Assembly Live Stream (partial)

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Music Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. We be right back Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. so Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you

The house will come to order. Good morning, colleagues. This morning, Guruji Dalib Kumar Thinkampin will offer us a prayer.

Visitors are invited to join members in the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum being present, the clerk will read the journal of Tuesday, May 19th. Ms. Peoples-Stokes.

Without objection, so ordered. Colleagues and guests that are in the chambers with us today, I would like to share a quote with you. Today, this one is coming from Robert Ingersoll, an American lawyer, writer, and orator during the golden age of free thought. Not sure I know when that was, but his words for us today. The best way to find joy is to give it to others. Again, these words from Robert Ingersoll. Madam Speaker, we should now see if you have any housekeeping and or introductions that need to be made at this point. We have no housekeeping. We do have a few introductions. We will start with an introduction by Mr. Sayesh.

is reflective in the respect many members of this body has for Guruji. And in today's time, with division and polarization, it is individuals like Guruji Thankapan who spent his entire life working to promote dialogue and peace and coexistence. Today, it's my pleasure to acknowledge him and acknowledge his hard work on the presentation and the advancement of yoga here in New York and throughout the country, and in addition to Diwali holiday Hindu celebrations and holy festival And we are also sponsoring the resolution Sir Yastasai Baba who himself has led the path of peaceful coexistence for centuries. So thank you very much, and I hope we give our friend and our colleague here, Guruji, the full cordiality of this body. Thank you. So on behalf of Mr. Asayesh, the speaker, and all members, welcome back, Rooji, to our Assembly Chamber, extending to you the privileges of the floor. It is always wonderful to see you to start our morning in that fashion. We know we're going to make it a great day today. So we thank you so very much for joining us. Namaste.

Thank you. Ms. Lunsford, for the purpose of an introduction.

Thank you. behalf of Ms. Lunsford, the speaker, and all members, welcome Maria, Kevin, and Eddie to our Assembly Chamber, the People's House. We always love to see our union brothers and sisters here. We extend to you the privileges of the floor. Hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you so very much for joining us today. Thank you.

On behalf of Ms. Warner, the Speaker, and all members, welcome Girl Scouts to the Assembly Chamber. We extend to you the privileges of the floor and hope you enjoy our proceedings.

Ms. People Stokes. Madam Speaker, I now move that the House will stand at ease.

Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Available ahh the G that Music Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. We be right back Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Madam Speaker, please call the House back to order.

Good afternoon to everyone and thank you Madam Speaker for the purpose of an introduction Madam Speaker today I rise to recognize and welcome the U Freedmen Project to the New York State Assembly for Freedom Advocacy Day. The U.S. Freedmen Project is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to addressing the lasting impacts of slavery, systemic discrimination, and economic inequities affecting the American freedmen community. Their work focuses on advancing equity through initiatives such as data disaggregation, the establishment of an Office of Freedmen Affairs, and the creation of an American Freedmen Commission to address longstanding disparities in wealth, housing, education, health care, and economic opportunity. Their advocacy reminds us that understanding the full story of inequality requires intentional action, honest data, and a commitment to addressing historical harm that continues to affect communities today. I am proud to work closely with this organization and support the important work they are doing to uplift communities across New York State. Please join me in welcoming the U.S. Freedmen Project to the Assembly's chamber, and please afford the cordialities of the floor.

Miss People Stokes. Madam Speaker, if we can maybe have colleagues' attention for just a few moments. We have a pretty busy agenda in front of us for the remainder of today, and I respectfully request the cooperation of my colleagues hereby saying that their members have on their desk an A calendar, and I now move to advance that A calendar.

Thank you. Our principal work for today is going to be to take up a budget bill that is on the A calendar. Members should also be aware that there's going to be a number of committees that will need to be called off the floor today. Aging, insurance, tourism, transportation, environmental conservation, and housing and codes. Majority members should also be aware that there may be a need for a conference once we conclude our floor work today. And as always, Madam Speaker, we'll check with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to determine what their needs may be. That is, however, a general outline of where we're going today. And again, I appreciate everyone's cooperation as we move forward. Madam Speaker, let us begin by calling the Aging Committee to the Speaker's conference room.

Mr. Pretlow. Oh, absolutely. After many weeks of hard work, today we begin the process of adopting a budget for state fiscal year 2627. The bill before us contains major components of legislation that are necessary to implement the state budget as it pertains to education, labor, and family assistance. This includes legislation related to school aid, higher education programs, and housing programs.

Yes, Madam Speaker. Will the Chairman yield for some questions? Will the Chair yield?

Thank you, Mr. Prat-Low. It's good to talk to you again.

So here we are. Our first budget bill since March when we did the budget deficit bill. debt service bill. So now that we're here, is the medal dropping? Where are we at? We're in the first inning. This is a nine-inning game and this is the first inning. I know I mentioned this to you last when we had some conversations. Unfortunately, last year I couldn't be here during the budget. I was on Zoom, so I couldn't participate in the debates. I saved this chamber two and a half hours of debate time. So unfortunately, I don't think you're going to get that lucky this year with me, but I do have some questions if I might be able to ask to start off.

Second.

How about that? That's it. Okay.

All right.

As I said in committee, can you tell us when the legislature and the public will finally see this document?

Okay. And as we begin passing these bills without the financial plan, When the Governor announced her agreement, she stated that we were looking at all funds amount around $268 billion, which is around $14 billion more than last year's enacted budget. Has anything changed from that announcement as far as what that dollar amount is looking at?

And since Governor Hochul took office, the spending of this budget has increased over $60 billion. And since one party control took over, we're spending nearly $100 billion more on the budget. Is this amount of spending level sustainable for us, for New York?

Okay. If I could just pivot to state operating funds, again, just to get on the record. Do you know how this compares to last year's closeout and the governor's executive proposal?

Okay. And, you know, our conference has long advocated a spending cap just to ensure responsible budgeting. Do you think enacting a spending cap would help make sure we're controlling spending in a proper way to protect the taxpayers of the state?

Sure. I can appreciate that.

We always hear about the inflation rate, but when we look at what we're spending here in New York, that seems like we consistently outpace inflation and the ability of the taxpayers to pay. How can we justify spending more than the rate of inflation and what taxpayers are able to pay?

The fiscal year 27 enacted budget spends significantly more than what the governor proposed in the executive budget. Can you detail this additional money and how it's going to be spent, or is that something to be determined?

Do you know how much money is being dedicated for New York City with the bailout issue that we've talked about?

Okay. And I know we've talked about it, and we haven't got to the revenue portion, but just from a help painting that picture, does this budget include any broad-based tax increases

Not in this bill, no. No extension of temporary rates? Not in this bill. Okay, not in this bill.

You may see it in a later bill, but definitely not in this bill. All right. And so I guess that would apply to the same question about New York City then. When the governor took office, there were no out-year budget gaps projected. And as of the last financial plan update, it shows that our state faces a cumulative out-year gap of over $30 billion. Do we know what those projected out-year gaps are for the next four years yet?

how do these out-year get, how does these gaps compare to the 30 billion cumulative deficit estimated in the executive budget They be similar Okay And do you think the spending levels that we continue to spend are contributing to these very high out budget gaps

Okay. I'd like to pivot a little bit more, if I could. Relative to education, which I know we're talking about, and the reason I want to ask these questions, on the financial plan because education is one of the biggest spending aspects of our budget.

