITIES IN A

STILL SEGREGATED COUNTRY. DR. KING DESERVES RECOGNITION NOT ONLY HERE

IN THE HALLS OF ALBANY, BUT IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND IN EVERY BILL THAT WE

CREATE AND CARRY AND VOTE INTO LAW.

YOU KNOW, THERE IS A LOT OF HATE IN THE AIR. WE'VE

SEEN IT IN WASHINGTON AND IN THE RAID ON CAPITOL HILL, AND WE SEE THEM

HERE IN OUR -- IN OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND IN OUR POLITICS. AND THAT'S

WHY IT'S IN WITHIN ME TO DO THE BEST THAT I CAN TO TRY TO UNIFY ALL OF US.

WE HONORED DR. KING'S LEGACY BY PARTICIPATING IN THE

DAY OF SERVICE YESTERDAY IN BROOKLYN, CLEANING UP NEIGHBORHOODS.

WE PARTNERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION. AND THAT'S THE SPIRIT

THAT WE WANT TO CONTINUE OUR LIVES, TO LEAD IN GOVERNMENT, TO LEAD IN

OUR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES. SERVING, BEING A PUBLIC

SERVANT. HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS. HELPING OUR COMMUNITY.

I WILL CONTINUE TO HONOR HIS LEGACY, CHAMPION OUR

CIVIL RIGHTS THROUGHOUT SESSIONS, AND I ASK ALL MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN ME

IN HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING'S LEGACY TODAY ON THIS RESOLUTION.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

MR. BROWN.

MR. BROWN: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'M VERY

PROUD TO JOIN MY ASSEMBLY COLLEAGUES IN COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND

MEMORY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. I JUST WANT TO SHARE SOME

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

REMARKS THAT I DRAFTED YESTERDAY AS I REFLECTED ON HIS BIRTHDAY. SO, WE

REMEMBER AND HONOR THE LATE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING WHO BATTLED

INJUSTICE PEACEFULLY WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS. DR. KING SHOWED THE

WORLD WHAT IT MEANT TO TRULY LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, REGARDLESS OF THEIR

IDENTITY OR BELIEFS. STILL TODAY, HIS FIGHT FOR A MORE COMPASSIONATE,

MORE JUST WORLD CONTINUES. I WAS NOT YET BORN IN 1968 WHEN DR. KING

WAS KILLED, BUT I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE A FATHER WHO TAUGHT US THAT

RESPECT IS EARNED AND TO TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME. THE AMERICAN POET

AND PHILOSOPHER ELI SIEGEL SAID, QUOTE, "CONTEMPT IS THE DISPOSITION IN

EVERY PERSON TO THINK HE WILL BE FOR HIMSELF BY MAKING LESS OF THE

OUTSIDE WORLD. RACISM IS THE EMBODIMENT OF CONTEMPT BETWEEN

DIFFERENT PEOPLES, AND WILL ONLY SERVE TO TEAR OUR GREAT NATION APART."

SO AS I REFLECT ON THE MEMORY OF DR. KING, IT IS MY

FONDEST HOPE THAT THE NEXT GENERATION AND FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL ERASE

THE INJUSTICE OF RACISM. BUT UNTIL THEN, WE MUST NEVER FORGET DR.

KING'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAUSE OF AMERICA'S FREEDOM AND THE

COMMITMENT TO HUMAN DIGNITY. DR. KING SAID, QUOTE, "INJUSTICE

ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE. AND JUSTICE TOO LONG

DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED." ON THIS DAY I'M REMINDED OF THE INTENSE

RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT I OWE TO HIS LEGACY AS A LAWMAKER AND

A PUBLIC OFFICIAL TO ENHANCE AND PRESERVE HUMAN DIGNITY. DR. KING,

WHO LOVED AND SERVED HUMANITY, TAUGHT US THAT NONVIOLENT PEACEFUL

PROTESTS MUST BE EXERCISED BEFORE VIOLENCE, COURAGE BEFORE FEAR, AND

THAT LOVE WILL TRIUMPH OVER HATE. WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE

SELF-EVIDENT THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, AND OUR NATION AND OUR LAWS

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

MUST UPHOLD THESE TRUTHS LIKE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY HOLDS THE TORCH OF

FREEDOM AT THE ENTRANCE OF NEW YORK HARBOR. AMERICA IS NOT JUST AN

IDEAL, IT'S A NATION OF PEOPLE WHO MUST STAND UP FOR THE IDEAL THAT WE ALL

BEAR THE BURDEN OF PRESERVING HUMAN DIGNITY BY MAKING MORE, NOT LESS,

OF THE WORLD.

