TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 11:06 A.M.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: The House will come

to order.

Chaplain David Reyes will offer a prayer.

CHAPLAIN DAVID REYES: Please join me in

prayer. O, God, our Father, searcher of human hearts, I come before

You today to give thanks for this Senate and its relationship with the

United States Military Academy. May Your blessing rest on both

institutions as sources for wise governance, and producing leaders of

character. May they both exemplify the exhortation in Colossians

Chapter 3 which reminds us to set our minds on things above or, in

other words, to pursue that which is excelsior, all of which I ask in the

name of the Great Friend and Master of All, Amen.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

MEMBERS: Amen.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: 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, April 8th.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, I move to

dispense with the further reading of the Journal of Monday, April the

8th, and that the same stand approved.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Without objection, so

ordered.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Thank you, sir. I would

like to share a quote with our guests and our colleagues today. This

one comes from Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., was

the first African-American West Point graduate in the 20th Century

with the class of 1936, and a Tuskegee Airmen commander during

World War II. Mr. Davis retired in 1970 as a Lieutenant General, but

was recalled to active duty by President Clinton in 1998 and promoted

to a full Four-Star General. He also served as the Secretary for

Transportation under President Nixon's Administration. Davis

Barracks at West Point is named in his honor. His words for us today,

Mr. Speaker: The privileges of being an American belong to those

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

brave enough to fight for them. Again, these words from Benjamin O.

Davis.

Mr. Speaker, members have on their desk a main

Calendar, and after any introductions and/or housekeeping, we're

going to be calling for the following committees off the floor. The

first committee we're going to call is Health, but there will be four

other committees and I'm not sure exactly what order those will be in,

Mr. Speaker, but Health will be our first committee; Education will

follow; Labor will follow; Social Services will follow, as well as

Transportation. We're going to begin our work today on the floor by

taking up Resolutions on Page 3, and then after that we're going to go

on consent to new bills from the main Calendar, beginning with

Calendar No. 389, it's on Page 28. Members should also be aware that

we are going to be conducting our traditional West Point celebration

this afternoon as we proceed, and I would encourage members to

remain in their seats while we honor these men and women. I will

make additional announcements if there's a need for further floor

activity, Mr. Speaker, or if there's a need for conference needs, we'll

see how that goes.

That's the general outline of where we are, sir. If you

have introductions or housekeeping, this would be a great time.

Thank you.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Mrs. Peoples-Stokes

for the purposes of a introduction.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, could you

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

please call the Health Committee immediately to the Speaker's

Conference Room?

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Health Committee,

immediately, Speaker's Conference Room.

No housekeeping.

Mr. Zebrowski for the purposes of a introduction.

MR. ZEBROWSKI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have

an important guest with me today sitting next to me. This is my

mother, Linda Zebrowski. My mom, a lifelong Rocklander, has had

many careers throughout her life, but is currently a licensed real estate

agent, in addition to raising six children in Rockland County, of which

I am the third down. I couldn't quite possibly do this job without her

for over these years. Number one, she's a good sounding board. She's

the person who lets me know what people are thinking about on the

streets, she's one of those barometer-type persons, you know, you

have, when you're an elected official, you know, I'll come home, say

something we'll do here and she'll say that sounds crazy and, you

know. But in addition, she also, you know, shows up to my house at

like 5:45 in the morning when my wife leaves to work at the hospital,

I'm up here, and she gets my three kids dressed, fed, out to school. So

quite literally, I would not be able to do it --

(Applause)

-- without -- without her. So I thought today would

be a great day for her to come up and experience Albany and I would

just ask, Mr. Speaker, if you could welcome her to the Chambers, I'd

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

appreciate it. Thank you.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of your son, the Speaker and all the members, we welcome you here

to the New York State Assembly. We extend to you the privileges of

the floor. Our congratulations on your son and his accomplishments,

certainly you have been instrumental in making sure that he is the man

that we know and love. Thank you so very much for being here.

Remember, you're always welcome here, you're family. Thank you.

(Applause)

Ms. Hyndman for the purposes of a introduction.

MS. HYNDMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today

we are hosting the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Incorporated, a sorority founded in 1913 by 22 African-American

women who were devoted to social action, sisterhood, and

scholarship. So we have sorors today from all over New York State,

and coordinated by our Social Action Chairs, Michelle L'Champon

and Donna Harris. We are devoted to making sure we uplift

communities throughout the State of New York and throughout the

country and the world. Social action is at our core, so when it comes

to seeing the women in crimson and cream, I know people know we're

about our business. And so although Assemblymember Rodneyse is

remote and I am here today, we are women of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority Incorporated, and as our saying goes, if you want someone to

do the work and do it right, you always call a Delta. So please afford

them all the cordialities of the House today.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of Ms. Hyndman, the Speaker and all the members, we welcome this

extraordinary group of women here to the New York State Assembly.

We extend to you the privileges of the floor. Congratulate you on

your organization and the work you do to ensure the health and

well-being of the people of this State. And we hope that you know

you're always welcome here. Please continue the great work. Thank

you so very much.

(Applause)

Mr. Pirozzolo.

MR. PIROZZOLO: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I

rise today for the purpose of an introduction. Today, I would like to

introduce to you some very good friends of mine, Mike and Phylis

Beck, with their grandson, Mr. Beckett Wells. Not only are they good

friends of mine, they happen to be constituents. And I'm proud to

have them here in the Chamber today because this would be a very

good example of people who have moved -- they went to Buffalo,

New York yesterday for a family reunion to experience the eclipse, so

they are the epitome of people who are participating in what we all

did yesterday, which was the astronomical event of the eclipse, they

participated to the economy of New York by showing up at my hotel

with eclipse t-shirts, and it was a wonderful thing. So I would like

you to please sir, welcome them to the House and give them the

cordialities of the floor.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

of Mr. Pirozzolo, the Speaker and all the members, we welcome you

here, Mike and Phylis, to the New York State Assembly, extend to

you the privileges of the floor. Hope you enjoyed your trip through

New York State, your vision of the eclipse, as well as the time you

will spend here in Albany. Continue to be the great citizens that you

are, we are so pleased to have you. Thank you.

(Applause)

Ms. Rajkumar for the purposes of a introduction.

MS. RAJKUMAR: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my

honor and pleasure to introduce a group from Harlem, most

importantly a special group of four-year-old children who belong to

Heaven's Tiny Tot Daycare an institution in Harlem. And they have

come here to learn about government in our State Capitol. They are

also here on their first campaign to advocate to close the illegal smoke

shops threatening their daycare. They are our future, and the State

Assembly is overjoyed to welcome them today. Please also welcome

Tiffany Fulton, Executive Director of Silent Voices United. Ms.

Fulton is a leader in the Harlem community who empowers youth

through community service, mentoring and safety resources. Ms.