Okay. And with the changes made to foundation aid from the governor's proposals, do we know how many districts will be receiving the minimum 2% foundation aid increase next year?

And we know that school districts are facing insurance, rising insurance, transportation, and special education costs increases well above general inflation. The federal government projects our enrollments will continue to decline, which spreads out these fixed costs among fewer students. What is, as far as the formula that we're working with, doesn't that leave districts to address these growing cost pressures largely through program cuts, consolidating school buildings, or higher property taxes if we're not adjusting the formula to meet some of these needs?

Mr. Pretlow, we talked about, you know, love for you to come visit my area. If you ever did, you'd see I'm from a very rural area. And one of the areas of the foundation aid formula, the sparsity factor, it's really the only component of the foundation aid formula that addresses rural and low density costs and concerns.

No changes.

So obviously you can recognize how that's a concern to school districts in my area that I represent or people who represent rural, smaller school districts with lower densities. So that's something that's a concern. I think that when we see some changes being made to the foundation, it might benefit downstate, more urban areas versus upstate rural areas not getting the same opportunity.

nearly 30 recommendations on how to reform and improve the foundation aid formula, and it's in the two years since the report release, we've only implemented two of those reforms. What has changed about our educational system that has made it important to study the formula since two years ago, but prevents us from implementing some of these recommendations

Right. Thank you, Mr. Peralo. I want to talk about the provision, about the zero-emission school buses. It's my understanding this delays from 2027 to 2032 when they have to start buying zero-emission buses in 2040.

I think this is needed. Certainly, I'd like to see more done on that. I'd like to let the state of New York convert it first. And given the fact that you mentioned that an electric school bus is like $300,000 more than the traditional bus, and that's before you got into charging infrastructure, the electrical infrastructure improvements that need to be made,

Yeah, that's going to be a challenge, especially the way, we can talk about that on another bill later. Relatively, you know, right now there's a waiver process in place. On the waiver, for those schools that have waiver applications in and getting to the 2032 deadline, will there be a waiver process in place for that 2032 deadlines? and what happens, will that continue that they can file waivers in 2032? And for those schools that have waivers now, will they just automatically be extended?

Okay. I'd like to talk a little bit about universal pre-K for a moment.

we've heard from the school superintendents saying that they don't have the cost. We've heard about the infrastructure. Wouldn't it be a wise idea for us, why are we doing this delay, to say, okay, let's have a full cost-benefit analysis, let's SED do a cost-benefit analysis of the school district to see how it's going to cost, what the transition is, How about a feasibility analysis with the NISO, with the PSC, with utilities, so we can make sure the utility infrastructure can handle it? Wouldn't that be an ideal thing to do with this rather than just say, you've got to just do this over again without addressing some of those concerns, the cost and the infrastructure that needs to be addressed to make this work?

I would think SED, we should just, you know, We had a bill of mine in committee that got turned down, and what it would require is a full cost-benefit analysis by SED to see what it's going to cost, a full feasibility analysis with utilities, with the NISO, with the PSC, to see how the infrastructure can be done, and also a safety analysis on fire safety, things like that. Since we're doing this delay, wouldn't it be smart now to get some of those data so we can plan going forward instead of just saying, now you've got to do it?

Yeah, I know. And I know that, I mean, as we've heard from the school districts, it's very, very problematic for them. So I just wish, I think we should be looking at some of those. We have time in this five years to do this cost-benefit analysis. We should lead on that so that we can know what it's going to cost, because right now the costs continue to go up. We need to make sure the grid can handle it because we know there are shortages with the grid reliability and problems. That need to be addressed. One question on UPK. I know this bill requires every district to offer a full four-day, four-year-old pre-K to all interested in students by the 28-29 school year. And it does also increase the minimum reimbursement rate to $10,000 per student. But in meetings throughout this budget cycle, districts have been telling us the real constraint with this policy is really a lack of classroom space and certified staff. What is the justification really for imposing a hard 28-29 deadline by really providing no waiver, no structured phase-in, no off-ramp for districts that really can't meet this new change?

And the certified staff as well?

as far as the certified staff on that being a problem?

Okay. I know this bill, one more on UPK, if I could. This bill also covers New York City's 3K program for the next year while not providing any additional funding to expand 3K programs outside the city. Can you tell us why New York City's 3K program is being prioritized in this budget when rising child care costs are affecting all families across the state and not just in New York City?

Okay. One question on special education, and then I'll probably go on to Bill. The state comptroller calls the authority to retain a fund balance prudent management,

You'd have to ask the executive that. I'm not sure why we'd have it included that.

Yes. I mean, every year we fight for our 4201 schools and 4102 schools.

One moment, Mr. Palmasano. Ms. Stokes.

Thank you, Insurance Committee members. Please make your way to the Speaker's Conference Room. Insurance Committee members, Speaker's Conference Room, Mr. Paul Mazzano.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield for a few questions? Will the sponsor yield? Sponsor yield. Thank you very much, Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity just for some clarifying issues. I'm going to start with this particular bill on land banks. I apologize to the staff. They're going to be scurrying around a little bit. Okay. On the land banks, right now, the number of permanent land banks is being expanded in this bill to 45. Is that correct? I believe so. So how many land banks currently exist in New York?

31. And can you, for those who may not know, can you explain to us what a land bank is and what it looks to accomplish?

Pardon?

Can you explain what a land bank is?

What did you do?

Fantastic. Seems like a pretty worthy cause. How many municipalities do we know of that are looking to create new land banks that don't currently have the ability to do so?

And do we know what the process is if a municipality wants to bring a land bank into their community? How do they go about doing that?

So just be a home rule, would it require authorization from the New York State legislature?

Understood. Thank you. And so when we're looking at expanding it, I'm sorry, you said it was 30, was it 31 you said?

To 45. So is the assumption then that we have more municipalities that are looking to bring these land banks into their communities?

We'd like the opportunity to be there for everyone. But now for the number of 45, though, that doesn't include obviously every municipality, does it?

Well, it does not include every municipality, no, sir.

Not that it would be allowed, but those are the ones that have made a prior application. Understood. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Previously, the executive's budget removed two appropriations for land banks. Will this year's enacted budget restore the total $50 million in appropriations to support these endeavors?

So we may see that in a future budget bill?

Thank you very much. I'd like to pivot, if I can, to the J51 reforms that are in this bill. the enacted budget includes a provision to reauthorize and reform New York City's J51 real property tax abatement program. Is that correct? Yes. How will

Give me one second.

Up to 70%. The Senate one house proposal for J51 would have expanded to apply to buildings where more than 90% of the units are rent stabilized. Why wasn't that included in the enacted budget?

I can only speak for what's in the enacted budget.

Understood. For rental buildings, this only covers a limited subset, limited profit housing companies and those getting substantial government assistance. So that involves subsidies already being provided, and now we're adding a tax abatement as well. For those properties that have gotten no assistance and are on average in a significant deficit based on the amount of rent-stabilized units, can they apply to this program to get the needed upgrades to their buildings?

Fantastic. And in regards to the city council, does the reauthorization and reforms require city council approval?

