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Madam Speaker, will you please call the House to order?

Let us pray. O God, whom we call by many names, accept our gratitude for the beauty of this day and the promise it holds. Thank you for the goodness made known to us in one another. and we count it as a privilege to be able to do meaningful work that builds up our communities, our state, our nation, and the world. Pour out a generous measure of your love and your spirit and grace upon each assembly member and upon all staff, those in the spotlight and those whose work goes unseen. gift the whole body with wisdom, compassion, and discernment, and enable them to use their most intelligent and creative ideas to make decisions, to hone a budget, to solve problems, and to reach across differences in perspective, help them and fill them with courage and hope, and strengthen their listening as well as their speaking. Thank you. Comfort any who grieve, heal those who on this day feel unwell or are feeling weary, protect all who are in harm's way, and hasten the day when all people will have the basic necessities of life and the hope to live lives of joy and thanksgiving. And you, O God, make peace in high places, bring peace to our world. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

Mr. Fall. Madam Speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading of the journal of Friday, April 24th,

So with that, as a general outline, Madam Speaker, let us begin by calling for the Ways and Means Committee to meet in the Speaker's Conference Room.

purpose of an introduction. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have three guests from my district down. If you were going through the well today, you would see the celebration of the Adirondacks. Adirondack Day is here and every year we try to promote the Adirondacks and it was a great event. We probably still down there for a little while but today coming down from the North Country is Jackie Kelly who is the governor's superintendent, the high school superintendent. With her is Pat Kelly, who is the CEO of St. Lawrence County's IDA, and Mark Hall, who's chairman of the Adirondack Park Agency, all very important individuals that support the Adirondacks, and I would like to have you welcome them to the chamber and offer them the cordiality of the floor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce distinguished leaders from local government and the 115th District who have joined us here at the Capitol today for Adirondack Day. They made a trip to advocate for the needs and the priorities of their communities and the broader North Country. Joining us in the chambers today are Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Chuck Kostick, Village of Champlain Mayor Janet Mufetridge, and Town of Moore Supervisor Jeff Menard. Menard. Each of them brings a strong commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region. I am grateful for their leadership, their friendship, and taking the time today to be here. Madam Speaker, would you please welcome

Mr. Vanell, on the resolution. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Sure April is the National Financial Literacy Month and it is a time dedicated to boost financial wellness by improving financial management skills setting goals and understanding investment It also an ideal opportunity to spring clean to make sure that you take care of your personal finances you create budgets build emergency funds and to review credit reports and to reduce financial stress New York State is the financial capital of the world. We have to make sure that New Yorkers are financially literate. We encourage and to focus on the fundamentals to emphasize creating and reviewing a personal budget, to establish a personal fund, and learning to manage debt. We also want to make sure that people are connected to resources, where you can use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, also use Social Security Administration for your retirement plans, and also with the Department of State Attorney General's office. And we're going to be working hard this year to provide statewide financial literacy programs for New Yorkers from the youth, adults and seniors. So let's make sure that we recognize Financial Literacy Month, but not just for the month, but for every day for everyday New Yorkers.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank the sponsor for bringing this up today. Financial literacy is incredibly important, and it should be something that everyone has access to and really everyone has comfort with. No matter what your background is, no matter where you are, how you grew up, financial literacy really is the key to a long-term successful life for so many people to get people, whether it's out of poverty, move upward mobility, living the American dream in their houses. So I've had the benefit of reading a number of financial books that have changed my life. So I really think it's important that we do everything that we can in this body to make sure that future generations have the opportunity to live the American dream, to propel themselves forward and to really take advantage of everything that capitalism has to offer. So with that, again, I want to thank the sponsor. And it is a good month to talk about finances. Thank you.

Mr. Jacobson on the resolution. Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I want to thank the sponsor for this resolution. As most of you know, I've had a bill to require that all high school seniors receive during their course a high school financial literacy course. And while I was not successful in passing this bill, I was successful in lobbying and advocating for it because the State Education Department is now going to require financial literacy for all high schoolers in New York State. So we have to stay on top of it to make sure that our schools follow through, and we give enough support, not only morally but financially, so that all of the schools will be able to meet this important requirement. Thank you.

Aye.

Mr. Fall. Madam Speaker, can you call on the Rules Committee to meet in the Speaker's conference room?