Tiffany Fulton is deeply comitted to community betterment. Her

groundbreaking initiatives include the Got Tested HIV/AIDS

Education Campaign; Read Quest Literacy Program, and she's also the

author of Harlem's Tales of Hope. Please also welcome Tameka

Silva, the founder herself of Heaven's Tiny Tots, serving the Central

Harlem neighborhood since 2018. Ms. Tameka Silva's commitment

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

to our children and her passion is an inspiration to all who visit her

center. Mr. Darrell Fulton, dedicated to helping the less fortunate in

legal work and other business; Kenya Hill, Toya Carter, from

Harlem's Heavens Tiny Tots; Gilda Gillim, Ruth McDaniels, founder

of Breaking the Chains of your Mind, an organization that focuses on

educating and empowering our disenfranchised communities,

including incarcerated individuals.

Mr. Speaker, please welcome this group and extend

to them all the privileges of the floor.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of Ms. Rajkumar, Mr. Gibbs, the Speaker and all the members, we

welcome you here to the New York State Assembly, extend to you the

privileges of the floor. Thank you so very much for taking the time to

visit us, come and share. Hope this day will be beneficial. And to the

marvelous young people you have brought with you, continue to do

the work that will ensure their future. Thank you so very much for

being here.

(Applause)

We will go to --

Resolutions on Page 3, 1082, the Clerk will read.

THE CLERK: Assembly Resolution No. 1082, Ms.

Rajkumar.

Legislative Resolution memorializing Governor

Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Punjabi Awareness Month in

the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Vaisakhi to be celebrated April 13, 2024.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Ms. Rajkumar on the

resolution.

MS. RAJKUMAR: As the first Punjabi-American

ever elected to State Office in New York, it is with enormous pride

that I have introduced a first of its kind resolution, whereby we will

recognize the month of April as Punjabi Heritage Month in our Great

State, and officially name Vaisakhi Day in New York State in honor

of the Sikh American community. How magnificent our Legislative

Body is ever growing in its diversity, and how magnificent our State

where anyone of any background can thrive if they have a dream that

they are willing to work for.

So it is true that I am a daughter of the Punjab, a State

of North India. My ancestors are from Amritsar, from the Old City of

Patti, and this region of Punjab is the heart of the Sikh community.

And like many Punjabi families across our great country, my family

settled here for the American Dream, and I am proud to now be the

Assemblywoman for Richmond Hill, known by many as "Little

Punjab," the Sikh Capital of the United States.

I would like to tell you a bit about the Sikh-American

community. At every Gurdwara, Sikh Temple, food is made and

offered free of charge to anyone, no matter their religion, gender,

background or ethnicity, and they do this every day serving free food

to all. Sikhs are required to defend the freedom of worship of other

religions, just as they would defend their own. As my uncle always

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

told me, the Sikhs are our protectors. Sadly, Sikh-Americans are

among our nation's most targeted religious groups. There's been a 200

rise in hate crimes against Sikh-Americans the past few years. But on

this Punjabi Heritage Month, we commit to ending the hate against

Sikh-Americans and all groups.

And now, this April is Vaisakhi, one of the most

historically significant celebrations for the Sikh community. In

Richmond Hill, the dhol drums play, Gurdwaras are adorned with

color. On behalf of Richmond Hill and Punjabi-Americans across the

State, I proudly submit to you this historic resolution. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you.

On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying

aye; opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

THE CLERK: Assembly Resolution No. 1083, Ms.

Jackson.

Legislative Resolution memorializing Governor

Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 25th, 2024, as Take Our Daughters

and Sons To Work Day 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: Assembly Resolution No. 1084, Mr.

K. Brown.

Legislative Resolution memorializing Governor

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2024, as Custodial Worker's

Recognition Day 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.

Ms. Solages for the purposes of a introduction.

MS. SOLAGES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for

allowing me to pause the proceedings today to introduce a wonderful

group. So I am, as everyone knows, I'm from the community of

Elmont. And in Elmont, we pride ourselves on education. And so I

have some elite students here who are part of the Elmont's Model UN

Program. And so first, I want to recognize the founder of this

program, Lee Marcus who is really someone who has herald -- herald

a good group of kids through a wonderful program, and also their

advisor, Nkenge Gilliam, if they could stand. Today marks the 45th

Anniversary of the Model UN Program at Elmont Memorial High

School, and Lee Marcus has advised this program since 1978. And

Elmont has won various awards and commemorations at conferences

not only across the United States but internationally. These students

travel around the world debating foreign and domestic issues, and

currently, the Elmont Model UN team, which is also here, is one of

the best debaters around. So the delegation has won about four

awards at Princeton's Model UN Program. They won seven

committee awards at UC Berkley, including Christopher Cherry who

won the best delegate of the International Security Committee. And

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

thanks to their decades of work, Lee Marcus has put the Model UN

Program on the map of not only in Elmont but across the Sewanhaka

Central High School District, and so they've carried this tradition, it's a

tradition that many students go through, and I just want to say thank

you, Lee Marcus, for bringing civics and engagement to the Elmont

community. And so on behalf of the 22nd Assembly District and the

Assembly Chamber, if you could please extend the cordialities of the

House to these elite members, as well as these advisors.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of Ms. Solages, the Speaker and all the members, we welcome these

students and staff from the Elmont High School. We certainly extend

to you the privileges of the floor. Our congratulations to both the

founders and those young people who have entertained and decided to

be a part of this. We congratulate you. We hope it will lead to a great

future where you will have better understanding of the world and

make this a better world. Thank you so very much for being with us.

(Applause)

We will go to Page 28, Calendar No. 389, the Clerk

will read.

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A04563, Calendar No.

389, Stirpe, McMahon, Steck, Bronson, Lupardo, Gunther, Darling,

Otis, Levenberg. An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in

relation to including lakes in adopt-a-municipal park, shoreline or

roadway programs

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: The bill is laid aside.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A04957, Calendar No.

390, Jean-Pierre, Colton. An act to amend the Correction Law, in

relation to providing incarcerated individuals with access to breast

cancer screenings and information about breast self examinations.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: On a motion by Ms.

Jean-Pierre, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is

advanced. Read the last section.

THE CLERK: This act shall take effect on the 180th

day.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: The Clerk will record

the vote.

(The Clerk recorded the vote.)

Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

(The Clerk announced the results.)

The bill is passed.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, will you

please call the Health Committee to the Speaker's Conference Room

immediate -- I'm sorry, the Education Committee to the Speaker's

Conference Room immediately.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Education

Committee to the Speaker's Conference Room immediately, please.

Thank you.

The Clerk will read.