MAY GOD BLESS AND HELP GUARD THE UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA. THANK YOU.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR.

MR. LAWLER.

MR. LAWLER: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. AND

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY EARLIER DURING -- DURING YOUR SPEECH

ABOUT THE RESOLUTION. ON THE RESOLUTION. YOU KNOW, IT DAWNS ON ME,

I'M 34 YEARS OLD AND EVERY YEAR OF MY LIFE WE HAVE CELEBRATED DR.

KING'S LEGACY, AND DESERVEDLY SO. YOU KNOW, I'M PROUD TO REPRESENT

ONE OF THE MORE DIVERSE DISTRICTS IN -- IN NEW YORK STATE. IT IS DIVERSE

RACIALLY, ETHNICALLY, RELIGIOUSLY AND POLITICALLY. AND IT'S A DISTRICT AND A

COMMUNITY THAT ENRICHES OUR STATE, AND I'M PROUD TO -- TO REPRESENT

THEM. AND IT'S A DIVERSITY THAT MUST BE RESPECTED AND PRESERVED BY ALL

OF US AS ELECTED OFFICIALS REPRESENTING OUR COMMUNITIES. AND AS DR.

KING SAID IN HIS "I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH, HE SAID, I HAVE A DREAM

THAT MY FOUR CHILDREN WILL ONE DAY LIVE IN A NATION WHERE THEY WILL NOT

BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN, BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR

CHARACTER. THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT.

AND THAT IS ROOTED IN, REALLY, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, WHICH IS TO LOVE

THY NEIGHBOR WITHOUT EXCEPTION. AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT ONE DAY, ONE

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

DAY SOON, WE WILL TRULY GET TO A PLACE IN OUR SOCIETY WHERE WE DO NOT

JUDGE PEOPLE BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN AND THAT WE JUDGE THEM SOLELY

BASED ON THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT.

AND IN CLOSING, I WANT TO READ SOMETHING FROM -- FROM

PRESIDENT LINCOLN, WHO ONCE SAID, WE ARE NOT ENEMIES, BUT FRIENDS.

WE MUST NOT BE ENEMIES. THOUGH PASSION MAY HAVE STRAINED, IT MUST

NOT BREAK OUR BONDS OF AFFECTION. THE MYSTIC CHORDS OF MEMORY WILL

SWELL WHEN AGAIN TOUCHED, AS SURELY THEY WILL BE BY THE BETTER ANGELS

OF OUR NATURE. TO MY COLLEAGUES, WE ARE FRIENDS. WE ARE NOT ENEMIES.

AND THERE IS MUCH WORK TO DO AND MANY PROBLEMS TO SOLVE IN THIS

STATE, AND SOMETIMES WE WILL DISAGREE. BUT LET'S FIND A WAY TO SOLVE

THE PROBLEMS THAT WE FACE, AND TO DO SO TOGETHER. THE RESIDENTS OF OUR

STATE DESERVE NOTHING LESS.

MR. SPEAKER, I SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR.

MR. BURKE.

MR. BURKE: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I WOULD

CERTAINLY LIKE TO JOIN WITH ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES IN HONORING DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH GROWING UP, I ACTUALLY WENT TO

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ELEMENTARY IT WAS -- IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE

FOR ME IN UNDERSTANDING WHAT DIVERSITY REALLY -- REALLY MEANS. BUT I

WANT TO SPEAK -- I KNOW THIS IS A UNITING RESOLUTION, BUT, YOU KNOW,

SOMETHING REALLY STRIKES ME, ESPECIALLY LATELY. WE HAVE SEEN THE

LANGUAGE THAT WAS USED TO DISCREDIT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING BEING USED

STILL TODAY. YOU KNOW, WE HEAR THINGS ABOUT CITIES BURNING DOWN AND

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

LAWLESSNESS AND RIOTS, AND THAT WAS THE VERY SAME LANGUAGE THAT WAS

USED TO ATTACK AND DISCREDIT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. SO ANYBODY WHO

STANDS UP AND PRAISES HIM AS SOMEONE THAT THEY FOLLOW, I THINK WE

HAVE TO BE REALLY CAREFUL OF THE LANGUAGE WE USE AND WE HAVE TO HAVE A

MORE SOPHISTICATED VIEW OF HISTORY. WE CANNOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO USE

THAT LANGUAGE. SO IF YOU SEE SOMEBODY -- IF YOU REALLY RESPECT AND

HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, IF YOU'RE GETTING UP HERE AND SAYING HOW

MUCH HE MEANS TO YOU, IF YOU HEAR THAT LANGUAGE BEING USED, IN HIS

MEMORY I THINK YOU HAVE A DUTY AND AN OBLIGATION TO CALL THAT OUT FOR

WHAT IT IS. I THINK THAT'S THE TRUEST WAY TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF SUCH A

BRAVE HERO WHO CHANGED THE FUTURE OF THIS NATION.