Mr. Anderson on the resolution. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise this afternoon to speak on this very important resolution that I've introduced for the past few years here on this floor to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April as Second Chance Month in the state of New York. It is so important that we acknowledge individuals who are reintegrating into the community after serving time in prison and those who are incarcerated that are doing the right thing behind bars and are earning the opportunity in which to either go before parole or to see an opportunity outside of behind bars. The opportunity to afford individuals a second chance in life is a core American value. Nearly 70 million Americans have criminal records, but each year about 640,000 people will return from incarceration nationwide, and that includes about 20,000 people here in the state of New York. And so we also must acknowledge that there are a number of different barriers that impact New Yorkers as they're returning home from incarceration. We also need to recognize that many formerly incarcerated folks were once victims themselves of harmful upbringings and socioeconomic factors that led them down the wrong path. We need to move from a space that is punitive solely to a space that also rehabilitates and re-educates those who need and want and call for that support. And that's why each year I introduce this resolution on the floor to call on this body and the governor to memorialize Second Chance Month because we know that folks do deserve a chance at redemption. So, Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will support this resolution today, and I hope that back in their districts and in their communities across the state that they will acknowledge this very important month as we fight to make sure that all New Yorkers who earn it and fight hard can have a second chance. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. DeStefano on the resolution. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this resolution. September is going to be Support Animal Appreciation Month in the state of New York. It's time to recognize the incredible roles support animals play in the lives of so many people. These animals provide comfort, companionship, and stability to individuals facing emotional, physical, and mental challenges. Whether they are guiding someone through their anxiety, helping a veteran cope with trauma, or simply offering unconditional love during difficult times, support animals make a powerful difference in everyday life. Dogs, cats, and other support animals are more than pets. They are trusted companions who help reduce stress, loneliness, and depression. Their presence can bring a calm influence and confidence to those who rely on them. For many people, a support animal is an important part of healing and independence. Support Animals Appreciation Month also reminds us that the responsibility that comes with caring for these animals. They deserve kindness, proper training, medical care, and loving homes. By treating them with respect, we honor their service that they provide. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the bond between humans and animals to thank these loyal companions for the comfort and support they give so selflessly. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Saez on the resolution. Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I rise today celebrating Albanian American independence which took place on November 28, 1912. 12th, and also to celebrate the Albanian-American community in my city of Yonkers, New York State, and the nation, nearly 300,000 people that live in the United States of Albanian descent who came in the early 19th century as all other ethnic groups worked very hard, supported their families, promoted business development and economic growth. And I got to tell you the level of expertise especially in the restaurant and the food industry has been extraordinary And I sampled their cuisine so often to the point that it really sets a standard for outstanding service and quality So today is significant because we continue here in the state capitol, in the assembly, to recognize the diversity of New York State and the flavors of different cultures and traditions, especially the Albanian-American community that they bring to our great state. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I rise to recognize Albanian American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate a community that has contributed so much to our state and to our country. And in my district, I have the privilege of representing one of the largest and fastest growing Albanian American communities in this state. These are families who came here in search of an opportunity, of stability, a better life, not just for themselves, but for the next generation of Albanian Americans. And what they have built is something worth recognizing today. They have opened businesses, strengthened neighborhoods, supported our local economies, and have raised families grounded in strong values. For many Albanian Americans, the journey to this country was not easy. It was shaped by sacrifice, by uncertainty, and by courage to start over. And that history is not forgotten. It lives in its own ways in communities that show up for one another and for all of us. And this month is about honoring that story. It's about recognizing a heritage rich in culture, in language, and tradition, and a community that contributes to growth and to leadership. But it's also personal because when I look across my district, I don't just see statistics or demographics. I see neighbors. I see small business owners. I see parents and students. I see the work of one of my predecessors, Mark Jonai, who was a former member of this body. I see the work of my chief of staff, Ornella Bashiri, who leads my district's efforts. And I see the work of Artie 100 Malzou, who serves my district as its district leader. And so Albanian American Heritage Month is a reminder that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and the stories of immigrant communities are woven into the fabric of who we are as a state. And with that, I rise proudly to support this resolution. Thank you so much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, can you call on the Aging Committee to meet in the Speaker's Conference Room?

Mr. Fall.

Madam Speaker, members have on their desk an A calendar. I now move to advance the A calendar.