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A05004, Calendar No.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

391, Hyndman, Benedetto, Gibbs, Aubry, Gunther, Gonz�lez-Rojas,

Glick, Woerner, O'Donnell, Stirpe, Zinerman, Simon, Tapia, Bendett,

K. Brown, Novakhov, Jackson, Brook-Krasny. An act to amend the

Public Health Law, in relation to the distribution of information about

fentanyl test strips and their uses.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: On a motion by Ms.

Hyndman, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is

advanced. Read the last section.

THE CLERK: This act shall take effect on the 90th

day.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: The Clerk will record

the vote.

(The Clerk recorded the vote.)

ACTING SPEAKER ANDERSON: Are there any

other votes? Announce the results.

(The Clerk announced the results.)

The bill is passed.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, will you

please call the Social Services Committee to the Speaker's Conference

Room immediately?

ACTING SPEAKER ANDERSON: The Social

Services Committee meeting will be in the Conference Room --

Speaker's Conference Room immediately.

The Clerk will read.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A09125, Calendar No.

392, Burdick. An act to incorporate the Bedford Hills Fire

Department Benevolent Association and providing for its powers and

duties.

ACTING SPEAKER ANDERSON: Read the last

section.

THE CLERK: This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING SPEAKER ANDERSON: The Clerk will

record the vote.

(The Clerk recorded the vote.)

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Are there any other

votes? Announce the results.

(The Clerk announced the results.)

The bill is passed.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, would you

please call the Transportation Committee to the Speaker's Conference

Room immediately?

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Transportation

Committee, Speaker's Conference Room immediately, please.

The Clerk will read.

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A09269-B, Calendar

No. 393, Berger, Davila, Cunningham, Maher, Glick, Hyndman,

Simon, Chang, Solages, Kim. An act to amend the Social Services

Law, in relation to requiring electronic benefit transfer systems to

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

provide for benefit recipients to be able to cancel, lock or unlock a

credit or debit card associated with electronic benefit transfer services.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Read the last section.

THE CLERK: This act shall take effect on the 180th

day.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: The Clerk will record

the vote.

(The Clerk recorded the vote.)

Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

(The Clerk announced the results.)

The bill is passed.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. As we begin our traditional welcome of West Point guests,

and I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the Assembly as we are

all New Yorkers, I'd like to say how truly honored we are to have such

prestigious and historic institution as West Point located in the State

of New York. West Point graduates can be counted throughout the

history as some of the nation's greatest leaders, and I suspect I am

confident a number of those here with us today are future leaders.

From military commanders, to elected officials, to pioneers in

industry, West Point graduates have made and continue to make

extraordinary contributions to both society and to our nation. The

cadets that join us here today have chosen a path of service. In my

opinion, there's nothing more honorable, more nobler, more worthy of

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

our respect and admiration than the opportunity to serve. I applaud

these fine young men and women for placing service before self. May

we pause in our deliberations to honor their courage, thank them for

their selfless sacrifice, and wish them good health and safety as we

continue -- as they continue their careers.

Mr. Speaker, I now look forward to hearing your

remarks, sir. Thank you.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you. It is my

honor and privilege to interrupt the proceedings of the House to

continue a special tradition. More than 70 years ago, the Assembly,

through the efforts of Assemblyman and West Point graduate, James

T. McNamara, adopted its first West Point resolution to honor the

United States Military Academy. I'm honored on behalf of Speaker

Carl Heastie and all my Assembly colleagues to begin our annual

recognition of West Point and the cadets who visit us today.

With us today we have Lieutenant General Steve

Gillian, 61st Superintendent, United States Military Academy.

(Applause)

Colonel Terrence Kelley, Director of Public Affairs

and Communication, United States Military Academy.

(Applause)

Lieutenant Colonel Ashley Ritchey, Executive

Officer, United States Military Academy.

(Applause)

Major Andrew Rodriguez, Aide to the

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Superintendent.

(Applause)

Cadet Martayn Van de Wall, First Captain, United

States Corps of Cadets.

(Applause)

Staff Sergeant German Morales, Personal Driver to

the Superintendent.

(Applause)

And the fine cadets who will soon be introduced by

members of the State Assembly.

The highly respected West Point Academy has stood

tall and proud in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley since 1802.

The young men and women who attended West Point represent the

best and the brightest of our communities. The Academy graduates

have a legacy of leadership and excellence. For more than 200 years,

United States Military Academy at West Point has served as a

testament to the principles of honor, duty, and country. The legacy of

truly unmatched, it is the oldest of the five service academies. In just

a moment, we will take up a resolution honoring the legacy of the

Academy, and the role it has played in shaping the history of our State

and the nation. We thank you for visiting us today and for your

unwavering commitment to our nation.

(Applause)

Assembly resolution No. 1080, the Clerk will read

the title of the resolution.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

THE CLERK: Assembly Resolution No. 1080, Mr.

Eachus.

Legislative Resolution memorializing Governor

Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 9th, 2024, as West Point Day in New

York State.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Ms. Jean-Pierre on

the resolution.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is

with great honor and pleasure that I stand here today as a Chair of the

Veterans' Assembly Affairs Committee, participating in this annual

event dedicated to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

It is an absolute privilege to welcome the Lieutenant General Steven

W. Gillian, 61st Superintendent of the United States Military

Academy, the outstanding cadets, and the senior Army personnel

joining us from the prestige and historic institution.

Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the United

States Military Academy was established in 1802 under legislation

signed by President Thomas Jefferson for the purpose of training

officers to lead our nation's army. Since then, West Point has been the

place where young people are modeled into leaders through the

intense military training and a rigorous academic curriculum.

Duty, Honor, and Country is the fundamental for the

United States Military Academy culture and motto. As -- as of this

past March, West Point's updated mission statement is: "To build,

educate, train, and inspire the Corpse [sic] of the Cadets. To be the

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army values and

ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and nation."

For over 200 years, West Point graduates have steady

fastly [sic] entered their country's call, leading American soldiers in

dangerous missions and conflicts around the world. A popular

expression at the Academy is that much of the history we teach was

made by the people we taught. Its alum -- its alum include 77 Medal

of Honor recipients, two U.S. Presidents, and countless other leaders

in government, business, science, academia, and of course the

military. West Point's graduates embody a rich history and tradition

of patriotic commitment and achievement that we are proud to have in

New York State.

One constant at West Point is that its curriculum is

always changing to meet the needs of the nation. We face uncertain

times in the 21st Century. Conditions in the world are ever shifting,

and we must stay diligent. Although we can never know for certain

what the future holds, we can take comfort in knowing that young

people such as those here today stand strong, proud, and prepared to

face the challenges that lie ahead.

We owe the cadets our respect -- our respect and

gratitude. I salute them for their service. On behalf of the entire

Veterans' Affairs Committee, it is my pleasure to welcome and

congratulate all the cadets here today, and welcome the distinguished

faculty and staff of the United States Army Academy accompanying

them today.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

(Applause)

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you.