SO, THANK YOU.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR.

MR. MANKTELOW.

MR. MANKTELOW: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. AND

THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE A FEW MINUTES.

YESTERDAY I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO A -- A CELEBRATION FOR DR.

KING. AND WE, AS ELECTED OFFICIALS, WE CONTINUALLY GET TO GO TO THAT.

ALMOST EVERY YEAR WE'RE ALWAYS ASKED, AND -- AND EVERY YEAR IT'S -- IT'S

ALWAYS AMAZING THAT WE LEARN SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY DIDN'T KNOW.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I LEARNED YESTERDAY FROM A -- FROM A GROUP

OF YOUNG PEOPLE AS THEY SANG THE HYMN AMAZING GRACE - WHICH WAS

ONE OF MY FAVORITES, IF NOT THE FAVORITE - BUT ALSO WE TALKED ABOUT AND

THEY TALKED ABOUT CONGRESSMAN LEWIS, CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS.

AND HE HAD THIS SAYING CALLED "GOOD TROUBLE." AND WHAT REALLY GOOD

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

TROUBLE MEANS IS BEING ENGAGED, GETTING IN A LITTLE BIT OF TROUBLE, BUT

MAKING SURE IT'S GOOD TROUBLE. AND AS I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT AFTER THAT

WAS SAID, I HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEAK YESTERDAY, AND THE FIRST THING I

TALKED ABOUT WAS LOVE. AND WE USE THAT -- THAT PHRASE QUITE OFTEN, THAT

WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER. WHAT IS LOVE? I LOVE YOU, DO YOU LOVE ME? BUT

WHAT DR. KING BROUGHT TO US WAS TRULY LOVE. BUT THEN AFTER I GOT DONE

SPEAKING THERE WAS ANOTHER GENTLEMAN THERE, HE WAS A BISHOP. HIS

NAME WAS AMOS SIMMONS. AND HE SPOKE AND HE SAID, "RESPECT FIRST."

AND WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT, MR. SPEAKER, RESPECT FIRST AND THEN

AFTER RESPECT LOVE WILL ALWAYS FOLLOW. AND I TRULY BELIEVE THAT. HERE

ON THIS FLOOR WE MAY NOT ALWAYS AGREE. WE MAY HAVE LINES IN THE SAND,

WE MAY HAVE THIS SIDE OR THAT SIDE. BUT I'VE LEARNED OVER THE LAST TWO

YEARS HERE THAT WHEN WE RESPECT ONE ANOTHER, RESPECT WHERE THEY COME

FROM, WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO THEIR COMMUNITIES, THEN LOVE DOES FOLLOW.

BECAUSE AS I SAID TO ONE OF THE ASSEMBLYMEMBERS EARLIER TODAY THAT,

HEY, I LOVE YOU. YOU KNOW, I LOVE EVERYBODY HERE. IT'S ABOUT LOVE.

AND WHAT MORE OF A -- WHAT MORE CAN WE SAY THAN WHAT DR. KING

STOOD FOR. MAKING THINGS HAPPEN, MAKING SURE THAT WE NEVER FORGET.

AND AGAIN, I JUST ALWAYS WANT US TO REMEMBER THAT WE'RE IN THIS

CHAMBERS TO RESPECT ONE ANOTHER. WE MAY NOT ALWAYS AGREE, BUT LOVE

WILL DEFINITELY FOLLOW.

SO TO DR. KING, I WANT TO THANK HIM FOR HIS LIFE, HIS

LEGACY AND WHAT HE'S DONE FOR AMERICA. AND I THANK -- I WANT TO THANK

MR. -- SPEAKER HEASTIE FOR THE RESOLUTION TODAY. THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU, SIR.

MS. GRIFFIN.