Yes, Madam Speaker, and good afternoon, my colleagues. Today we're doing another extender. This bill would ensure funding for state operations and other programs through April 30th, 2026. The bill includes additional funding for institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, support for OPWD deep services, veterans programs, and general state charges. Mr. Palmisano. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the chairman yield for some questions? Will the chair yield? Absolutely. Chair yields. Hello, Mr. Pratlow. I hope you had a nice weekend. It was very nice. It rained. No rain, no snow? No snow. It just rained this weekend. Hopefully an optimistic side for our budget negotiations, would you say, maybe? Yes. Good. That's good. Just real quickly, just go over a few things, if I may. I know we talked about it. What period? Well, it says April 30th. This goes to April 30th, correct? Yes. And the total amount this being our seventh budget extender the total amount with the seven budget extenders how much would that be billion Okay And, again, what is the increase in this extender above the previous extender? This is $2.5 billion. Okay. And you had mentioned this is for our institutional payroll, is that correct? Yes. So, like, for DOCS, OPWD, OMH, DOH, stuff like that? Yes. Yes. Okay, perfect. Since we talked last week, I was wondering if we could maybe just kind of get into a little bit about where things stand, where we spent, where we talked last time. Have we begun negotiating on the spending side of the budget yet? And if so, have we established any table targets? As I had mentioned to you, the last time we had this conversation, we have not been discussing anything fiscal at this point. We're mostly dealing with the various policy items that are included in the budget. Okay, that's fair enough. That's what I thought, but I just wanted to ask the question. As far as some of these policy proposals are concerned, I think I saw a report that we might be close on some auto insurance changes. Is there any details on that that you might be able to share with us? I'm not interested to share any details, but I can assure you that we're getting closer on actually all the issues that we're in question. So you feel we're getting closer on auto insurance? I believe we're closer in auto insurance, we're closer in immigration, we're closer on CLCPA, and we're closer on the other thing. That's good to know. So with that being close, do you expect that we might be taking up any budget bills by the end of this week? Well, when we finish with the policy items, then we have to start negotiating the dollars in those budgets. So that's going to take at least another week. We're going to do, I believe, an extender later this week for the next week. And then, you know, once everything is finalized, it's going to take three or four days to debate the budget unless you accept everything that's provided there. Okay, that's fair enough. Appreciate that explanation. Our next extender, would you expect we'd be taking it up on Wednesday or Thursday? I know it goes until Thursday. I believe it'll be Wednesday. Okay, that's good to know. And that extender, would that, what possible payroll would be, addressing a payroll during that budget extender? Well, the next payroll is due by the 30th. Okay. And I know, like, this one's the institutional. Would that be one, like, with emergency payroll, or would that be something else? Yes. Okay, perfect. Mr. Pretlow, as always, I appreciate your time. I look forward to our next conversation later in the week. Madam Speaker, on the bill?

I want to thank the chairman again for his time and trying to give us a little bit more clarification of where we are. But the score right now is seven budget extenders versus one budget bill. We are now 27 days late. And although there seems a bit of optimism from the chairman, we are still a ways to go, apparently said. Seven budget extenders. And really, we don't seem to know where we stand specifically on where these issues are. I know there's talks that are getting closer, but we still don't have any details. The people we represent at home do not have any details. No table targets, no financial plans still. And we use the word emergency all the time. It's really lost its meaning. This isn't an emergency. There's no urgency. Just simply delay, delay, delay. And let's put that into perspective. Our budget was due April 1st. And when you look at other large states like California, Florida, and Texas, which we're compared to on different occasions, They haven't had a late budget in the past five years, but we've been late every budget under Governor Hochul five years in a row, not one budget on time. And those states that I mentioned, they're not divided government either. They're controlled by one party, but they seem to be able to get a budget done on time. How come we cannot do that? It seems like a late budget is not inevitable. It's a choice. And New York has really become the outlier. Almost every other state manages to pass a budget on time, which reflects priorities, negotiations, and compromise on time. And instead of transparency, we continue to get silence. Instead of a plan, we continue to get more and more extenders. This is really not a process anyone should be defending. This is a process that shuts people out. And we hear a lot about New York leading, leading by example, and setting the standard. But this is not leadership. This is not an example anyone should be following. Unfortunately, it's the example that we continue to set. So, Madam Speaker, although I'm disappointed here again, but I'm going to vote yes on this extender because it's imperative that we keep government open, pay our state employees who do a tremendous job all across the board for us to let them know that even though it's It's dysfunctional in the legislature and the governor not getting a budget done on time that we're going to continue to recognize their service, important quality service they provide us to make sure they get their paychecks and their paychecks on time, and that the services they provide and the services that are provided to individuals around the state in need get those services. So again, I will be voting yes, but hopefully next time we talk we're going to be even closer, and let's get this done for the people we represent. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Fall. Madam Speaker can you call on the Agriculture Committee to meet in the Speaker Conference Room Agriculture Committee members please make your way to the Speaker Conference Room Agriculture Committee members please make your way to the Speaker Conference Room

Madam Speaker, on behalf of Mr. Rago, we have an introduction for some special guests in his district, in District 30. We welcome the Burr, Macy, and they are actually right behind you, Madam Speaker. We welcome the Burma Sea and Thai communities of Assembly District 30 and across New York State. Earlier today, they came together to host a joint celebration of Sang Kran and Ting Yang, beautiful traditions that mark the new year in Thailand and Myanmar. These festivals highlight, share themes of renewal, reflection, and community. Madam Speaker, would you be so kind to welcome this group to the People's House?