Mr. Manktelow on the resolution.

MR. MANKTELOW: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On

behalf of the Assembly Minority Conference I'm the ranking member

of the committee, and it's my pleasure and honor to speak today about

these young men and women, these cadets. And having a little bit of

background as myself as an Army veteran and many of my family

members understanding how they got to where they are or how they

didn't know if they were going to get to where they were, and having a

chance to interview a lot of these individuals prior to becoming

cadets, understanding their background, what they've gone through,

not only personally but through their schooling, through their families

and what the dedication that these young men and women do. And it's

such a -- such a great honor to recognize these cadets and everything

they stand for, and it's an honor that we know that these young men

and women, these cadets, will protect the values of our life, the values

of our country and the values and the protections of all of us. So are

we in great hands? Absolutely. Because of why? These young men

and women and their family members and the individuals that instruct

them and get them to know where they need to be.

As a sergeant in the army, understanding that our

officers play a huge role in what we do no matter where we went. As

you all know I'm definitely partial to armor so I hope there's a few

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

armored officers here, maybe not, but I'm partial to them. So again, as

we honor West Point, as we honor those young men and women, those

cadets, we also honor their -- their families as well for what they're

giving all of us. Their time, their commitment, possibly their life, we

say thank you for everything you're standing for, everything you will

stand for and everything you will do. So thank you for taking the time

to be here this -- this afternoon. Thank you for your commitment,

your service and thank you for serving our country. May God bless all

of you, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you, sir.

(Applause)

Ms. Hunter on the resolution.

MS. HUNTER: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the

Chair of the Subcommittee on Women Veterans and a proud US

Army veteran, I'm honored today to welcome the entire West Point

Command, especially the members of the Corps of Cadets. The first

cadets graduated from West Point in 1802, women were first admitted

in 1976 and in 1980, sixty-two graduated forever changing the

Academy. More than 6,000 women have added their names to the

To each cadet, I wish you the very best as you can

continue to learn the important role you play in the world today. It is

always my privilege, Mr. Speaker, to speak these words; Go Army,

Beat Navy! Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

(Applause)

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you.

Mr. Eachus on the resolution.

MR. EACHUS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad

we could assist with their military training today by making them

hurry up and wait.

(Laughter)

Each year it is my distinct honor as the representative

of the 99th District to sponsor and introduce this resolution before us

today, to recognize historic West Point located right in my district,

which for me at least, is a very nice break from the ongoing budget

negotiations. I know we have some new members here this year so

here's some quick history. By an Act of Congress on March 16th in

1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point was

established on the banks of the Hudson River. Before then the

location served as a critical strategic military stronghold during the

American Revolution blocking several British invasion attempts along

the river. Today, West Point stands strong as the oldest, continuously

occupied regular Army Post in the United States. Today it stands as

also one of the finest educational institutions in the world. Notable

graduates include some names you may recognize: Ulysses S. Grant,

Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Patton and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. The

resiliency of this institution structure and tenacity of its cadets and

graduates cannot be understated. As many of you know, last year on

July 9th, a once-in-a-century storm barrelled through the Town of

Highlands causing untold amount of damage to homes, roads and

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

unfortunately taking the life of one of my constituents. West Point

was not spared from this devastation. Seeing historic levels of

flooding and millions of dollars in damage. However, leadership and

a West Point saw this yet another long list of challenges to take on.

They were indispensable in ensuring that recovering efforts were

underway, that residents were kept safe and that there were more than

enough able-bodied volunteers to begin rebuilding. Although it

occurred on July 9th, many cadets were still at the Academy doing

their summer service. A testament to the institution's values and it is

tough to imagine the difficulties we would have faced if not for their

assistance.

That brings us to today. Every year since 1952, West

Point has sent us the best and brightest to this iconic institution.

These cadets exemplify the Academy's motto; Duty, Honor and

Country. It is still their motto. They are not only expected to

overcome their own personal challenges that come with the pursuit of

growth, but also carry the burdens of all citizens regardless of who

they are or where they come from, to protect their freedoms abroad

and at home, to stand up against the injustices of all forms, in their

own words; to not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those injustices of all

forms. This is a burden not to be taken lightly and not for the faint of

heart. Many before them have taken this oath and many have given

the ultimate sacrifice and adheres to it. Make no mistake, the cadets

you see here today will be the grand leaders of tomorrow. They

represent the resiliency, strength and grit that has made the United

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

States of America the greatest nation the world has ever seen. I have

continued hope for the protection of our democratic way of life

knowing they will be leading the way. West Point itself is a historical

reminder of the price it takes to secure our freedoms as a world-class

educational institution and as the location boasting some of the most

incredible views of our State's natural landscape. I encourage all my

colleagues if they had not had the opportunity to do so, to come to my

district and see this incredible institution firsthand. And I, too, will

repeat the most important statement. Go Army, beat Navy! Thank

you.

(Applause)

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Mr. Chang on the

resolution.

MR. CHANG: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I

wholeheartedly support this resolution 1080 memorializing West

Point. As a retired Navy for 24 years and serving a tour in

Afghanistan, I work with many of the West Point officers and I'm

impressed with their professionalism, the bravery and the knowledge

and scope on the battlefield that was in. Very, very impressed. And I

expect our future cadets will lead the same as well and -- and I hope

that West Point will continue on its finest institution of breeding

leaders, quality of people and leaderships. And one final say is Navy

beat Army! Thank you.

(Applause)

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Mr. Slater on the

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

resolution.

MR. SLATER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just

wanted to rise quickly to thank the sponsor for bringing this resolution

forward and for celebrating this great day. You heard firsthand the

historic power of West Point having -- and representing the Hudson

Valley. The importance that it has every single day in our region. For

me personally, I spent many weeks in the summer at West Point

attending their soccer camps. I was married actually right at Hotel

Thayer, right on Post and my in-laws live a half a mile right outside

the gates. And I actually was just there last week with my son. I have

gotten to know many of the incredible cadets who have gone through

the West Point program, most notably my dear friend Captain Chris

Bingham, who is a national champion in boxing and I could attest to

the profound impact that he has had on me and my family every single

day. But as you heard, this day represents the best and the brightest.

It's a celebration of the greatest traditions that reflect the greatest

country in the world and I really think that it's important for us to

remember that freedom isn't free. The leaders behind us are

answering the call to duty. They're going to step up to that Long Gray

Line and be part of a tradition that many of us will not understand, and

I think that their sacrifice and their commitment to this country is

incredible. And when you realize that they're 18, 19, 20 years old and

they have that calling, they have that feeling of patriotism, it really is

an inspiration to us all.

And so Mr. Speaker, I wanted to just lend my voice

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

as a officer in the navy reserves, I may be rooting for the other team

during Army football games but it is great to have them here and I

applaud their leadership and commitment to our country. Thank you,

sir.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you, sir.

