Senate Floor Session — Regular Session

Rabbi Velvl Butman, of the Lubavitch Youth Organization of Brooklyn, New York, will deliver today's invocation. Rabbi? RABBI BUTMAN: Almighty God, Master of the Universe, bless the members of the New York State Senate to fulfill their divine and sacred mission to make the world a better place for all of humanity, to live by Your divine Will and divine Providence in unity, peace and harmony, with dignity and respect for every human being. We are all created in Your image. Guide them to be living examples of goodness and kindness, inspired by the seven Noahide Commandments, which You gave to Adam and to Noah at the dawn of civilization. As recorded in Your Holy Bible, in the Book of Genesis: One, to worship you alone and not to worship idols; Two, not to commit adultery, incest, sodomy, or any other abomination; Three, not to murder; and Four, not to eat and not to be cruel to any living animal; Five, not to blasphemy Your holy name; Six, not to steal, not to lie or cheat; and Seven, that every society should be governed by just and moral laws, which are based on the recognition and the acknowledgment of You, O God, as the sovereign ruler of every human being, one nation under God. Grant us the members of the New York State Assembly and Senate to enact laws in the awareness of Your divine Providence, recognizing that in establishing just laws, they are fulfilling Your will. Bless the members of the New York State Senate with good health, clarity of mind, wisdom, compassion, and good fellowship. And may they always recognize that in establishing just laws, they are fulfilling Your will. Bless us to be successful leaders, to serve and to strengthen our New York communities. Almighty God, we dedicate this prayer today in honor of the Rebbe and his birthday, on the 124th anniversary, and the 85th anniversary of his miraculous escape from Nazi Europe and his arrival to New York in 1941 with his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of blessed memory. From New York, the Rebbe established the world's largest Jewish global network, with thousands of centers worldwide, in more than 100 countries, to welcome and to inspire all of humanity to prepare and to usher in a world of peace, unity and harmony, a world of redemption the Moshiach has prophesized in Your Holy Bible. You, Almighty God, have created every human being regardless of race, color or creed, and endowed each person with a divine spark. Grant us the wisdom, leadership to ensure that every child is loved unconditionally and educated with morality, faith and respect for all humanity. As it is written in our currency, "In God we trust," reminding us that there is an Eye that sees and an Ear that hears. The Rebbe asks to publicize the prophecy that Moshiach is on the way, and Moshiach is ready to come now and that we all have to do more acts of goodness and kindness. As Maimonides says, that every good deed could tip the global scale for the good. May we merit to see from Almighty God a world of redemption, a world of peace, divine knowledge, and a life of joy, happiness, and purpose. So may it be Your will, Almighty God. And together, let us all say: Amen. (Response of "Amen.") RABBI BUTMAN: Thank you. If I may, just for a moment, my father, of blessed memory, passed about 18 months ago. He would come here very often, Rabbi Shmuel Butman, once a year on behalf of the Lubavitch Youth Organization. And the Rebbe asked him to take a dollar bill and put it into the charity box to inspire us all, that money is not only meant to take, but to give and to share. As the dollar bill reads, "In God we trust," and there is an Eye that sees. Thank you very much for your time.

In Senate, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Monday, March 23, 2026, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.

Senator Salazar moves to discharge, from the Committee on Insurance, Assembly Bill Number 4677B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 1670B, Third Reading Calendar 484.

Good afternoon, Madam President. We're going to begin by taking up some resolutions today. First up is previously adopted Resolution 1410, by Senator Harckham. Please have its title read and call on Senator Harckham.

Resolution 1410, by Senator Harckham, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York.

Senator Harckham on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Ashby on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Stec on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Zellner on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Borrello on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Ryan on the resolution.

-- I just want to say: Thanks, Dad. Thank you for your service. I'm honored to be your son. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam President. I'd like to join my colleagues in acknowledging and thanking the courage and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans today. You know, and thank Senator Harckham for giving us the moment to do so. We have heard it, that they've answered the call our country gave them, and unfortunately when they came back, it wasn't such a pleasant welcome. You know, we can say thank you. We can say thank you, we can acknowledge it. But to me, actions speaker louder than words. A resolution is one way. But this body can put politics aside -- you know, I love to be on the Veterans Committee, because that's what we do. We can put politics aside. And now is our moment, as legislators, to shine and show the respect during the budget process and during the legislative process. So I really hope that when the budget dust settles, we have done what we could for our veterans, all veterans -- today, it's Vietnam veterans -- and certainly during the legislative process. In my little neck of the woods in Queens County, we have one of the largest populations of veterans in the city, roughly 40,000. And a third of those are Vietnam veterans. So again, to understand that Veterans Day is not just one day of the year. In my opinion, it's every day of the year. We thank our veterans each and every day, and today we acknowledge and thank our Vietnam veterans. Thank you very much, Madam President. I'll be voting yes.