Madam Speaker, can you call on the Children's and Families Committee to meet in the Speaker's conference room?

Madam Speaker, we have an introduction on behalf of Member Paulin and Member Burdick. We are pleased to introduce Armando and Sheila Gramaggio to the People's House. both of them selflessly helped a woman who was in a dire situation and are viewed as heroes by the local community. And I ask you if you could join me in recognizing Armado and Sheila for their actions and virtues and extend to them the privileges of the floor.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The bill is passed. Assembly number 8204A, calendar 358, Ms. Clark, an act to amend the education law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect on the 30th day. The clerk will record the vote. Ms. Walsh to explain her vote.

Thank you, Ms. Walsh, in the affirmative.

The bill is passed. Assembly number 8263B, calendar 359, Ms. DeZaccaro, an act to amend the executive law. This bill is laid aside. Assembly number 8443, calendar 360, Ms. Davila, an act to amend the social services law. On a mission by Ms. Davila. 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.

The bill is passed. Assembly number 8470B, calendar 361, Mr. Magnarelli, an act to amend the public authority's law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote.

Ayes 139, nos 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8722A, calendar 362, Ms. Pfeffer-Amato, an act to amend a civil service law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. Clerk will record the vote.

Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 139, nos 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8771, calendar 363, Mr. Santa Barbara, an act to amend the general business law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote.

Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 139, nos 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8796, calendar 364, Mr. Boras, an act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately.

Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 140, noes 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8849B, calendar 365, Mr. McDonald, an act to amend the public health law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote.

Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 140, nos 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9001, calendar 366, Mr. Steck, an act to amend the mental hygiene law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect on the 180th day The clerk will record the vote

Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 141, nos 0. The clerk will record the vote. Oh, excuse me. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9248, calendar 367, Mr. Berger. an act to amend the tax law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record this vote.

Mr. McDonald, an act to amend the general business law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect on the 180th day. The clerk will record the vote. Mr. McDonald to explain his vote.

Mr. McDonald in the affirmative. Mr. Jacobson, to explain his vote.

Mr. Jacobson in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 141, nos 0. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9304, calendar 369, Ms. Rosenthal, an act to amend the public health law. Read the last section. This act shall take effect immediately. The clerk will record the vote.

Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 140, nos 1. Bill is passed. Assembly number 9351A, calendar 370, Mr. Magnarelli. An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law. Read the last action. This act shall take effect on the 180th day. The clerk will record the vote.

Are there any other votes Are there any other votes Announce the results. Ayes 141, nays 0. The bill is passed. Mr. Fall.

Yes. Yes, we have one resolution by Mr. Dinowitz. The clerk will read. Assembly number 1198, Mr. Dinowitz, legislative resolution mourning the death of the Honorable Elliot Engel, Assemblyman, Congressman, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community. Mr. Dinowitz on the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. Dinowitz. So, you know, my recollections of Congressman Engel, um, I was a pretty good student in school. The first award that I got for my achievement in school came from then Assemblyman Elliot Engel. So that's how far back my relationship with Congressman Engel goes. And it wasn't always a time that he and I were political allies. But I'd say the one thing about him, it never became anything personal with me and him. But then once I got elected to the Assembly, I'd say we were very close allies. we worked on a lot of things. But the life that Congressman Engel lived was really about service. I mean, from a young age, he was a member of the assembly and then served with distinction in Congress. And he was, I'd say, an absolute person that was dedicated to my community in the Northeast Bronx, and it was a privilege, like I said, to think that I would one day serve as a government colleague to someone who gave me my first award in school is just something, a testament to him, to my neighborhood, about the closeness of people when you decide to give your life to public service. And that's something that the congressman did. He gave his entire adult life to people in his community and the people that he represented. And he represented all areas of his district well. So he absolutely deserves recognition in this resolution and absolutely may his soul rest in peace. Mr. Benedetto on the resolution.