(Applause)

On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying

aye; opposed, nay; the resolution is adopted.

(Applause)

It is now my privilege to call upon Lieutenant

General Steven Gilland, 61st Superintendent, United States Military

Academy to join me here on the rostrum to accept this resolution and

to address this esteemed Body.

(Applause)

LIEUTENANT GENERAL STEVEN GILLAND:

Well, how do you follow all of that?

(Mic cut out)

Mr. Speaker, sir, thank you for the opportunity to

address this Assembly this afternoon. Assemblyman -- Assemblyman

Eachus, sir, thank you for hosting us today. And to Assemblymember

Jean-Pierre, ma'am, thank you and your committee for all you do for

our State's veterans -- to our State's veterans and thank you regardless

of service, thank you to all of you and our veterans for what you have

done for our nation.

(Applause)

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

I am joined today by First Captain Martayn Van de

Wall and 13 cadets representing the 274 men and women of the

United States Corps of Cadets who hail from all corners of the Empire

State. From Brewster to Buffalo, from the boroughs of New York

City to the towns and hamlets of the Adirondacks, one thing they all

have in common is their desire to serve their nation as leaders of

character. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of Operation

Overlord, better known in history as D-Day. In the early morning

hours of June 6th, 1944, American and allied paratroopers landed on

the beaches of Normandy, France followed by tens of thousands more

troops in what would become the largest and biggest assault in history.

It was a pivotal day, one that some historians referred to as the

beginning of the end of World War II. A day where devotion to duty

and skill and battle were in no short supply. Some 73,000 American

troops were among the 156,000 strong allied force that would storm

those beaches in Northern France to include many from the Great

State of New York. West Point graduates like the Brooklyn born

General "Jumping" Jim Gavin, Clarke Fales from Niagara County and

Frank Colacicco of Utica fighting alongside many others like

Binghamton native Frank Lillyman, the first allied paratrooper to land

in France. And First Sergeant Ed Silla (phonetic) from Goshen who

gave the last full measure of devotion that day as a member of

Rudder's Rangers at Pointe du Hoc. Devoted to duty, skilled in battle,

heros who helped liberate Europe and end a world war. And while

that battle raged on, on the other side of the Atlantic, another group of

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

New York natives about 37 in all, stood in formation on the plain of

West Point with more than 400 of their classmates preparing to

receive their diplomas, graduate and commission as Army officers, a

year early at that to meet the demands of the war. All of them proudly

keenly aware of the events taking place half a world away, all of them

knowing soon they would join the fight, and all of them I'm sure

pondering what duty would demand of them.

So as we reflect on the events of eight decades ago,

we think of those who fought on D-Day, particularly the soldiers of

the Empire State. We think of those who laid down their lives for the

cause of freedom. And we think of the countless New Yorkers in the

years before and the years since who have dawn the cloth of our

nation to serve as soldiers or citizen soldiers of the National Guard

and Army Reserve. And of course we think of our Army veterans and

retirees, our soldiers for life who continue to serve in various ways

well beyond the Army. And we think of the next generation

represented by these 13 outstanding young men and women

assembled here today who will soon assume the mantle of service and

leadership as Army officers prepared to carry on the legacy of

excellence set by those who have come before them. Leaders of

character bound by a common devotion to duty, a commitment to

honor and a desire to selflessly serve their country. Our mission at the

United States Military Academy is to develop those leaders of

character for our Army and our nation. Leaders prepare to support

and defend the Constitution and to serve and protect the United States

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

of America. That's what we owe you, the citizens of our nation. That

mission would not be possible without the tremendous support of our

State leaders here in Albany, as well as from our neighbors throughout

New York, Orange County and the Hudson Valley region. On behalf

of the West Point community, we greatly appreciate that support. At

West Point, we say it takes a village to develop leaders, and we are

honored to have you as part of our village. Likewise, as good

neighbors, we welcome the opportunities to be part of your village

so-to-speak to build and connect relationships both locally and

Statewide, to work together to enhance the leader development

experiences that our cadets enjoy and be a benefit to all of our

communities. We are honored to be here and proud to be part of New

York's legacy of service. Thank you for honoring West Point and our

cadets today. On behalf of the United States Army, we thank you for

your continued help and support in inspiring a renewed call to service

in our young people, to help them see the Army as a life accelerator

and a place where they can be all that they can be. Thank you for

your continued support and go Army!

(Applause)

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, several of

our colleagues represent districts where these outstanding men and

women come from. It is appropriate now that we will allow that time

for our members to introduce those cadets that are from their districts

and perhaps we can while doing so, think that maybe some of them

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

may stay in the Davis Barracks or Benjamin Davis was a quote we

used for today, he was a 1939 graduate of this fine institution. So Mr.

Speaker, if you would please acknowledge our colleagues.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Mr. Berger.

MR. BERGER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my

privilege to rise today and introduce my constituent Cadet Tracy

Chen. Cadet Chen was inspired to serve in the Armed Forces after

hearing about her cousin's experience serving in the Army. In Cadet

Chen's words, I wanted to attend West Point to challenge and improve

myself in all aspects. More so, to extend the mentorship that I have

been given and to have a long lasting influence on soldiers' lives.

Following the Academy, Cadet Chen intends to pursue a career in

Military Aviation and become a Chinook pilot. With less than 1

percent of our citizens serving in the all-volunteer military force,

Cadet Chen embodies what it means to lead and to sacrifice for her

country. I ask all in this Chamber to pause and recognize the

awesome service of Cadet Chen and her classmates for their steadfast

dedication and to the United States and their fellow citizens, thank

you.

(Applause)

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Welcome and thank

you for joining us today, Cadet Chen.

Mr. Blumencranz.

MR. BLUMENCRANZ: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It

is my distinct honor and privilege to introduce Cadet Daniel Chan.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Daniel from Syosset, New York started to believe that he had the need

to serve at a very young age studying military greats and diving into

history he learned that he also wanted to serve his community. He

plans on serving in the Medical Corps where he soon hopes to become

a doctor and is actively involved in the cadet-run group that studies

bio-bandages and ways in improving medical services in the future in

the military. I hope you could give him the cordialities of the floor.

Thank you very much and thank you for your service.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Welcome Cadet

Chen and thank you for being here today.

(Applause)

Ms. Fahy.

MS. FAHY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's been a

number of years but I couldn't be more proud today to also introduce

one of our fine cadets and in this case it is Cadet Daniel Pollydore

who is from Albany, New York, where I live as well. And Cadet

Pollydore is an Operations Sergeant Major in the 4th Regiment, 1st

Battalion. His major is French, we don't hear that every day from our

cadets, I love that. He participates in the Student Conference on U.S.