Thank you, Madam President. I would not be a United States Marine if I didn't rise today to thank my predecessors, whom I have known many of in the United States Marines. I spent about three and a half years in the Marine Corps, Air Station New River, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I spent several months on the United States vessel USS Guadalcanal as well as the USS Austin. And I want to thank our Vietnam veterans for teaching me my trade, because I learned a lot from you. I learned to be that rough and tough United States Marine, that guy, a force in readiness, from guys like you. So I just want to extend to you guys my personal thanks. Thank you very much.

I rise today to thank Senator Harckham for continuing a tradition that's important in our Senate and important in this country, that we recognize our Vietnam veterans for their service, that we acknowledge the mistakes that were made when they returned home. And, as Senator Addabbo said, that we do everything we can as legislators to ensure that the veterans are now getting the services and resources that they need. One of which is restoring and helping to restore some of the VA centers and posts that are in desperate need of repair, some of which go back to not having been repaired since the '70s. So I hope, as Senator Addabbo said, we can put actions to words, but we need to put actions to deeds as well by making sure that our veterans, in the twilight of their years, can have the best of their years by having facilities that are worthy of their service, worthy of their time. You know, I just missed the draft. I graduated from school just as the draft was ending. That was one of the happiest times of my life, to tell you the truth; I didn't have to go. But I have to salute all of the men and women that went, that sacrificed their lives and are still sacrificing their lives today. So we must do what we can to honor our veterans. I say aye to the resolution. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Harckham, for this really important resolution. This is one of these nice moments in this chamber when there's not a partisan bone in here. We get to speak about heroes. And thank you for doing what you did, signing up to save people that you never met, that you didn't know and would never know, but you signed up anyway, and you saved them. And you saved our country during that. So I want to thank you for that. I want to thank you for never forgetting what this country is supposed to be, and those ideals. And you carry it out every single day. So I just want to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. We can't forget you. And Senator Harckham and also Senator Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Dais over in the other chamber have spoken about a campaign to end veteran poverty. And so many of our vets live in poverty. So many of our vets can't make ends meet. And I think that's atrocious for people who literally have laid their lives down for strangers. So we have to do better, not just in this chamber but in every statehouse around the country to make sure that people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and their families, are able to be taken care of. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your existence. And thank you for your bravery. I vote aye on the resolution, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. Today, as we salute our Vietnam veterans, I think by extension we have to remember all the men and women: I call them the best, the brightest, the most courageous fighting force for good in the world, the men and women of the United States armed forces. And we've talked about our heroes. The men and women here are our heroes. And I think of my dad, who was Tech Sergeant Nicholas Tedisco, who served in Helleni {ph}, New Guinea, in World War II. And today I also had the opportunity to thank one of my constituents. He's from the 44th Senatorial District. He's Airman First Class Jim Wendt. And we had a nice discussion about his service, and I thanked him and showed him appreciation. But we also talked about the fact -- and it has been mentioned here -- it seems two different camps grow in any war or battle: This is a good war, or this is a bad war. And I think we'll agree there are no good wars. People die in war. Americans die in war. Our enemies die in war. So when they came back and they said this was a bad war, well, there may be necessities for wars. And we can debate the necessity for a war. But we can never say our men and women served and put their lives on the line and left their families because it was a good war or a bad war. They didn't cut and run. They didn't cut and run. Their country said our freedom and liberty in some way, or those of others that we respect so much, is on the line. And they served. Now, in the back of their mind they may have thought, I don't think I should be here. I don't think this is a necessity. But the United States of America and what it stands for, and what we fought to build here from the very beginning of our Founding Fathers, they believed in so much that they said, Those who are in our government who sent us here, we're going to go to protect this great nation and to protect freedom and liberty. And I think we have to show tremendous respect for that, because that's why we have and live in the greatest and freest nation in the world. A lot of other countries who were born with these inalienable rights, maybe they have a great document there, they have their own constitution, they have their own type of declaration of independence -- but they don't live the freedoms and liberties we do in this nation at the highest level of I believe any group of individuals in any part of the world. So today I thank Airman First Class Jim Wendt. I thank all those Vietnam veterans here who said, I can make any decision I want about that, but my country and what it stands for is something I'm willing to put my life on the line for. And I thank you all -- past, present and future -- and if Dad is watching, I thank him for giving me the life I've had here. And I show the appreciation for all you've done for us. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. I see a couple of old friends up in the gallery, so I just want to join my colleagues in paying this extraordinary tribute to such extraordinary, extraordinary men and women that I've had the privilege of getting to know over the last good few years. I'm also old enough to remember when our country did not give the welcoming, especially to our Vietnam veterans. And so I do think it is so important that we continue to show our extraordinary gratitude, to make amends, if you will, for the times when we didn't show that extraordinary gratitude. So it's wonderful to see Servicemen Marinello and LoPorco. And I just need to add the -- what's so remarkable about them as well as so many other veterans is that they come back and they keep serving. So it is embodied in their very being, this service before self. And it's something that I'm so glad that we are honoring here today, because I think it's something that all of us need to be reminded of. That what has made this country what it is is because of those who have served in such an incredibly selfless way, but they really embody this spirit of service before self. And they come back and continue to serve the community in such an extraordinary variety of ways. So I too am in their debt and do stand here with deep, deep, appreciation. I thank our colleague Senator Harckham for bringing this resolution to the floor. Thank you. With that, I'm in support, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. First let me thank Senator Harckham for continuing this what I believe to be very important tradition, especially here in the New York State Senate. Senator Bailey talked about the fact that today we're all together, and we ought to be proud. And he's right. I'm going to remind you of a few more reasons why every member in this Senate should have special pride in this day. And why New Yorkers should be especially proud of Vietnam Veterans Day. When I was first elected here, I was approached by a Staten Island Vietnam veteran named Lester Modelowitz. He came to me and said, "We're trying to establish Vietnam Veterans Day here in New York and across the nation, and we're meeting a lot of resistance. Would you write the bill?" And of course I did. I came in -- I'm not sure if everyone's aware, I came in -- my class, if you will, I had the privilege of coming in with Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my brother Senator Griffo. And as Senator Bailey alluded, when we wrote this bill we came together immediately, and we worked together. And we lobbied our colleagues in this body, and it wasn't hard to do. We talked to our friend in the Assembly. Assemblyman Matt Titone carried the bill there. We spoke to the Governor, then-Governor Paterson, and we convinced him. And we did it together. There were no Republicans, there were no Democrats. There were friends, there were colleagues, there were people who recognized that a wrong was done and we needed to do something about it. So as you know, on March 29, 1973 -- just a little background, why did we do it this way -- the last combat troops came home from Vietnam. And as has been said -- it's an understatement to say they weren't treated well. They were treated horribly. What happened at that moment and thereafter was shameful on behalf of the so many in this country that just were lost in the way they treated them. So we wrote that law, it was passed here, passed in the Assembly, Governor Paterson signed it, and the following year, in 2009, the first Vietnam veterans celebration occurred on Staten Island. We then, this body, many who are not here anymore, a few of us are, we then lobbied other states to do the same. We had Rolling Thunder assist us. Legislative bodies from around the country reached out to us to talk about it. And one by one, states across the land did the same thing. Finally, on March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act. And so now it is the law of the land in America. You know, 2.7 million U.S. soldiers served in-country during the war. More than 6 million served in other capacities. More than 60,000 U.S. soldiers lost their lives. I mean, think about that number: 60,000 U.S. soldiers lost their lives. I do an event every year on Staten Island, we do a collage of the Staten Islanders who lost their lives. And as I get older, the photos get younger. And what you see is that the people who fought for us -- remember, put the politics aside, put the war aside, even. Those Americans sacrificed and lost their lives to stand up for that flag and everything it represents. And when we do this ceremony and I look at this video that my staff prepares, with the help of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter of Staten Island, they were 18 years old, Majority Leader -- eighteen-year-old dare I say kids. I'm old, I can say it. When I was young and being taught about the Vietnam veterans' war by the adults that had the responsibility to do it, I didn't hear anything good about the veterans. I didn't. I'm a child of the '70s. In fact, I heard everything bad. You would have thought that we -- they didn't serve honorably, courageously, bravely, effectively, successfully. And that's a lie. We all know the major battles -- the Battle of la Drang, the Battle of Khe Sanh, the Tet offensive, Hamburger Hill, Easter offensive. You know what they all have in common? The American soldiers won every single battle, the major battles and the minor battles. They won every battle they were sent in to fight. You know, President Kennedy sent the first troops in, we now know he had no mind to escalate. Nixon ultimately ended it. Johnson, President Johnson escalated it. In my opinion, mismanaged it. But none of those, whether you liked the president, didn't like the president, liked the war, didn't like the war, none of those things were ever legitimate, honest excuses to hate the troops. And that's what happened. So Madam Leader, Majority Leader, why did we do this? You remember. People came to us and said, Well, we have Veterans Day. Newspaper outlets said, Why do we need this day? The answer was simple. Something different and shameful happened to these troops when they came home. We've all talked about it. Thanks to whatever. The craziness of the time, craziness which we see revisiting. We had Hollywood elites, it's easy from their towers to say what they said at the time. You had warped, in my opinion, politicians not saying the right things. You had scurrilous members of academia really preaching the hate. You can go back, you can read all about it. You could see it. I remember as a kid seeing Jane Fonda on an anti-aircraft gun pointed up in the sky meant to shoot 21-year-old American flyers out of the sky. It's hard to believe, but then again, you look out the window today, it's easy to believe. So we did it because something different happened, and we needed to do something about it. My faith teaches me that when you do something wrong, you should have contrition, that you should resurrect good from darkness. And I think that's what this does. I think we need to educate. By having this day, we remind our fellow Americans, especially our young fellow Americans, this should never happen again. And we do that a lot in this chamber with various things. And I think, most of all, it allows us every single year to say thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you to our troops. Thank you to our veterans. And as Senator Harckham and my colleagues have already said: Welcome home, welcome home, welcome home.