And in the past, has it also required city council approval?

And how has that process gone? Has there been a delay in implementation from the City Council?

I understand. I think it's my understanding that previously it took them quite a while to finally approve the previous J-51 reforms and reauthorizations.

Yes. Thank you very much. All right. I'd like to pivot, if I can, again to some child care questions. Thank you.

Well, that's what I was going to ask. Even though we're dealing with human services, I see that there were some child care provisions that were, and I just love the phrase, and so I will use it, intentionally omitted. Is that fair and accurate?

We'll see that somewhere else. Okay. Can I just ask, despite the fact that it's not detailed in this particular bill, does this bill speak to anything related to the CCAP program?

And can we possibly see any additional funding for the CCAP program?

Okay. All right.

Still in the realm of child care, is the state's child care task force still in existence?

Technically, yes. And I think that obviously when we look at child care, we're trying to figure out ways to reduce the burdens on child care providers.

I think we're trying to look at the burdens on parents

I'm not sure there's nothing in this bill that pertains to that. Okay. And so, just to make sure I'm clear, there's nothing in this bill that relates to ratios of staff to children?

And nothing in regards to regulations that govern the physical space of a child care facility?

And I've seen some recommendations about potentially having, you know, essentially an ombudsman within OCFS to help navigate regulations

Anything that speaks to that?

Okay. Well, I hope that we can – you may see that later on in another bill as we go through this process.

Thank you very much.

On the bill.

Obviously, they just voted on Tuesday on their proposed budget. But the other thing that I hear a lot about is the EV school bus mandate. Every town that I represent has passed resolutions opposing the EV school bus mandate and either opposing it outright or requesting a delay. And I'm very pleased to see the five-year delay here as well. Personally, I would like to see more flexibility. I think this is a massive unfunded mandate that I can tell you for one of my school districts, They have estimated the cost to be between $42 and $47 million just for one school district. That is massive. That is absolutely massive. And so the fact that we're here postponing it for five years I think is a step in the right direction. And I want to recognize that and thank my colleagues for helping us get to this point. But I do think that there's more that needs to be done. Allowing for school districts to opt out of this mandate, I think, is a great step, if not scrapping it altogether. The finances just don't work. It's clear in the studies that have been done by our school districts. They are already, as we know, through the budget votes that we saw just this week, they are being pressed in so many different ways. And adding a $47.8 million mandate just, again, on my one school district, on my home school district, would push us to the limit. And so I will be supporting the fact that we are delaying this for five years, but I do hope and encourage us to continue to have these conversations so that we can find other ways that we can either support our school districts, provide them the flexibility that they need in regards to this particular mandate, or scrap it altogether. So again, I thank everyone for their attention. Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will Chair Pretlow please yield for just a couple of questions?

Yes, I will. And by a couple, I'm not saying two. There might be more than two.

But we'll start with that. Thank you. First thing I'd like to talk about are the universal pre-K changes. So I saw that by the 2028 to 29 school year all school districts must serve a full pre program to all four students whose parent or guardian applies to enroll such child Yeah they have to offer it They don have to provide it

What's to say? The parents don't have to...

Right. Okay. All right. So my question is, is there anything in this section of the budget, or will we see anything later that will offer any kind of a grace period or opt-out to school districts to not have to offer that by 2028 and 29?

Okay. All right. As far as New York City, and I apologize if you've already answered this question, but I saw that this section also provides funding for additional 3K seats in New York City for the 2026-2027 school year. How much money is going to be provided to New York City?

You did. is that we're not increasing the dollar amount, where just New York City uses the funds that we give them to stretch it out using their own resources. Okay. So is it accurate then? I did hear you say that, but then I didn't know if it meant that there was a combination of state money plus New York City money. I saw you say that New York City was providing maybe even the lion's share of it.

$205 million from the state?

Very good. Thank you so much. And let's see. I will say I was very glad to see in Part F the expansion of the Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship to early childhood educators. I was very happy to see that. I've heard from a number of constituents that they really care about expanding high-quality universal pre-K with certified educators, and I do think that this measure is going to help, so I do appreciate that. As far as questions for you, I think that that's it, and at this point I think I'll just go on the bill.

Thank you, Ms. Wolfe.

On the bill.

I don't know if it's big by, like, Long Island standards or downstate standards, but in my neck of the woods, it's a big school district. We have about 9,500 students, something like that. So this fall, Shenandoah will, I think, will be the last school in the state to do full-day kindergarten. And it was a very heavy lift. It wasn't that they didn't want to do it. It was that they had some significant issues with space considerations, staffing, transportation. They had a lot that they had to deal with being a school district of this size. They were able to do it. They're going to be doing it. They're offering it. And we're very excited to see it happen. But now to know that right on the heels of that, by 2028 and 29, they will then have to be offering the four-year-olds the option of pre-K is going to be another huge lift And I just think that there needs to be some type of conversation or grace or opt out for a school district like that that may just need additional time, as they did to be able to provide kindergarten. So I'll be interested to see moving forward, and I would certainly want to advocate for some flexibility to be given to a school district like this that is trying, you know, really trying to meet the demand and trying to meet the requirements, but may need some additional time. And actually, that idea of grace and delay and flexibility will roll me, no pun intended, right into the zero emission school bus mandate delay. I was very glad to see the five-year delay. I know that it was hard fought. I know that there are some members here that really did see the problem and really worked hard to try to get that into this bill, and I'm grateful for it. I don't like the – I mean, honestly, and I've made it very clear on the floor as I've spoken, I don't like the mandate at all. But I think that what's going to allow me to support this bill today is the fact that there is going to be the delay. Do I think it's everything that I want? No. But I think that the delay is going to be very important. I thought it would be interesting to share, since we did just have school budget votes yesterday, just a snippet from my district of how those budget votes went down. In Galway that I represent, a lot of, well, let me preface it by saying that there were a number of school districts that I represent that, and maybe yours did too, that broke out on their budget proposals separately, an EV bus and then another proposal where they had some diesel buses on the proposal. And here's how it worked out. In Galway, the EV bus proposal failed, but the diesel bus proposal passed. In Ballston Spa, the EV bus proposal passed by only 65 votes, but the diesel proposal passed by over 600 votes. In Scotia Glenville, the EV bus proposal passed by only 21 votes, but the diesel proposal passed by over 600 votes. Broadalbin, a more rural area of my district, didn't even include an EV bus proposal in their budget, just a diesel proposal. I mean, I think that that data that I'm sharing with you really just underscores and reinforces that voters understand the difficulties that having an EV bus fleet really poses in more rural, colder areas. and they know that the expense and the expected use is really unrealistic. And they know, and it was discussed previously, what the implications are going to be on the bus garages, on the retooling, the retraining of people to mechanics to work on these buses, the range, all the things that we've talked about so many times in this chamber. I think the voters are getting it, and they understand the two-and-a-half to three times greater expense that an EV bus represents versus a high-efficiency diesel bus. So that's starting to show up at the polls. I'm glad that I didn't – in my district, I didn't have any school bus – I'm sorry, school budget votes that entirely went down. But these certain proposals having to do with EVs did. And I think we have more work to do in this area moving forward, and I look forward to working with my colleagues. I'm glad that we have given ourselves and the whole topic a little bit of grace by giving an additional five years on the purchase mandate from 2027, moving it to 2032. and the five-year delay on full implementation from 2035 to 2040. It sounds like it's a long ways away, but we know that it's not. So I look forward to continuing to work on this issue. I already mentioned about the – there are definitely positive things in the budget, but I did really want to say that that Master's in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship for Early Childhood Ed is, I think, very important, and I'm very happy to support that. So I think that all things together, I mean, big picture, I was a little surprised when we were just briefed on the bill maybe, what is it, maybe two hours ago when we were first briefed on the bill in our conference at kind of, you know, it's a little thin. It's a little skinny, I think, this part of the budget. We're going to see, and I heard that from previous questioning, that under parts H, I, and J, we anticipate some of those intentionally omitted sections may be coming back in another part of the budget. So I look forward to being able to discuss those there. But as far as this education funding goes, I will support it. I think that when you consider that the current U.S. inflation rate is around 3.8 percent, I think that the increase in foundation aid to 3.9 percent is appropriate to just keep up with inflationary trends. And a school aid increase of $1.7 billion or 4.5 percent is kind of in that ballpark of just our inflation rate. So I think that, you know, as far as whether this degree of spending continues to be sustainable, we shall have to see. But I think it is it sounds reasonable to me. So I'll be voting yes on this budget bill, and I look forward to the next eight that are going to be coming along. So I'll be up on this, and thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Smolin? Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the sponsor yield for some questions? Will the sponsor yield?