Affairs in the WDKT radio and as well as many athletics. His training

is in Air Assault, Cadet Troop Leadership Training and is already

trained at Camp Humphreys, Korea. He went -- in his short bio, he

notes that he went to West Point seeking challenges and aspiring to

become a leader in service to our community. Wish we had thousands

more like you. Throughout his time at West Point, he's faced

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

challenges but has remained resolute in pursuit of becoming an Army

officer. He's had the privilege of meetings with many leaders and

already believes he's had an impactful experience with an opportunity

to study in France for a semester. He plans upon graduation to join

the ordinance branch and hopes to again post in Korea. Later he

hopes to become a foreign service officer. So Mr. Speaker, if you

would please grant Mr. Cadet Pollydore the privileges of the House.

Again, it's my honor to introduce him.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you, and

welcome Cadet Pollydore for joining us here today. Thank you for

being here.

(Applause)

Mr. Durso.

MR. DURSO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is

my pleasure to introduce Cadet Navroop Singh from the great town of

Massapequa. Cadet Singh is majoring in Mechanical Engineering,

takes part in the ski patrol and finance club. Part of -- being a part of

Company B3 and his intended branches, infantry and engineers.

Cadet Singh is inspired to serve his country and attend West Point due

to his family's history of service. He remembered hearing stories of

his great-grandfather and great uncle serving during World War II.

These men inspired Cadet Singh to be part of something bigger than

himself. Cadet Singh believes the Army is a great place to be all that

you can be and pushes you beyond the limits of what you think you

can do. Cadet Singh's future plans upon graduation of West Point will

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

be to become part of the Infantry branch and be assigned to the 173rd

Airborne Brigade in Italy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Cadet Singh for his

choice to serve our country and welcome him to the Chamber today,

sir.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Welcome Cadet

Singh. Thank you for being here.

(Applause)

Mr. Lavine for the purposes of an introduction.

MR. LAVINE: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. I think it's

obvious to the -- the cadets and the -- the officers who are here today

that one of the highlights of being in -- in service in the State

Assembly is to introduce cadets from our district on -- on West Point

Day. And it is my honor, unique honor to introduce Cadet Jacob

Crossman. Jacob, will you please rise. So Jacob is from Jericho, New

York. In high school he was the recipient of the County Executive's

Award for Community Service and Academic Excellence. He was the

recipient of the Arthur Kaminski and Allard -- Allard Lowenstein

Memorial Scholarships. He was elected class representative to the

high school Hall of Fame ceremony, varsity swim captain, science

olympiad, build officer, National Honor Society Vice President and

varsity track sprinter and judo class leader. He is now dedicated

towards working in the Future Applied Systems Team which develops

tactics that assist in drones infantry operations. It's good you know

something about science because the rest of us certainly don't. Cadet

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Crossman is also a co-cadet in charge of the Society of American

Military Engineers which connects cadets to local engineering

opportunities and a Stokes fellow in the -- in the writing program. In

the future he will be working in the cyber branch to become a 17B

Electromagnetic Warfare Officer assigned to the 11th Cyber -- Cyber

Battalion in Fort Eisenhower in Georgia. So let me -- I want to -- I

want to paraphrase briefly something that was written by President

Theodore Roosevelt who lives not far -- whose home, Sagamore Hill,

is not from Jacob's home and not far from my home either. West

Point's duty has been to fit men to do well in war, but it is a

noteworthy fact that West Point has also fitted them to do singularly

well in peace. The highest positions of the land have been held not

exceptionally but again and again by West Pointers. West Pointers

have risen to the first rank in all of the obligations of civil life and that

was Theodore Roosevelt's remarks on the centennial of the Military

Academy. West Point consistently ranks among the top universities

and colleges in the entire world, and we are certainly proud of -- of

Jacob Crossman and proud of West Point.

And Mr. Speaker, I urge you and respectfully request

that you provide all the cordialities of the House to Jacob Crossman.

Thank you.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Welcome Cadet

Crossman. We are pleased to have you here today, thank you.

(Applause)

Mr. Flood.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

MR. FLOOD: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my

honor to introduce Cadet Edmundo Porras. Mr. Porras is a resident of

Coram, New York which is in the 4th Assembly District. Mr. Porras

is also majoring in kinesiology. He's currently in Company B4. He

was inspired to serve and to go to the military after -- after watching

his father do the same and serve our country and he was given the

opportunity to serve and he believed that he was paying back the

organization by future service. So he's following a long line of, you

know, history of serving his country. Upon graduating from West

Point, he's attending -- he's planning to attend Baylor Physical

Therapy Program, but before that he's going to be serving in the Air

Defense Artillery.

Mr. Speaker, would you please grant Mr. Porras the

cordialities of the floor and would we recognize his contributions to

the State, thank you.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. Cadet

Porras, welcome to the New York State Assembly, we are pleased that

you're with us today. Thank you.

(Applause)

Mr. Thiele.

MR. THIELE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can say

with great pride this is the 30th West Point Day that I've had the

opportunity to participate in, and it is my final West Point Day that I

will have the opportunity to participate in. It is a day of great pride for

me to always participate in this day. It's one of my favorite days here

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

in the Assembly, and it always make me think of my late father who

served in the United States Army during World War II, fought in the

Battle of the Bulge and was the recipient of a Purple Heart. One of

the best memories I have with my father was finally being able to take

him to West Point to see the campus and to see an Army football

game, a winning Army football game. But believe it or not, after --

over those 30 years I have never until today had the chance to

introduce a student from my district, the 1st Assembly District on the

floor on West Point Day. So it is with the greatest of pride that I have

the opportunity to introduce Cadet Clare Gabriele. Cadet Gabriele is

from Southampton, she graduated from Southampton High School.

She is majoring in law and legal studies. She participates in company

athletics. This summer she is planning to attend Air Assault Summer

2024. After spending all of her summers in the Hamptons, Air

Assault Summer is something that probably will look familiar to her.

But she is the youngest of five children. I think she has that

distinction by about seven minutes as I remember from reading in the

Southampton Press. While in high school she was involved in softball

and field hockey. She was inspired to come to West Point because of

her dad who graduated from West Point in 1988 and her brother who

recently graduated in 2023. Both of her parents serve in the field of

law enforcement. Upon graduation, Cadet Gabriele intends to join the

Medical Services Corps. She says I hope to be able to travel to

interesting places throughout my time in the Army. I hope that she

finds Albany today to be one of those interesting places.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

And Mr. Speaker, I ask that you welcome her here

today and extend to her all the cordialities of the House.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Welcome Cadet

Gabriele. We are pleased to have you here. Thank you for joining us.

(Applause)

Mr. Novakahov.

MR. NOVAKHOV: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is

my first time introducing West Point cadets today and I believe it's

first time for Olivia Raykhman. And you know we have a lot in

common with Olivia. First of all, I know Olivia's parents personally.