Thank you so much, Madam President. And, you know, when I came out there were maybe two or three names on the list who were going to speak about the Vietnam War veterans and what they mean to us and to this chamber. And of course as people got up and spoke, more and more wanted to make sure that there was no question about how we as a chamber -- we who are the beneficiaries of your sacrifice, your bravery and your courage -- feel about you and what you've sacrificed. So I am glad that you've taken the time out of your busy schedule to indulge us as we thank you, welcome you back, and let you know that the history of what you fought for, who you fought for, and how you were treated is acknowledged by the people who, again, sit in these chambers because of your courage. Last week we had cadets from West Point, and it's hard to look at these young people, knowing that who knows what battle they'll go into, especially at a time like this, and not think about what we already know to be true. War is hell. It's ugly. A lot of times people sent people to do things that they think might be a good idea, and people like you are left to bring the valor, to put everything on the line, and hope you survive. I want to thank Senator Lanza for bringing back the history of how this day came. And yes, we were in the same class together. And it was an easy vote for everyone. And it was easy for me because I have had the privilege of being a child in a military family. My dad was a World War II veteran: Purple Heart, Bronze Star. And again, he served in a segregated Army. And when he came home, he came back to a segregated country. He wasn't thanked. He didn't care. He knew that his service was important. My brother is a Vietnam War vet, Marine. And he came back, he wasn't welcomed back either. So it is a privilege to be part of a body that recognizes how important it is that we have people in this country who, despite what the chattering classes say, despite what the masses might say, still have enough fidelity to this country and its ideals to show up. And I thank you for that. I want to thank Senator Harckham for always sponsoring this day and bringing this resolution forward. And I also want to give a shout out to the chair of our Veterans Committee, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, to who also is the ranker, Senator Ashby, and all of the veterans here, and say especially to our Vietnam veterans -- I know there's many from Yonkers. You know, Raise your hand, let me know. Yonkers in the house? No? Yes? Over there. There you go. Oh, thank you. But I know that you represent so many who couldn't be here for all those reasons. If you're like my brother, you're not looking for accolades. He's like, I know, so many people -- the 60,000 that Senator Lanza referred to, so many were his friends. He served with them. The fact that he survived was almost good enough for him. And I know the humility of those who serve. The fact that you survived, the fact that you're here, the fact that you could enjoy days with your loved ones, serving your community, that's almost enough gratitude. But we are here to tell you that we know that it's never enough. And the commitment to continue to honor our servicemen and -women is alive and well in this chamber. You will always be welcome here. You will always be welcome back. And we will continue to push forward the policies that allow not only you, but the next generation of those who would devote the full measure to our liberation and our freedom as Americans, to also enjoy the same. Welcome back. And thank you so much for being here.