Sponsor yields. Well, thank you, Chair. I wanted to just dig a little bit deeper into the issue of electric school buses. This is the number one issue in many of the rural districts of upstate.

Well, first of all, Mr. Spallman, I think it's the number one issue in every school district because of the costs. and there are different issues that affect downstate to upstate, as I stated earlier. We came to five-year because we're committed as a state for climate reductions or climate change reductions, if that's a phrase that's usable. And we did an ambitious bond issue several years ago, And we're doing what's called CLCPA, which is the climate laws that we put into place two years ago, three years ago. And because of various economic and political and other issues, we've had to delay a lot of the implementation of the climate laws that we had previously passed. So it was deemed that five years was a sufficient time to push it back to give school districts

they don't have their own school bus systems. They go to companies that provide school bus training. What's been happening now is these providers of school transportation have been baking into their transportation costs, the cost of replacing these school buses within that five-year window. Now they can stretch that out in the current window. Now they can stretch it out in an additional five years, which will lower the transportation costs for a lot of the districts that don't have their own school buses that go to school bus transportation providers.

Oh, absolutely.

But is the cost too high for clean air?

But is that cost too high for clean air?

because we don't have the money for it. How much money has the state allocated so far to aid in transportation aid, in Climate Bond Act aid, in trying to get the federal EPA aid in the previous administration to bankroll this unfunded mandate on all of our schools?

and it's going up again this year. So we've blown a lot of money on this, and so far we haven't really got very far. How much carbon has been saved so far? Don't you think that that's the measure that we ought to have an exact number each year as to how much carbon we're saving?

Well, I really appreciate that.

Just the date. Just the date.

Well, it is technologically feasible. It may not be affordable right now, but it is feasible to do. And if we really put our minds to it and made other sacrifices, we could do it. We felt that was in the best interest of all parties concerned that we stretched this out over a number of years.

I can't speak to the electric market.

Possibly.

On the bill.

Thank you. Ms. Peoples-Stokes? Please call the Tourism Committee to the Speaker's conference room. Tourism Committee members, please make your way to the Speaker's conference room. committee members, speakers, conference room, Mr. Pierzolo. Thank you, Madam Speaker. How

Well, school districts, our pupil population is shrinking statewide.

People having less children.

Yes.

I'm ready.

Well, I'm pretty sure that they are well vetted before the city utilizes any of their services. And I know that they would then be subject to the Inspector General investigation as well as the Attorney General, if anything nefarious has been happening to any of our young people.

I think that falls under the purview of the mayoral's administration or the school system itself.

Right. That's exactly what I said before. But I do think since we are

I'm sorry. I don't know what money you're referring to. Is this in foundation aid?

In foundation aid. Okay. I have to look at that because there are several lines in the

That's the complicatedness and the difficulty in changing the formula because it is extremely complicated the way it's put together.

I'm trying to find what you're referring to.

I'm sorry, sir. I don't know what this money is that you're referring to. If it's in the school runs, yes, it will be spent on school aid. It will be part of what we give or what we send to New York City.

First of all, that's not in this bill.

And that will be money that will come out of the city's overall budget.

Well, when I have the opportunity to get further clarification, I will come over to you.

Sam's fine.

I'm not sure what the number is.

It's higher than most districts in the country.

Well, we do have certain entities within the state that have oversight over this. The Inspector General, as I mentioned earlier, as well as the Attorney General. and if there's any hint of fraud, they will go in, just like we have a inspector general for Medicaid and people that are trying to rip off the system. And yes, there are fraudsters all over the state, all over this country.

Well, there is accountability always required for any money that's given. Reports have to be submitted on a timely basis. They're also open to random audits of their operation. We don't just give people money and turn our backs and say, do what you want to do with it.

Yes.

Well, is it costing too much in dollars to have clean air, which arguably keeps us all alive. So when you say clean air, where do you mean clean air?

Well, let's see, that's part of the problem, And one of the reasons that we had to push this back, because there was a movement afoot to improve or increase the number of solar and wind electric generating plants but somebody took the money away from that I won mention his name and we don have the money to produce the electricity non and we have to push things back to make up the difference.

Well, first of all, that's not part of this bill. Secondly...

Me personally, no, I cannot tell you of any solar panel that was shut down or any wind-generating fan that has shut down a fossil-burning fuel producer.

reality. Thank you so much for your question, sir. I truly appreciate it and

On the bell.

Speaker. Thank you. Ms. People Stokes? Speaker if you could please call the Transportation Committee to the Speaker's conference room. Transportation Committee members please make your way to the Speaker's conference room. Transportation Committee member, speakers conference room, Mr. Jensen.

Well, what we're looking at is like $10,000 per student, and that doesn't go basically into the classroom.

But they do get building aid that also qualifies.

It's a reimbursable. So they would have, with the reimbursable increase, they would have the ability to use it for either operational aid.

Okay, but first of all, it's not next year. It's for 28-29.

Yes.

Yes, that's how I know the best practices have to be used, and the districts then annually have to review their K-5 math curriculum for the alignment, and this should be done by September 1st, 2027.

Well, it's not going to be a one-size-fits-all. There will be some guidelines provided.

not all the way up through middle school.

So it's only going to be for elementary students.

Yes.

This is what the state ed had come up with. This is what they had asked for.

Yes.

Thank you. Ms. Bailey?

Yes.

Under subdivision four, last year we had indicated that schools, you know, could do an additional

They'll still be allowed to apply for waivers. So in 3032, as we're approaching that date, schools still have the ability to apply for

Okay.

Yes.

It could be.

Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. A party vote has been requested. Ms. Walsh.

Thank you. The clerk will record the vote. Mr. Bronstein to explain his vote.