And Olivia's father, Vitaly is my doctor. I also know Olivia's brother

and he's a great actor and I seen his show -- one of the shows, like off-

Broadway shows, Christmas From Hell that was, right? Yes. And you

know, we -- we -- we do have a lot of things in common with Olivia.

First of all, her parents are from the USSR and they -- as Olivia says

she was inspired to serve you to knowing the life-threatening

anti-Semitism my parents, her parents, Olivia's parents nearly escaped

in the Soviet Union and how far they have come in a country they now

call home. I also call this country my home and I still fight

anti-Semitism as I did back in the Soviet Union. I still fight it.

Unfortunately, I have to fight it here in the great State of New York.

Olivia's goal of becoming an Army cyber officer is fueled by knowing

that all a terrorist might need in the future today to create chaos and

splinter democratic societies is an internet connection. So we are --

Olivia will make sure those terrorists don't have any internet

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

connection. Olivia is majoring in Russian and Terrorism Studies,

which I think is extremely important today knowing from which part

of the globe the threats are coming from. And Olivia is the Founder

and the President of the Cadet Ambassador Program and Assistant

Cadet-in-Charge of the Terrorism Studies Minor, and also the Vice

President of the Jewish chapel.

Mr. Speaker, please extend the cordialities of this

floor to my neighbor Cadet Olivia Raykhman. Thank you very much.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you. Cadet

Raykhman, welcome to the New York State Assembly. Thank you for

joining us here today.

(Applause)

Mr. Zebrowski.

MR. ZEBROWSKI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's

my great pleasure today to introduce Cadet Christina Vozzo. Cadet

Vozzo hails from the hamlet of Valley Cottage in my district in the

town of Clarkstown, my hometown. She is majoring in Kinesiology,

she participates in the Corbin Forum of Company Athletics. She was

the 2023 Cadet Field Training Regiment Staff Member for her

leadership detail at West Point. And her intended branch is Medical

Services and she currently serves in the F4 Company. Cadet Vozzo is

following in the honorable footsteps of her father who was a 1974

West Point graduate and she grew up in close proximity to West Point

where she no doubt learned the importance of serving. Upon

graduation, Cadet Vozzo hopes to become a Medical Service Officer

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

and she would like to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant,

particularly as an Army Physician Assistant.

As we welcome her here to the Chambers, Mr.

Speaker, I'll leave you with her quote which was I always felt like my

calling was to serve and to give back. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Thank you. Cadet

Vozzo welcome to the New York State Assembly. Thank you for

joining us today.

(Applause)

Mr. Smullen.

MR. SMULLEN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's

really great to be here on West Point Day in the New York State

Assembly. I firmly believe that our service academies are the number

one institution of national unity in the United States of America in the

21st Century, West Point being the oldest of those academies. They

bring people from all over the United States and from our territories

from all walks of life, from all states, together in a common mission to

support and defend the United States against all enemies foreign and

domestic. And it is my great pleasure today to introduce Cadet Jake

Wesley from Johnstown, New York. Jake is a fine young man, I've

known him for many years. His journey to West Point has been one

of perseverance and dedication. Jake attended prep school for a

couple years to get himself ready for West Point, and here he is today

a sophomore majoring in Military History and intending to go into the

Signal branch. Member of the hunting club and doing company sports

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

at West Point.

So Mr. Speaker, it's with great pleasure if you could

welcome Jake from Johnstown to the New York State Assembly.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of Mr. Smullen, the Speaker and all the members, Jake, we welcome

you here to the New York State Assembly and hope that you have had

a great day. Thank you, sir.

(Applause)

Mr. Zebrowski.

MR. ZEBROWSKI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was

particularly excited when I learned that I had two cadets to introduce

today. So second we have Cadet Ella St. Louis. Cadet St. Louis also

hails from the town of Clarkstown, same town as our previous cadet

and also my hometown and from the hamlet of New City where I -- I

grew up. Cadet St. Louis is majoring in Systems Engineering. She

participates in the boxing club, cultural affairs seminar and the studio

arts club. She in cadet basic training and she is in the G3 Company

and her intended branch is the Military Police. Now Cadet St. Louis

also is following in the footsteps of her brother who was just entering

West Point when she was in high school. At first didn't know if she

was going to go to West Point but seeing her brother service, learning

from him, getting a glimpse into his life in the Academy, soon she

knew that that was also the place for her and she has since said that it

has been critical in the betterment of herself being at the Academy. In

the future, Cadet St. Louis plans to join the Military Police and to

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

hopefully be assigned to the 247th Military Police in Okinawa, Japan.

She hopes to major in Computer Science and hopes, Mr. Speaker, to

stay in the Army for several years to continue both her training and to

giving back to society and our country as a whole. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker and please welcome her.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. Welcome

Cadet St. Louis here to the New York State Assembly. We are

pleased that you've joined us today and thank you very much.

(Applause)

Ms. Walsh.

MS. WALSH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a delight

today to be able to introduce for the second time a cadet that's joining

us today, Micaela Choi. I introduced her back when she was a

freshman and she's now a junior. I introduced her in 2022. But

Micaela had been to this Chamber and into the Capitol before because

not only is she from my hometown, but my hometown high school

BH-BL, which I know that I bring a lot of different teams in, she was

part of the 2019 BH-BL Women's Volleyball State Champions so she

came in that -- in that respect, too. Cadet Choi is an ACT NCO

majoring in Systems Engineering. She is a part of Company 13 and

her military training includes CTLT at Fort Cavazos and AIAD at

Center for Army Analysis. She is -- and we've heard many times that

there are a number of people -- of cadets here who have family

members who also went to the Academy, she -- she is one of those

people. She's the child of two West Point graduates, so she got to see

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

firsthand the type of people in the Army and especially the USMA

turned her parents into, which were leaders of quality. This paired

with her desire to serve her country in a serious time of need greatly

influenced her decision to go to the United States Military Academy.

She studies Systems Engineering, as I said and she's in a leadership

role in multiple clubs including the Officers of Christian Fellowship,

the Taekwondo team and Club Beyond Young Life. Upon graduating

from West Point, she plans to branch engineers with hopes to

transitioning to a functional area to put her Systems Engineering

degree to work.

So Mr. Speaker, I'm so proud to introduce Micaela

again to all of you and would you please welcome her to the People's

House.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. Cadet

Choi welcome back. We are so pleased to have you, hope to see you

again. You are always welcome here. Thank you for joining us

today.

(Applause)

Mr. Maher for the purposes of a introduction.