MS. GRIFFIN: OKAY. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEANINGFUL WORDS ON THIS RESOLUTION, AS WELL

AS ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES REALLY SHARED REALLY BEAUTIFUL, MEANINGFUL

WORDS FOR ALL OF US. I WANTED TO SHARE AN EXCERPT FROM A NEWS ARTICLE

FROM WHEN DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING VISITED MY TOWN, ROCKVILLE

CENTER, IN 1968. AND IT'S AN ARTICLE THAT'S REPRINTED EVERY YEAR. SO,

NEARLY 53 YEARS AGO, THE REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. STEPPED

ONTO THE AUDITORIUM STAGE OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL IN ROCKVILLE CENTER IN

1968. A CAPACITY CROWD ROSE IN A STANDING OVATION FOR THE CIVIL RIGHTS

LEADER WHO WOULD BE ASSASSINATED JUST OVER A WEEK LATER IN MEMPHIS.

HE WAS ON A SPEAKING TOUR, SWINGING THROUGH THE NEW YORK CITY AREA

TO PUBLICIZE A PLANNED POOR PEOPLE'S MARCH ON WASHINGTON AND ITS

CAMPAIGN AGAINST POVERTY AND INJUSTICE. ON THAT EARLY SPRING

AFTERNOON, MARCH 26TH, 1968, HUNDREDS OF BLACK AND WHITE LONG

ISLANDERS, STUDENTS, ACTIVISTS AND PEOPLE JUST CURIOUS ABOUT THIS FAMOUS

MAN, THEY FELL SILENT AS THE PUBLIC FIGURE THEY'D SEEN ON THE NEWS

MARCHING, PROTESTING AND ADDRESSING HUGE CROWDS, SPOKE IN THE FLESH

FROM THE HEART. AND PEOPLE WHO WERE THERE THAT DAY STILL SPEAK OF THAT

EXPERIENCE, AND SO MANY MORE WHO EVEN WEREN'T THERE SPEAK AND OF

COURSE STILL ACT ON HIS LEGACY THAT HAS TAUGHT AND CONTINUES TO TEACH US

ALL EVERY SINGLE DAY.

THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL QUOTES FROM DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING, BUT THIS ONE I ESPECIALLY LOVE, WHICH IS, "PEACE IS NOT A

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

DISTANT GOAL THAT WE SEEK, BUT A MEANS BY WHICH WE ARRIVE AT THAT GOAL."

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THANK YOU.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: THANK YOU, MR.

SPEAKER, FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON THIS RESOLUTION. NOTHING

BRINGS ME MORE JOY THAN TO SEE A MAN LIKE THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING BE HONORED. NOT JUST ON HIS BIRTHDAY, BUT I THINK WE

WOULD ALL BE BETTER OFF IF WE WERE TO HONOR HIM ON A MORE REGULAR

BASIS. AND I THINK WHAT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO REMEMBER, JUST BASED ON

MANY OF THE QUOTES THAT FOLKS HAVE SAID AROUND THE FLOOR TODAY, MANY

OF THE COMMENTS THAT FOLKS HAVE SAID AROUND THE FLOOR TODAY, AND MANY

OF THE THOUGHTS THAT COULD BE ACTUALLY GOING THROUGH SOME PEOPLE'S

MINDS NOW. DR. KING WAS A MINISTER. OKAY. MINISTERS PREACHED

ABOUT LOVE. NOT ABOUT HATE, NOT ABOUT KILLING AND HURTING AND MAIMING

PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY DON'T LOOK LIKE YOU. HE TAUGHT ABOUT LOVE. AND IF

WE CAN GET CLOSER TO THAT IN THIS COUNTRY OR EVEN IN THESE CHAMBERS,

WE'RE -- WE'RE IN A BETTER PLACE.

I TOTALLY ADMIRE THE HISTORY THAT WAS LAID OUT BY MS.

WALKER AS WELL AS YOURSELF, MR. SPEAKER, BECAUSE AS BLACK PEOPLE IN

AMERICA WE ALL HAVE THAT HISTORY. OUR PARENTS WENT THROUGH ALL OF THE

SUFFERING BEFORE MY MOTHER COULD EVEN VOTE. YOU KNOW, SHE COULDN'T

EVEN VOTE AT ALL. MY FATHER COULDN'T VOTE. BUT THEY WERE FIGURING OUT

HOW TO BE A PART OF A PROCESS, A PART OF A SYSTEM, HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN

IN THE MIDST OF ALL OF THIS HATE. AND SO AT -- AT SOME POINT DECIDED THAT

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

THEY WERE GOING TO MOVE INTO A COMMUNITY WHERE THERE WAS A SCHOOL

AROUND THE CORNER BECAUSE EDUCATION WAS IMPORTANT, AND A PLAYGROUND

WAS AROUND THE CORNER BECAUSE THAT WAS IMPORTANT AS WELL, AS CHILDREN

HAVE TO HAVE SOMEWHERE TO PLAY. NOW THAT COMMUNITY HAPPENED TO BE

IN AN AREA WHERE A LOT OF POLISH PEOPLE LIVED. AND I CAN TELL YOU, MR.