Thank you, Mr. Bronson, in the affirmative. Mr. Weider, to explain his vote.

nearly a 50% salary increase, over $150,000. If we are investing at historic levels, then leadership must also be expected to deliver measurable improvement. I support this budget because our students deserve opportunity in strong schools but funding alone cannot be the measure of success Results matters accountability matters and the children of New York State deserve excellence Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Budgets involve compromise, for sure. However, I am elected not only on the line of a political party, but to represent a district. I promised that I would never again vote for pre-kindergarten programs in parts of the state that are not available to my constituents. Young families in my district should not have to pay $15,000 to $20,000 for private pre-K when others are getting it for free. Even with enhancements to pre-K reimbursement, approximately 50% of my constituents will be denied public pre-K. The promise that in 2028 will be provided is not convincing. We cannot bind future legislatures, and the future state of the nation and the economy at that time is hardly clear. I do, however, greatly and deeply appreciate the enhancements and aid to all our local municipalities, so I will be voting for the Aid to Localities Bill, but I vote in the negative on this bill. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. And it is a pleasure now to be moving on and voting on these various budget bills. And I will be supporting this legislation for a couple of key different reasons. As was mentioned by some of my colleagues, the UPK funding that is included in this budget, As one who's represented cities for 14 years now, they were early adopters to the UPK program and were kind of stuck at a certain level when it came to UPK funding. The fact that we are actually phasing them in and bringing them to an equal level has a very large, meaningful impact on those school districts and just as importantly on the children that will be participating in that program. I'm pleased that collectively we're able to work together to raise at least the minimum threshold. We know that we're in for challenging times. Schools district populations, through no fault of anybody here, because it's happening in all the states in this country, continue to decline. And that's going to continue to add future pressures. But this year, we're moving it up to at least a minimum floor of 2%, which will have a meaningful difference. I also want to speak briefly on the school bus delay. I support the concept of electric school buses. It makes good sense. However, it is very clear in the times that we are living in, when it comes to energy supply, when it comes to the challenges utilities are dealing with, when it comes to the challenges that ratepayers are dealing with, that now is not the time to continue to push this mandate. And I think the five-year delay is warranted. But I also think it's an opportunity for us collectively to work together to see how we make this program, how we reset this program to make sure it works and meets the accomplishments. Listen I in the North Country to a certain degree up here and my colleagues are even further north Oh I will stop at that Thank you for your support Goodbye Mr McDonald in the affirmative Ms Bailey to explain her vote Thank you Madam Speaker I will be voting no for this portion of the budget and that does not take away the positives that are in here. But I did just get off the phone with one of my superintendents who actually has a reduction from what the original school aid run was in the executive budget. And just with the delay, you know, yesterday they went to their voters with their school budget. I can't in good conscience pass this budget after the fact. That's very bothersome to me. The EV buses, as my colleagues have mentioned, I have school districts in rural upstate New York who have purchased EV buses and have done extensive data gathering. It does not work. I don't care how long we kick that can down the road, we're going to continue to kick that can down the road in upstate New York. And my concern is, you know, it's nice to hear from my colleague that we need to have the conversations and what does that look like moving forward. The school budgets went to vote yesterday. The propositions that got voted down on the school budgets in my area were those that were requesting EV buses. We really need to just look at this, look at could it not be a pilot program for school districts that wish to opt in. I believe we would have several that do, and then we would have those where it does not make sense not do it. So I will be voting no for this budget, although I am grateful for the increase in funding to the majority of my schools. And I do love the piece of, you know, back to the basics math. Being a numbers person, I applaud that and look forward to that. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, to explain my vote. Although I will be voting for the budget, I wanted to state my displeasure with the amount of changes or the lack of changes made to the state education funding formula. Although we have recommendations from the Rockefeller program recommending some minor changes, in my opinion, it doesn't go far enough. Too often, school districts like mine in the city of Yonkers, New York, where the present funding formula is based primarily on the wealth of the county you live in, the formula doesn't work for a city like mine. A city like mine that happens to be in a wealthy Westchester County community and county is shortchanged because in a city like mine, where we have the same number of English language learners, same number of special ed students percentages, and we have the same learning needs. We all know as educators it takes smaller class sizes, it takes a lot more services to serve students with special needs and English language learners. And although some strives have been made, Many school districts across our state are short-changed and their students are not given the ample of the quality education they deserve. And my hope is that we continue to encourage changes so there's equity in education and equality across the state. Thank you.

of my colleagues have pointed out with the electric school bus delay, while that's great, I represent almost a dozen school districts. I cannot count one that actually wants an EV bus mandate from the conception of this. So this body really has a lack of respect for local governments, specifically school boards, because Lord knows we're giving them a budget this late in May when most of these school boards have already started voting. And at this point, what does it even mean to be in a school board? I read an article today that people don't even want to be in a school board anymore. Well, why? Because clearly what they think and what they want doesn't matter according to this body. So the fact of the matter is that a five-year delay is political cowardice. And frankly, unless it was a full repeal and we allow actual local control, it's kind of a joke in my opinion. So I'll be down on that. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, this is my first budget. And since I've joined this chamber, I've been absolutely dogged in pushing back on the EV buses. What works in Manhattan may not necessarily work in Malone. And we know this. A five-year pause is a positive thing, and that's why I'll be voting for this budget. But we need to continue to look at the regional realities of capacity and cost structure. That is just a reality. my assembly district is the size of Rhode Island. Actually, it's bigger than the size of Rhode Island. And the school districts within there tell me again and again and again to get students to the various locations within their school district. They simply cannot charge. They could not make the connection. There is a real safety issue. In addition to that, we know many of our bridges in the area are deficient and, quite frank, are in critical need of investments there. So while today we take a pause, we must continue to work towards realistic approaches within the realities of the North Country and other areas. So with that, with the pause, I will vote in the affirmative. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for letting me interrupt our proceedings for an introduction on behalf of Assemblymember Pat Carroll. With us today is the Rockland County Legislator, Dr. Annie Paul, and other distinguished guests from the Indian Cultural Heritage and Arts Awareness Club, the India Cultural Society of Rockland, Hudson Valley Malayali Association, and Jevyan Jodi, who have joined us today to celebrate Indian Heritage Month. ICHAA and ICSR add to the diverse culture in Rockland County by promoting Indian heritage and culture through many events throughout the year. These events include concerts and other cultural shows, as well as food and clothing drives, giving back to their community. If you would please recognize them and give them the privileges of the floor, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we're going to be continuing our calendar today on page 20 by Ms. Bishot Hermelin, calendar number 184. Thank you.

Yes, this bill would amend the subdivision of the new section 380-A of the general business law to expand the definition of prohibited consumer credit history information that employers may not request or use in employment decisions to include student loan payment history. This bill prohibits employers from checking or using an applicant's student loan payment credit history, specifically bars employers from using information that would reveal the payment status of a student loan, and it applies to all employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, and retention.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield, please? Will the sponsor yield?

Thank you.