Senator Gianaris.

The resolution was previously adopted on January 21st.

The Secretary will read.

Senator O'Mara on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Chan on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. To Investigator Theetge, thank you for your service. We wish you the very best of health. I welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house. Please continue standing and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)

Next up is previously adopted Resolution 1794, by Senator Ramos. Please read that title and recognize Senator Ramos.

Resolution 1794, by Senator Ramos, commemorating the 115th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on March 25, 2026.

Thank you, Madam President. When we talk about New York, we often talk about its skyline, its energy, and its promise. And all of that is made possible by workers. On March 25, 1911, New York was forced to confront what happens when those workers are treated as disposable. A hundred and forty-six people lost their lives at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, mostly young immigrant women, seamstresses, workers who showed up to do their jobs and never made it home. They were trapped, doors were locked, safety was ignored, and profit was placed above people. That tragedy was not inevitable. It was a failure of responsibility. But what followed matters just as much. Workers organized, families demanded accountability, and this state made a choice. We passed laws. We strengthened protections. We began to say clearly that the dignity of work is not negotiable. That is the legacy of the Triangle Fire -- not just what happened, but what we chose to do about it. Because history does not move on its own. It moves when people decide that things must change and that responsibility now belongs to us. Today, the details may look different, but the question is the same. Today many of the workers most vulnerable to exploitation are still immigrants. The Irish and Eastern European immigrants of that era are the Central American, South American, and African immigrants of today: People who come here to work, to build, to care for their families and who too often are made to feel invisible or afraid to speak up when something is wrong. The conditions may look different than they did in 1911, but the underlying question has not changed. Who is protected and who is left exposed? Honoring those workers means more than remembrance. It means doing the work, enforcing our labor laws, strengthening safety standards, protecting immigrant workers, making sure that no one has to choose between their livelihood and their life. Because the promise of New York has never been abstract. It is that if you work hard, you can live with dignity. And that promise only holds true if we are willing to uphold it. Today we remember those 146 workers and we recommit ourselves to the responsibility their lives demand of us, to make sure no worker in New York is ever treated as expendable again. Thank you, Madam President. I vote aye.