SPEAKER, THAT WE HAD SOME GREAT NEIGHBORS. IN FACT, THE PONIEWOZIKS

ARE STILL FRIENDS WITH MY MOTHER. BUT I COULD WALK JUST DOWN THE STREET

TO BROADWAY AND GET ON THE BUS AND BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF MY SKIN

JUST BECAUSE I WALKED ON, AND NOT BY THE CONTENT OF MY CHARACTER. THAT

HAPPENED ALL THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL, ALL THROUGHOUT COLLEGE. AND, IN

FACT, MR. SPEAKER, IT STILL HAPPENS SOMETIMES TODAY. SOMETIMES I'M

NOT EVEN JUDGED BASED ON MY ETHNICITY, I'M BASED ON MY GENDER.

JUDGED BASED ON MY GENDER. AND SO IF WE EVER WANT TO GET TO A PLACE

IN LIFE WHERE WE DO A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN QUOTING THE GREAT REVEREND

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, WE WILL START LIVING THE LEGACY THAT HE WANTS

US TO LIVE, AND THAT IS LOVING ONE ANOTHER. AND IT DIDN'T SAY "LIKING"

BECAUSE SOMETIMES WE'RE NOT GOING TO LIKE EACH OTHER. WE'RE NOT

GOING TO LIKE WHAT EACH OTHER SAYS AND WHAT EACH -- EACH OTHER DOES.

BUT IT DOES SAY LOVE. AND THAT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO THE SURVIVAL OF

US NOT JUST IN THESE CHAMBERS, BUT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND QUITE

HONESTLY, MR. SPEAKER, IN THE WORLD. WE HAVE TO DO A BETTER JOB OF

ACCEPTING PEOPLE THROUGH LOVE FIRST AND EVERYTHING ELSE SECOND.

WITH THAT I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. I

WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY WHO HAS SPOKEN IN HONOR OF THE GREAT DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING.

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

I WANT TO ASK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, DO YOU HAVE ANY

ADDITIONAL RESOLUTIONS AND/OR HOUSEKEEPING THAT WE SHOULD TAKE UP?

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: WE ARE FIRST GOING TO

ADOPT THIS RESOLUTION.

ON THE RESOLUTION, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR PLEASE STAND.

(WHEREUPON, THE MEMBERS STOOD.)

THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED.

WE DO HAVE ANOTHER RESOLUTION. THE CLERK WILL READ.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: IF WE CAN GO TO MR.

NORRIS.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: WE HAVE ONE

ADDITIONAL RESOLUTION THAT WE ARE GOING TO VOTE ON, MRS.

PEOPLES-STOKES. IS THAT...

THE CLERK WILL READ THE TITLE OF THE RESOLUTION.

(PAUSE)

ON THE OTHER HAND, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE IT UP IN ONE

VOTE.

ON THE RESOLUTION, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING

AYE; OPPOSED, NO. THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: MR. SPEAKER, MS. WALSH

HAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

MS. WALSH: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. WE'D LIKE TO

CALL ON MR. NORRIS FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: MR. NORRIS FOR THE

NYS ASSEMBLY JANUARY 19, 2021

PURPOSES OF AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

YOU HAVE TO UNMUTE YOURSELF, MR. NORRIS. THERE WE

GO.

MR. NORRIS: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THERE WILL

BE AN IMMEDIATE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE FOLLOWING SESSION VIA ZOOM.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: A REPUBLICAN

CONFERENCE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SESSION IN ZOOM.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: MR. SPEAKER, IF I COULD

REMIND MY COLLEAGUES IN THE MAJORITY THAT WE ARE IMMEDIATELY GOING

INTO CONFERENCE WITH THE SPEAKER, SO PLEASE STAY IN YOUR ZOOM. STAY IN

AND AROUND. WE ARE READY TO GO.

I NOW MOVE THAT THE ASSEMBLY STAND ADJOURNED UNTIL

12:00 NOON, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY THE 20TH, TOMORROW BEING A SESSION

DAY.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: THE ASSEMBLY STANDS

ADJOURNED.

(WHEREUPON, AT 4:09 P.M., THE ASSEMBLY STOOD

ADJOURNED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH AT 12:00 NOON, THAT BEING A

SESSION DAY.)