So what's the reason for this bill? Why are we doing this? Well, you know, this bill is necessary because student loans have been a major financial burden for millions of people, especially young workers, and employment decisions should be based on qualifications, not whether someone had difficulty paying a loan payment. All right. But I mean don you think that I guess you don because you put the bill forward But I mean what about the idea that an employee or an employer might be very interested to know if a potential or prospective employee is deep underwater in debt I don't think that should make a difference if they deep water in debt because of student loans. And, you know, student loans should be viewed also as different because they are tied to education, which is something that we want to encourage people to pursue. We want to encourage people to go to college, pursue a higher education, and people should not be penalized in the job market for investing in their future. So student loans, debt, should be viewed very different. It doesn't put someone in a position where they're irresponsible. Sometimes it's just really hard to find a job to pay back the student loan. Do you have the same point of view as far as other kinds of debt? Like if somebody is a prospective employee, but they're underwater in just general credit card debt? I do, actually. You know why? Because very often, students are a victim. They're targeted. Credit card companies come onto their campuses, and they target these students. And many of these students, especially students from my community, are not prepared to understand how they can be a victim of credit card use, especially when they have limited needs on campus. Many students from my community come from homes with very little means. Sometimes it's very tough to, you know, just buy your books so that you can continue to keep on with the class. And credit cards could be used as a means to finance their education as well. I mean, I completely agree with you that there is there are a lot of people in New York and around the country that don't know how to handle debt, that that charge up a lot of stuff that they really can't afford. I'm just saying that and I don't think that that is that is exclusive to, you know, any specific demographic within New York state. I just think that, I mean, my statistics show that, I don't know, 43 million people currently carry student loan debt. So, I mean, it's not like it's uncommon. I just am saying that from a prospective employer's point of view, I mean, I've been an employer that has handled payroll, handled hiring, handled benefits administration for a small company. And I would certainly want to know if I'm looking to hire somebody who has a little bit of debt or a lot of debt. And I would like to at least know that information. I mean, it's certainly not uncommon that people are going to have debt, but to know how much debt there is. I mean, because I think it does go to personal accountability. And, you know, not everybody's a victim. I don't know. I think that you've answered my questions, and I think probably at this point my opinions would be better expressed on the bill. So, Madam Speaker, may I please go on the bill?

Okay So just to continue I think that you know listen it not uncommon that we have student loan debt At one time I mean I think five of my six kids have gone through college and all of them came out with various amounts of debt But this bill doesn't mean just the debt, the student loan debt that a 21-year-old has when they're going out to get their first job. This could be a 45-year-old or a 55-year-old that's still carrying a substantial amount of student loan debt. And I think that that's good information for a prospective employer to have. If you have an individual that's in their 50s that's still carrying hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loan debt, I mean, as an employer, I would want to know that. I'd want to know that because maybe that person is going to be handling money in the job that I would be offering them. Maybe they would have to use discretion in making decisions that have to do with money. I don't know. I just think that it's information that's important. I think that overall, while I have sympathy for individuals that have racked up credit card or other debt, I think that, you know, there are many people who didn't. And if you're an employer and you're trying to decide who to hire, I think that that's good information to have. So it's interesting what this bill does, really, is it adds to a bill that was passed last year that was carried by another member, carried by Mr. Dinowitz. And that bill last year rendered the use of a job applicant's credit history an unlawful and discriminatory practice for an employer when hiring, compensating, or using for employment-related purposes. That bill passed 98 to 46. So what this bill does today is it takes student loan payment credit history, and it puts that into the definition of consumer credit history. So it builds upon, essentially, the bill from last year. So I guess what I'm saying is if you didn't like last year's bill and you voted against it, you're not going to probably like this one either because it's just adding to it. I think that student loan debt is so common that it's unlikely that employers are really likely to prioritize consideration of this type of information when hiring because it is just so common. but I don't think that that's any reason to prevent an employer from having this information or from giving it the weight that an employer feels that it deserves. So I will be opposing this bill. I would encourage my colleagues to also oppose it. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

On the bill, Madam Speaker, I just wanted to point out that student loan debt well is in excess of $1.2 trillion nationwide and climbing. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Board, the burden posed by this burgeoning debt is making it increasingly difficult for college graduates and attendees to meet their financial obligations in a timely manner. I also want to point out that this bill aims to protect applicant information that has no bearing on their ability to perform a job well or ethically. And this bill acts as a check against employers who may otherwise make assumptions about applicants based on student loan payment history. Studies have consistently shown there is no correlation whatsoever between one's debt and their ability to perform well or their qualifications for a position, despite nearly half of the employees in the United States considering one's credit history when making hiring decisions. And such practices have also been shown to have disproportionate effects on minority groups, such as women and people of color. women applicants with a bad credit report are significantly less likely to be selected over their male counterparts, even if their resumes are nearly identical. The study also found that running a credit check on black applicants with bad credit scores was less likely to be selected for callbacks over their white counterparts, ultimately underlying existing concerns that credit reports in hiring decisions exacerbate existing economic disadvantage. Students of color and first-generation students are more likely to depend on loans to get through school. 80% of black young adults pursue college with loans compared to 65% of their white peers. And according to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 5 million borrowers have not made a monthly payment in over 360 days and sit in default. Many for more than seven years. And 4 million borrowers are in late-stage delinquency, that is, 91 to 180 days late. This is not the fault of these individuals, as the incredible increases in tuition over the past few decades show. At the current rate, 10 million borrowers could be in default within a few months. In other words, 25% of federal student loan portfolio will be in default. It is inappropriate, absolutely inappropriate, under these conditions to draw conclusions about applicants who have student loan debts. Even ones who have been late on payments. We are in a true cost-of-living crisis in New York and across the country, and tuition increases have absolutely, absolutely played a role. Prohibiting the use of this information is a smart move that will ensure millions of applicants are not unfairly judged by their potential employer. Again, this bill is important. The student loan debt is not a character flaw. It is not a measure of responsibility, integrity, or work ethic. It is a reflection of the cost of opportunity in America, a cost that falls hardest on working families, first-generation students, immigrants, and communities of color. When employers use student loan payment history to judge whether someone deserves a job, they are not measuring reliability. They are measuring economic hardship. They are measuring who had general wealth and who did not. And that is discrimination, plain and simple. And let's be clear. People fall behind on student loans for the same reasons they fall behind on rent, medical bills, or child care. Because the cost of living outpates wages. Because life happens. Because the system is unequal. Look at all of us here, Madam Speaker. However, we haven't gotten paid for several weeks. And guess what? I bet you that many of us are falling behind in some of our financial responsibilities But should we be judged not to be legislators anymore Should the people of New York fire us because we fall behind No None of that has anything to do whether someone can show up, work hard, and contribute to their workplace. And when we allow employers to use student loan payment status as a barrier to employment, we trap them in a vicious cycle. You can't pay your loans because you don't have a job, and you can't get a job because you can't pay your loans. That is not fairness. That is not justice, and that is not the New York we are building. In closing, if education is supposed to be the great equalizer, then we cannot allow student debt to become the great disqualifier. This bill ensures that New Yorkers are judged by their skills, their character, and their commitment, not by the balance of a loan they took out to chase the American dream. I will be voting in the affirmative. Madam Speaker, thank you.

Mr. Pirazzolo. Madam Speaker, if I may, on the bill.