Thank you, Madam President. Today we must mark a solemn anniversary, one that continues to demand our conscience and our actions. And though we gather here in Albany, the echos of that day in 1911 still reach us, reminding us that what happened in a factory in New York City was not distant from government, but a failure of it. Young immigrant women, workers whose labor powered a growing city, were met not with protection but with peril. Locked out doors became death sentences. Smoke became testimony. And from the horror rose a demand this nation could no longer ignore, that workers are not disposable, that women are not invincible, and that immigrants are no strangers to the American story -- they are central to it. And this tragedy forced the country to confront the brutal costs of exploitation. It awakened a conscience that helped shape labor protections we now consider fundamental. First, a safer workplace. The right to organize. The dignity of the weekend. The promise of Social Security. These were not gifts, they were victories carved from grief, courage, and collective struggle. And so this resolution is not only about remembrance, it is about responsibility. At a time when immigrants are still vilified, where labor is too often devalued, and when hard-won protections are treated as negotiable, we are reminded that progress is never permanent unless we defend it. To honor the Triangle workers is not a look back, but is a stand-guard to ensure that no workers are ever trapped between a paycheck and their safety, and that no doors are ever locked against justice again. Memory is not passive, it is a mandate from those who perished -- for the movement they ignited, and for the future we are duty-bound to protect. I vote aye on this resolution. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Senator Ramos for this important resolution. I'm going to look at this through a different lens. And I often speak about how I'll look at things through the lens of my children. And this past weekend my daughter, my oldest daughter, Giada, we were speaking about this because she's learning about this in school. And so when I realized this resolution was coming on today, I sent her a message and I said, Hey, can you tell me what is it that you got from there? And she gave me some facts that she sent. This is my 11-year-old daughter, and these are her exact words: The fire killed 146 people and was one of the deadliest workplace accidents in the history of New York City. All but 17 of the dead people were women, most of them immigrants looking for a better life in the Gilded Age. I'll stop right there for a second, and see the parallel of people coming to this country to seek prosperity, to seek positivity. And by virtue of unfair and unethical working conditions, their lives were taken. This fire started on the 8th floor, and people were oblivious to the fire because of the loud equipment. And due to the poor working conditions, there was no way of escaping. After the fire, the Factory Investigating Commission was created and held 59 public hearings, listened to 472 witnesses, and the information in storage filled over 7,000 pages. It's really important that sometimes we don't realize the gravity of what we do and how like history in the context of what we do is really important. Yes, it's my -- I'm speaking about my 11-year-old daughter, who I'm incredibly proud is learning about the labor movement and social equity and social justice. But what we do on this floor and what we do for the people of the great State of New York, we should always be proud of it, that these are things that will stand the test of time. And we have to make sure that people understand how that happened, why it happened, and be resolved that we never permit this to happen again. Workers' rights are incredibly, you know, important. They're crucial. And we need to let people have decent lives, we need to be able to let people work in respect, decency, and to have them have great working conditions. So for those reasons, I support this resolution. And I'm thankful to my daughter Gkiada for having, you know, the prescience, so to speak, to be able to have had this lesson. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to Senator Ramos for bringing this up, our esteemed Labor chair. Thank you. So I just want to make -- today we remember those 146 workers, but I want to make sure that we all know that this fire and this tragedy did not go without not just consequence, and make sure that their sacrifice wasn't just in vain, and it became a real turning point in a fight for workers and workplace safety. The Triangle Fire exposed the dangerous conditions faced by workers in the early 20th century. We heard of locked doors, unsafe exits -- they didn't even have fire escapes -- overcrowded factories. But this tragedy led to the outrage that led to reforms, including stronger workplace safety standards, fire codes, and labor protections. The Triangle factory tragedy directly impacted the creation of workers' rights organizations, labor laws that paved the way for OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In response to the tragedy, New York State launched a Factory Investigation Commission which conducted an in-depth inspections of industrial workplaces. Their findings led to at least 30 new labor laws, setting a precedent for state and federal reforms. You know, the fire also helped fuel momentum for child labor laws, setting minimum work ages, and set minimums or maximums for young workers and their hours. You know, although we have made great strides in workplace safety, unfortunately today, more than ever, labor rights are under threat. As a 28-year card-carrying union member, labor advocate, labor leader, you know, you have to understand that these fights and these issues are not behind us. As a lawmaker, I believe we have a responsibility to always stand with workers, not corporations that put profits over safety. We must ensure as lawmakers that history does not repeat itself in the manner that this tragedy happened. No worker -- Senator Ramos said it, no worker should ever have to risk their life to earn a living. So on this 115th anniversary, I want to reaffirm my commitment to protecting workers, ensuring safe workplaces, and strengthening labor laws. And I certainly invite my colleagues to do the same. Thank you very much. I vote aye.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Senator Ramos, for introducing this resolution. I rise to support it, to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and to honor the individuals, 146 workers, whose lives were lost, most of them young women and girls, largely Italian and Jewish immigrants. This past January I had the honor of receiving the Clara Lemlich Public Service Award from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial, a scholarship fund which provides scholarships to the children of workers who are killed or injured on the job. An award carrying the legacy of Clara Lemlich, a fearless labor leader and a woman, I would note, who organized garment workers and demanded fair wages and humane working conditions, despite physical attacks, intimidation, and attempts to silence her by factory owners, she persisted. And in 1909, ironically, she inspired 20,000 garment workers to go on strike, which lasted till 1910 and resulted in better wages and working conditions for the members of ILGWU. But unfortunately and tragically, the owners of the factory for the Triangle Fire did not participate in the industry agreement. And as a result, in 1911 those 146 people died. I think there's a lesson to be learned there. We enact laws in response to this, as my colleagues have said. But we demand that employers follow these laws. And whether it's a voluntary agreement or a requirement by statute, we are here today to say these are not optional, as my colleagues have said. These are not "if you can." These are mandatory requirements that they are followed to protect our neighbors, our workers, and so many of our immigrant workers in this moment as they were not followed then. Thank you. I vote aye.