Ms Poland on the resolution Thank you Mr Speaker I got to know Elliot later than most of the rest of you He was redistricted to represent my area, I guess, two redistrictings ago. And I remember when I first met him, he gave me his cell phone. And I didn't expect to get it, nor did I expect to really use it. And then I think it was maybe two weeks later, I was off Saturday night going to a wedding, and I got an emergency call from a staff person representing the interests of a constituent in my district whose brother was dying. And they had two sisters from a country. They needed a special visa to get there. And they wanted those sisters to see their brother, who was just maybe 48 hours from his deathbed. And I didn't know what to do. So I called Elliot. It was, I'm going to say, 6 o'clock on a Saturday night, and I didn't really even know him, and I shared the experience. And by Sunday, these two women were on a plane coming to visit their dying brother. And I will always just remember how responsive and how immediate he was to something that was something he didn't have to do. He didn't have to pick up the phone, and he didn't have to act that quickly. He was a Congress member for a long time. and I just appreciated how responsive he was to regular people. He was also an avid Mets fan, something that I shared with him that the three people here did not, and how excited he was to go to games, and we went to games together, and sometimes he brought some of his Yankee fans with him, and they tolerated his enthusiasm and his love for that team. So I just have these wonderful memories, and I wanted to show them. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to give my condolences on behalf of the residents of Yonkers, New York. Elliot Tangle represented the Bronx and predominantly Yonkers, And I've had an opportunity on numerous occasions to know and deal firsthand with Congressman Engel and witnessed his availability and his recognition of the diversification in his district. And he made it his attempt to attend every event, every cultural event. He made it his attempt to reach out and work, as the Assembly members have stated, on many matters that might be federal matters immigration matters and other departments So he will dearly be missed And he definitely is someone that took the role of congressman very seriously and really dedicated his life to doing his best So our deepest sympathy to the Engel family and to his legacy. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although I represent Brooklyn, that's not really where I started, as many of my colleagues know. I was a young aide in the Bronx years ago and had many occasions to encounter Congressman Engel. And whenever I was in his universe, I was probably the one person around him he could have ignored more than anyone else. I was a staffer. I didn't even live in the Bronx. But he was the epitome of a mensch. He was somebody who would take the time to ask you how you're doing, put his arm around you. And when we were in government settings and we were dealing with whatever issues we were dealing with at the time, there was really no fact as minute it may be that he didn't have his thumb on. He understood the neighborhoods he represented. He understood every aspect of government. The last time we had a chance together to see each other at the Salute to Israel parade is now about six years ago. And he was the same that I remembered him many years before. He loved the Jewish people. He loved the state of Israel. He loved serving the Bronx and then later Westchester. And he loved public service. He's somebody who gave his life to serving his community. It was a passion of his in every way. And his passing is tremendous. And it's felt far beyond the neighborhoods that he represented. It's felt in my community in Brooklyn. We all knew him to be somebody who was passionate and in love with the state of Israel and the people of Israel and as a defender of the Jewish people. And I join with my good colleagues everywhere in remembering him and mourning his passing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Congressman Engel came to our area in Westchester, the part that I represent, after redistricting. He previously had a district that was Rockland County, a sliver of Westchester in the Bronx. And when he got the sound shore of Westchester County, he made it his business like no other congressman to know every local official. I come from a local government background, and we respect that, to know all the local officials, to show up at all the local events, to be a presence. But he also, as you all know, had a presence on the world stage as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and did distinguished work around the globe, very important work. What I will remember most about Elliott is that he was a gentleman, he was a kind man, he was a thoughtful man, and he brought those values in his own personal temperament. The person that he was, he never changed who he was as an elected official. He brought that kind of sensitivity to the work that he did in Washington, in Albany, and around the world. We will miss him. It is a great loss. He was a great public servant. Thank you.

Ms Shinsky on the resolution Thank you very much Mr Speaker I have represented in various ways that little sliver that Elliot Engel represented in Westchester County for a long long time And he always showed up. He managed to get to village committee meetings. He managed to go out and have sit-downs with village officials to see what their major and their minor issues were. He cared about it all, and he made sure that folks in his office were there for people. I'm sure many of you remember Bill Weitz, who is now working for Westchester County and was his chief of staff for a long time. if there was something the congressman wanted to keep an eye on. He made sure Bill was deputized to follow through and do it. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, as were most of my constituents. He touched a lot of people, and he is greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, I now move that the assembly stand adjourned and that we will reconvene at 10 a.m.

Thank you. Thank you.