So this really wasn't a bill I thought I would want to comment on, but I just want to throw back, I don't agree with a lot of the sponsors' comments, and I'm just going to use one kind of an example. So in my particular business, it doesn't really make a difference to me if a person is paying their student loan or they're not paying their student loan or possibly other bills. But what does make a difference to me and what may become relevant in a decision is if I'm speaking to someone and we talk about the student loan, let's say it comes up, if they say, you know, I'm behind on my student loan, but I'm trying to do the best that I can. I need a job for this reason. And I see that that person is aggressive and they're trying to work. That puts them really at the top of the list as far as people to choose from. If I'm doing an interview with someone, and again, not necessarily my business, but I can see other employers' point of view. If I'm doing an interview with someone who says, yeah, I have student debt, but I'm just not going to pay it anymore because I'm waiting for another bailout, or I just ignore it, or, you know, I don't think I can do it, so I push it off. Well, that's a totally different candidate that I'm possibly hiring and bringing into a business. So I think that the way a person answers questions certainly could lead to whether a decision should be made on this employee could be more valuable to me, more valuable to my company, more valuable to my patients, my customers, or anything that's happening, rather than someone who's going to say, well, you know, I got the job. Maybe I just have to sit here because I don't really have to earn it, just like I don't really have to pay back my debts, no matter what type of debts they are. So I'm going to have to vote no on this bill. Thank you.

Mr. Gandolfo Thank you Madam Speaker The Republican conference will generally be opposed to this bill However, any member who wishes to vote yes May do so at their desks now Thank you Ms. Lunsford

The majority conference will be in the affirmative on this bill If you would like to deviate from that position You may do so at your desks Thank you

Thank you Madam Speaker I stand to, let me keep it tight. I want to applaud the sponsor on this legislation. And it just befounds me with the things that have happened in Washington and the things that have been eroded, that America is so badly in debt that people would probably never get a job if it was up to certain people. I think it unimaginable that an employer a prospective employer needs to know about my responsibilities to education and those bills I think that if I found someone that had a big debt to student loan I would probably want that person because they be available for work study, not work study, for overtime and everything. But it is none of the employer's business whether or not. And for the record, I was in debt for over $600,000 in student loan when I started it. Nobody gave me jack diddly. America availed us to an opportunity to be able to pay off your loan and work simultaneously. And if we're going to get ahead and we're telling our children to go to school, then we damn sure should not burden them with debt that is going to strangle them to death. It is imperative that we let this go forward. America can do better, hasn't done better, but New York State can lead the way by allowing people that are in debt to be able to go to work and pay. If not, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You don't care about what you're doing, so therefore you can't get ahead, but you won't give me an employment opportunity. Let's not talk about it. Let's be about it. I vote in the affirmative.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There's a very famous quote that says, if you owe the bank $100, that's your problem. If you owe the bank $100 million, that's the bank's problem. That's by a very well-known oil tycoon, founder of Getty Oil. And he's a hyper-mega capitalist that knows the system inside out. But he himself, along many other people who are part of the system, know the flaws of our debt and debt systems and finance systems, especially around student debt. $1.2 trillion and rising. Imagine that could be forgiven. Imagine the impact of that money going back into local commerce, local business, local economy, housing, car loans, all the things that young people can't afford. This is not, this is no brainer. Any developed country around the world has forgiven student debt or at least given a haircut because it does not make any sense. We're the only country that still persists because part of it is you have to look at the data. It's racial. It disproportionately impacts black and brown students. The majority of the students that are suffering from debt are black and brown students. And they have the least ability to rise up and have access to social mobility. So if you really want economic equality, if you really want an economy that works, at the minimum, we shouldn't judge people by their history of what they have in student debt. We should go further, and we should be tackling this debt for our students and borrowers. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to congratulate the sponsor of this bill. It is no one's business as an employer of what your debt is in an interview. And I want to say proudly for the 10 years that I've served in this assembly that every member of my staff, except for this one, has been in debt. And we have solved 10,000 cases, have passed 50 bills, made them into law. And it doesn't judge anybody's ability to get to work on time, to do a good job and be responsible. and maybe taking the approach of an employer to be a mentor to those that don't have privilege is a way that we solve this problem. Thank you to the sponsor for bringing this forward.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We will now go to our friend Ms. Rosenthal, calendar number 228, page 23.

An explanation has been requested. Ms. Rosenthal. Okay, this bill would require the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to publish results of the annual audit of 25% of the submitted and approved applications for major capital improvement rent increases.

Good afternoon again, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield for some questions? Will the sponsor yield?

The sponsor yields.

How are you today? I'm good, thank you. How are you? Good, good. In that explanation, could you just go over that one more time? You're looking to post the results of what? Okay. approved applications for major capital improvement rent increases. Okay, so can I get an explanation of that? So if a landlord has an emergency repair, they... It's not emergency.

Ms. Lunsford.

Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. Party vote's been requested. Mr. Gandolfo.

Ms. Lunsford.

Thank you. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. 3 nays 41 the bill is passed miss Lunsford

1204, Rules Report 138, Ms. Solange, an act to amend the real property tax law. The bill is laid aside. Assembly number 3029A, Calendar Rules Report 139, Ms. Callas, an act to amend the executive law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 141, nays 3. The bill is passed. Ms. Lunsford.

The clerk will read. Page 9, Rules Report 170. Thank you. Assembly number 11465, Rules Report 170, Committee on Rules, Mr. Pretlow. Governor's message is at the desk. Clerk will read. I hereby certify to an immediate vote, Kathy Hochul, Governor. An explanation has been requested. Mr. Pretlow.

Mr. Palmasano.

I look forward to talking to you another time, but I appreciate your time.

On the bill.

The Senate bill is advanced. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 1. The bill is passed. Ms. Lunsford.

Assembly, we welcome you. As we are excited that you're here today, clearly you bring a great movement of individuals that are so sincere in regards to honoring so many individuals. So again, I thank you for being here today. I appreciate you bringing not only your culture, but outstanding food that you have shared with so many of us. Thank you. Thank you I consent page 3 Rules Report 140 The clerk will read Assembly number 3458, Rules Report 140, Mr. Santa Barbara, an act to amend the real property tax law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed.

On consent, page 3, Rules Report 141, Clerk will read. Assembly number 3602, Rules Report 141, Ms. C. Wright, an act to amend the elder law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The Clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, noes 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 5578A, Rules Report 142, Ms. Hunter, an act to amend the real property tax law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. Clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 6032, Rules Report 143, Ms. Griffin, an act to amend the real property tax law. On a motion by Ms. Griffin, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is advanced. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. Clerk will record the vote. Ms. Griffin to explain her vote.