Thank you, Madam President. As the ranker on the Senate Labor Committee, I rise in support of the resolution. It is incredibly important to recognize the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was a seminal moment, not just in the history of New York State but in the history of this country. For those who are unfamiliar with the story, though I think most in this room are, the fire in the shirtwaist factory occupied the 8th to 10th floors of that building. Exit doors were locked to prevent workers from taking unauthorized breaks and prevent theft. There were no sprinklers in the building. The fire escape, the one fire escape that they had -- and there was a question as to whether it was properly secured to the building or not -- twisted in the heat of the fire, making sure that that could not be used as an escape route. And unable to escape the growing inferno, people resorted to trying to climb down elevator shafts, only to fall to their deaths in those shafts. People jumped out windows, falling to their deaths. In total, 146 victims, ranking in age from 14 to 43 years old, lost their lives. But the response was incredibly important. The response prompted not only the modern labor movement, but the response prompted so many legislative changes that brought attention to the plight of workers and the safety of workers, but also brought actual, tangible results. Frances Perkins, who was a witness to the fire, actually advanced legislation as part of the ILGWU and the Committee on Public Safety that they formed, which actually created the 54-hour bill limiting the number of work hours that could be worked in a week, was instrumental in the New York State Legislature's creation of the Factory Investigating Committee. And they started with the issue of fire safety. That committee produced 64 bills recommendations, 60 of which were actually enacted by this body. Everything that we take for granted today, from modern labor laws to building access and egress, fireproofing requirements, availability of fire extinguishers, the installation of alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, were all the result, ultimately, of this particular fire. Unions fought for better working conditions. Ultimately it led to the creation of elevator regulations, modern fire codes, the modern New York State industrial code, and ultimately OSHA regulations. As Frances Perkins became the commissioner of labor here in New York State, enacting that first industrial code, under the Roosevelt administration, and then wound up becoming the first female cabinet secretary in the history of the United States, as the United States commissioner of labor, enacting those first OSHA standards. Today is not only a day to remember the 146 lives that were lost, but it's also an opportunity to recognize that those lives were not lost in vain, and that the fight does continue. We have a responsibility in this chamber and across our country to ensure that workplace safety, not only in private industry, but even in our own state facilities, is paramount. And let's use this as an opportunity to recommitt ourselves to that effort. Thank you, Madam President. And I vote aye.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to Senator Ramos for this truly important resolution. One hundred fifteen years ago, this tragedy happened. But the feelings that we have retelling the stories, the emotions that we exude in putting ourselves in that place, it's -- it really is a lot. And it can make you emotional. It should make you emotional. And it should make you determined to make sure it never happens again. And everyone had said a great piece about the changes that we did. And Senator Ramos, even after her speech, shared that our fire trucks, now the ladders had to extend to certain heights because during that fire they could only get to the second floor and they couldn't get into the building to save the people. So on this 115th anniversary, I too recommit myself. Because still workers are working in dangerous conditions. Still we don't have the the proper safety measures. And still dignity is being fought to make sure that every worker can survive in their job and continue to live dignified lives. So I'm truly grateful for this resolution, and I thank Senator Ramos for bringing it to the floor today.

Now let's move on to previously adopted Resolution 1664, by Senators Gallivan and Zellner, read its title, and begin by calling on Senator Gallivan, please.

Resolution 1664, by Senator Gallivan, mourning the death of Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations, inductee of the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame, and devoted member of his community.