MR. MAHER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the

privilege, on behalf of one of our colleagues David G. McDonough, to

introduce Cadet Carly Woelfel. Cadet Woelfel is from Rockville

Center, New York with Company C2. She is an engineer and her

major is Mechanical Engineering. Her club sports are company

Sandhurst and Corbin Leadership Forum. She is part of the training

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

with fall Sandhurst (C2), CLDT XO and she's an energetic, authentic,

kind, inquisitive young lady. She's passionate about serving her

country, engineering and loving life which has brought her to West

Point and has kept her there through and through. While there, she's

been a local runner, an engineer for the steel bridge competition team

and an avid reader. While away from West Point, she's been a

frequent to the beach, a cook and gardening with the family. Cadet

Woelfel's plan for the future include upon graduating from West Point

going to serve in Germany where she will also be serving with NATO.

Following this she aspires to go to graduate school for engineering,

work as a bridge engineer and teach at the high school level. She also

is interested in being a New York State Park Ranger, I know we can

all appreciate and get excited over that. According to her and she is

absolutely correct, her opportunities are exciting and endless.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Assemblyman David G.

McDonough, we appreciate Cadet Woelfel's excitement, energy and

willingness to serve. We thank her and her family for her service.

May God bless her.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Cadet Woelfel, thank

you for joining us today. You are always welcome here. Thank you.

(Applause)

Ms. Jean-Pierre.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's

an honor to introduce First Captain Martayn Van de Wall who holds

the highest position in the cadet chain of command. First Captain

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Martayn Van de Wall hails from West Friendship, Maryland and grew

up listening to the heroic stories of his grandfather, a Dutch resistance

fighter in World War II. He is part of the Infantry branch and majors

in International Relations. He is also a Stamps Scholar, a Truman

Scholar and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. While at

West Point, Captain Van de Wall partakes in company Sandhurst, the

Sapper Training program and the Writing Fellows program. He

successfully completed the Army Sapper Leader course and graduated

from the Sabalauski Air Assault School. He also participated in a

semester exchange of the U.S. Naval Academy. As First Captain, Van

de Wall is responsible for the overall performance of the corpse [sic]

of cadets which is approximately 4,400 strong. Van de Wall's brother,

a member of the class of 2020, was also a First Captan marking the

second time in the history of West Point that siblings were selected as

First Captains. After graduation, Van de Wall hopes to lead soldiers

as an Infantry Officer and pursue graduate scholarship opportunities

and conflict in international relations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of Ms. Jean-Pierre, the Speaker, and all the members, we welcome

you, Captain, here to the New York State Assembly, but also to all of

your colleagues who you have brought here. The cadets and soldiers,

this is a special day for us. We are so pleased that you've been able to

join us and been able to share in this pleasure. Thank you so very

much for being here.

(Applause)

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, it is now

my honor to introduce to the Body, Lieutenant General Steve Gilland

who gave us remarks earlier, the 61st Superintendent of the United

States Military Academy at West Point. Thank you for your remarks,

sir. Lieutenant General Gilland commissioned into the United States

Army upon graduation from United States Military Academy in 1990.

As an Infantry Officer, he served in a variety of tactical assignments in

air assault, armor, mechanized infantry, ranger and special operations

unit. He has served in the 24th Infantry Division, the 2nd Infantry

Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the United States Army Special

Operations Command, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 101st Airborne

Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, Combined Division and the 3rd

Armored Corpse [sic] and the United States Military Academy.

Lieutenant Gilland has commanded multiple levels throughout his

career. Most recently as Commanding General of the 2nd Combined

Division of Korea. He has participated in numerous operational

deployments in the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. Prior to

assuming the duties as United States Military Academy of the 61st

Superintendent, he served as the Deputy Commanding General of the

3rd Armor Corpse [sic] in Fort Hood, Texas. Welcome to New York,

sir. Lieutenant General Gilland holds a Master's Degree in Military

Operations, Art Science from the Air Force Command and the Staff

College. His awards are numerous, Mr. Speaker, and I am honored to

mention just a few of them. They include the Distinguished Service

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Defense Supervisor [sic] Medal,

Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star Medal

with three oak leaf clusters. Lieutenant General Gilland has been

happily married to his West Point classmate Betsy for more than 33

years. Team Gilland are the proud parents of three children.

Lieutenant General Gilland, we are honored to have

you here. Thank you so very much for joining us, sir.

And Mr. Speaker, we are also joined by a number of

West Point support personnel staff we should mention: Major David

Reyes, Captain; Mr. Matthew D. Hintz, United States Military

Academy, Public Affairs Officer Engagement -- Foreign Engagement,

and Mr. Jorge Garcia, United States Military Academy, Public Affairs

Officer, Command Information and Photographer. I also wanted to

acknowledge the presence in our Chamber of members of the West

Point Parent Club of Upstate New York.

Mr. Speaker, will you please welcome these

distinguished guests to our Chambers and offer them the cordialities

of our floor.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly. On behalf

of Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, the Speaker and all the members again, we

welcome you here to the New York State Assembly, extend to you the

privileges of the floor. Our thanks and congratulations for the service

that you have provided this country and this State. Thank you and

know that you're always welcome here. You're always a part of our

family.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

(Applause)

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, that

concludes our opportunity to honor these fine young men and women

and officers. We thank them for their presence and honor their

courage and thank them for their selfless service and sacrifice.

If you could now please call our Labor Committee to

the Speaker's Conference Room, sir.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: Certainly.

Committee on Labor in the Speaker's Conference

Room immediately, please. We are on page 29, Calendar No. 394, the

Clerk will read.

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A09469, Calendar No.

394, Benedetto, Lupardo, Sayegh. An act to amend Chapter 374 of

the Laws of 2014 amending the Education Law relating to the leasing

of real property by boards of cooperative educational services, in

relation to extending the effectiveness 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.

(The Clerk recorded the vote.)

Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

(The Clerk announced the results.)

The bill is passed.

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

THE CLERK: Assembly No. A09470, Calendar No.

395, Benedetto, Lupardo, Sayegh. An act to amend Chapter 396 of

the Laws of 2012 amending the Education Law relating to service to

out-of-state school districts by boards of cooperative educational

services, in relation to the effectiveness 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.

(The Clerk recorded the vote.)

Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

(The Clerk announced the results.)

The bill is passed.

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: Mr. Speaker, do you

have any further housekeeping or resolutions?

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: No housekeeping,

but numerous fine resolutions that we will take up with one vote.

On the resolutions, all those in favor signify by saying

aye; opposed, no. The resolutions are adopted.

(Whereupon, Assembly Resolution Nos. 1085-1089

were unanimously approved.)

Mrs. Peoples-Stokes.

MRS. PEOPLES-STOKES: I now move that the

Assembly stands adjourned and that we reconvene at the call of the

NYS ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2024

Speaker.

ACTING SPEAKER AUBRY: The Assembly stands

adjourned.

(Whereupon, at 1:59 p.m., the Assembly stood

adjourned until the call of the Speaker.)