Thank you, Ms. Griffin, in the affirmative. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 6347, Rules Report 144, Mr. Otis, an act to amend the state technology law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect on the 365th day. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 7844B, Rules Report 145, Mr. Sempolinsky, an act to amend the town law and the public officer's law. On a motion by Mr. Sempolinsky, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is advanced. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8030A, Rules Report 146, Ms. Hunter, an act to amend the real property law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. Clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8124, Rules Report 147, Mr. Pretlow, an act to amend the executive law. This bill is laid aside. Assembly number 8567, Rules Report 148, Ms. Simon, an act to amend the real property actions and proceedings law. On a motion by Ms Simon the Senate bill is before the House the Senate bill is advanced this bill is laid aside Assembly number 8798A Rules Report 149 Ms Warner an act to amend the highway law Read the last section This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Walsh in the affirmative. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Room, Codes Committee, members to the speakers, conference room on page 5, rules report 150. Clerk will read. Assembly number 8901A, rules report 150, Ms. Torres, an act to amend the agriculture and markets law. On a motion by Ms. Torres, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is advanced. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9321, Rules Report 151, Mr. Berger, an act to amend the education law. On a motion by Mr. Berger, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is advanced. Read the last section. This act shall take effect on the 120th day. The clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9539, Rules Report 152, Mr. Cashman, an act to authorize certain health care professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. Clerk will record the vote. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 143, nays 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9665, Rules Report 153, Mr. Cashman, an act to repeal paragraph G of subdivision 4 of section 209 of the Civil Service Law.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, I rise with the utmost respect and humility to honor this day. on behalf of all of those killed and displaced by the Pontian Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian genocide, commonly and historically referred to as the Armenian Genocide, in recognition of their fate, which ensnared so many, two of whom were my grandparents. Ironically, I speak very infrequently of this. In fact, publicly, the only time I have is in this chamber. And I do so not to seek your pity, but simply your acknowledgement that this event occurred. For the benefit of those who may not know, this genocide was the first state-sponsored mass genocide of modern civilization and served as the blueprint from which the Germans refined the concept to use against the Jews 20 years later. Their participation was as a result of the Ottoman-German wartime alliance with many German officials, both military officers and diplomats, witnessing firsthand the atrocities committed against these ethnic Christian minorities. Taking place from 1914 to 1922, it was a systematic extermination of an entire population where the Ottoman Turks directed the killing of over 353,000 Pontian and Anatolian Asia Minor Greeks and another million-plus Armenians and Assyrians. An equal number were forced to flee their homeland in one of the most condemnable atrocities in the history of the world. These refugees were largely considered stateless and were resettled worldwide. And depending on the source consulted, these numbers of those killed and resettled are considered conservative. The Ottoman regime sought to consolidate its wartime position and to finance the Turkification of Anatolia by confiscating the assets of murdered or deported Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. This illegal redistribution of property also provided incentive for large numbers of ordinary people to join in the assault on their neighbors. Last crimes against humanity must always be condemned because studies by genocide scholars demonstrate the single best predictor of future genocide is denial of past genocide coupled with impunity for its perpetrators. Genocide deniers are three times more likely to commit genocide again versus other governments. Let us forever be vigilant. Thank you for listening.

Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Yoga Day is an ancient Hindu practice dating back over 5,000 years. And it started in North India where the word yoga was first used in the Vedas. It is a practice that promotes physical well-being through stretching, exercises that enhances posture, flexibility, balance, and can even help ease body pain. Yoga also improves mental well-being. Today we heard from the special prayer from the world yoga leader, our friend Guruji Thankapan, who will hold a yoga class and meditation tomorrow in the LOB from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So if anyone is interested in joining yoga, learning about the benefits of yoga, It is really catching up in the U.S. as one of the great healing activities. Thank you very much.

Mr. DiSefano on the resolution. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hazing Prevention Week is an important time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of hazing and promoting respect, safety, and inclusion in schools, colleges, athletic teams, and organizations. Hazing has been a longstanding issue in many groups where new members are pressured to participate in harmful, humiliating, and dangerous activities in order to gain acceptance. Although some people may see hazing as a tradition or rite of passage, it often causes serious emotional physical and psychological harm Hazing Prevention Week reminds communities that belong should never come to the cost of a person dignity or safety One of the main goals in Hazing Prevention Week is education Many students and young people do not fully understand what hazing is or how harmful it can be. Hazing can range from verbal abuse and embarrassing tasks to physical violence, excessive drinking, or sleep deprivation. Even activities that may appear harmless can become dangerous when someone feels forced or intimidated into participating. Through workshops, assemblies, campaigns, and discussions, Hazing Prevention Week teaches individuals how to recognize hazing behaviors and encourages them to speak out against them. Another important aspect of Hazing Prevention Week is promoting positive leadership and healthy team-building activities. Organizations often claim that hazing creates unity and strengthens bonds, but true teamwork is built on trust, encouragement, and mutual respect. Positive traditions such as volunteer projects, mentorship programs, and group activities can help new members feel welcome without fear or humiliation. By replacing harmful practices with supportive experiences, organizations can create environments where everyone feels valued and safe. Hazing Prevention Week also honors victims who have suffered because of the hazing incidents. Tragically, some hazing situations have resulted in severe injuries or even death. These stories serve as a painful reminder of why prevention is necessary. Families, schools, and advocacy groups use this week to share personal experiences and encourage stronger anti-hazing policies. These efforts inspire communities to take responsibility and ensure that no student or member experiences abuse in the name of tradition. In conclusion, Hazing Prevention Week is more than just a campaign. It is a call to action for respect, accountability, and compassion. It encourages people to challenge harmful traditions and create communities where inclusion is based on kindness rather than intimidation. By educating others, supporting victims, and promoting positive alternatives, Hazing Prevention Week helps build safer environments for everyone. Every individual has a role in preventing hazing and ensuring that all members of a group are treated with dignity and respect. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise with a heavy heart to speak on this resolution and to ask my colleagues to pause in remembrance of someone who served admirably. Agent Sean McDonough was a son of the North Country. He lived in DePaulville. He served as the Customs and Border Patrol station in Wellesley Island. he gave nearly two decades of his life to federal law enforcement. After first wearing the uniform in the United States Army and the Army National Guard as a military police officer, from the moment he was old enough to serve, he served. That's simply who he was. On May 1st, while conducting a Marine unit training on the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, Sean suffered a fatal medical emergency. He died in the line of duty, doing what he had done every day for nearly 20 years, preparing the public to protect the public, the people of this country and the community along the northern border. Last week, the streets of Clayton, New York, were lined with officers, agents, neighbors, and friends. They came from across the state and across the nation to honor him. That procession told you everything you needed to know about the man. Sean was a respected agent by his fellow agents, he was loved by the community, and he was grounded in the values of his faith. His Irish Catholic heritage, the ancient Order of Hiberians, whose motto is friendship, unity, and Christian charity. He lived it every single day. But above all, Sean was a husband to Samantha and a father to Rory and Nora. That is the loss that cuts the deepest. A family in DePaulville, New York, is grieving today, and our entire region grieves with them. In the North Country, we know the men and the women who serve our nation, whether it's in the military or guarding our border. They are our neighbors, they coach our kids, and they sit in the pews of church next to us on Sunday. Sean was all of those things. His loss is felt in every corner of the North Country and far beyond it. I want to thank my colleagues and ask for their support with this resolution. And with that, I ask every member of this chamber to join me in honoring Sean McDonough. To Samantha, to Rory, and to Nora, the entire McDonough family, and to every agent who wears the patch alongside him, know this. The people of New York State stand with you. We will not forget him. We will not forget his service. We will carry his memory with the dignity it deserves. Agent Sean McDonough was 48 years old. His tour duty was 19 years. He wore the badge W-25. His end of watch was May 1, 2026. Thank you.

Ms. Lunsford. I now move that the Assembly stand adjourned and that we reconvene tomorrow, Thursday, May 21st, at 10 a.m. tomorrow being a session day.