I rise, Madam President, to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Jonathan A. Dandes, a man who touched countless lives in Western New York and whose spirit continues to inspire. Born in Queens, he chose Buffalo as his home over 50 years ago, and was a person whose commitment to excellence, compassion for others, and unwavering integrity set him apart as a true leader and friend. His dedication to his work, his community, and his family -- Marcy, Leo and Lisette, Arin and Adam, Luca and Lief, was evident in everything he did. John approached every challenge with humility and determination, always seeking to lift those around him. His kindness knew no bounds. Whether mentoring, volunteering, or befriending, he showed us the power of empathy, generosity, and community mindedness. Countless people in Western New York have been the beneficiary of John's good deeds and are forever grateful for the ways he enriched their lives and our community. John was a Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer and long-time president of Rich Baseball Operations. He was instrumental in the design and opening of then Pilot, now Sahlen Field. His community services were vast. He served as the chair of numerous organizations, including the Ralph C. Wilson & More Children's Museum, the Shea's Performing Arts Center, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the Buffalo Zoo, the Erie County Medical Center, Visit Buffalo Niagara, and the Upstate New York Transplant Services Foundation. He was also a past president of the New York State Restaurant Association. A long-surviving kidney transplant recipient, he was the director of the National Kidney Foundation. And as a 1974 University of Buffalo graduate, he was the longest-serving member of the UB Council. In 2017, the Buffalo News named John an outstanding citizen of Western New York. John had an uncanny ability to bring people together, to forge bonds and to remind us all, through his good example, of the importance of community. His legacy is not only in the work he accomplished, but in the hearts he touched and the lives he changed. As John's daughter Arin recently said, "If he made memories at the Bisons, Canalside, Outer Harbor, Shea's, Explore & More, and more, then he touched your life in some way." As we celebrate and honor the remarkable life of a true community leader, we would all do well to carry forward his values and honor him by striving to emulate his good example. It is my great privilege, Madam President, to present and support this resolution honoring one of the finest people Western New York has ever seen, my dear friend Jonathan A. Dandes. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Gallivan. Unlike Senator Ryan's father, I'm pretty sure John's family is watching this right now. I want to thank them for all they've done for our community in loaning him to us. This resolution is about the kind of impact one person can have on a community over time. And Senator Gallivan has already said a lot about John's contributions to our community. But what stands out to me is how people in Buffalo experienced that impact -- not through the titles he had, but through what he helped create, a downtown ballpark that brought life back into a city, a place where families gather, where memories are made, and where you feel a sense of pride in our city. And beyond that, he showed up, across our cultural institutions and across our healthcare systems and organizations. He stayed involved, and he stayed committed. And that matters, especially for his family. Because we think about his family, especially Leo and Arin and his grandchildren. His legacy is something that our entire community can see and feel. It's in Buffalo, it's in the places he helped build, in the community he helped strengthen. That's something lasting, and that's something meaningful. And I join my colleagues in extending my condolences to his family and vote aye on this resolution.

Madam President, let's open today's resolutions for cosponsorship.

I have a motion here. On behalf of Senator Harckham, on page 29 I offer the following amendments to Calendar 532, Senate Print 9020B, and ask that said bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.

Please take up the calendar.

Calendar Number 116, Senate Print 3443, by Senator Harckham, an act to amend the Executive Law.

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Announce the results.

The bill is passed.

Read the last section.

Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)

In relation to Calendar 327, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Ortt, Rhoads, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 46. Nays, 13.

Calendar Number 330, Senate Print 6475, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Public Housing Law.

Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.

Announce the results.

The bill is passed.

Read the last section.

Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)

Ayes, 59.

Calendar Number 348, Senate Print 8276, by Senator Harckham, an act to amend the Public Officers Law.

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Announce the results.

The bill is passed.

Read the last section.

Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)

In relation to Calendar 438, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 39. Nays, 20.

Calendar Number 468, Senate Print 5177, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Executive Law.

The bill will be laid aside for the day.

Read the last section.

Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)

In relation to Calendar 470, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk. Ayes, 58. Nays, 1.

Calendar Number 471, Senate Print 3518, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act in relation to establishing the Fentanyl Abuse and Overdoese Prevention Task Force.

Section 7. This act shall take effect immediately.

Announce the results.

The bill is passed.

Read the last section.

Call the roll.

Ayes, 59.

Calendar Number 497, Senate Print 900, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Local Finance Law.

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Announce the results.

The bill is passed.

Read the last section.

Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)

Ayes, 59.

Calendar Number 566, Senate Print 413, by Senator Gounardes, an act to amend the General Obligations Law.

Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 60th day after it shall have become a law.

Announce the results.

The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.

There is no further business at the desk.

Let's go, Mets! On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Thursday, March 26th, at 11:00 a.m. (Whereupon, the Senate adjourned at 5:02 p.m.)