May 7, 2026 · 7,537 words · 7 speakers · 102 segments
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Madam Speaker, will you please call the House to order?
The House will come to order. Good morning, colleagues. In the absence of clergy, let us pause for a moment of silence. Visitors are invited to join members in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, individual, with liberty and justice for all. A quorum being present, the clerk will read the journal of Wednesday, May 6th.
Mr. Fall. Madam Speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading of the journal of Wednesday, May 6th,
and that the same stand approved. Without objection, so order it. We have a quote today by Kobe Bryant, who was an American professional basketball player and a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. And his quote is, the most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. And these words are by Kobe Bryant.
Madam Speaker, members have on their desk a main calendar. Before any housekeeping and or introductions, we will be calling for the following committees to meet. ways and means and rules. These committees will produce an A calendar, which we will take up today. We will begin our floor work today by taking up resolutions on page three. I will announce any further floor activities as we proceed. Majority members should be aware that there will be the need for a conference once we conclude our work on the floor. and as always, we will consult with the minority on their conference needs. 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.
Thank you. Ways and Means Committee members, please make your way to the Speaker's conference room. Ways and Means to the Speaker's conference room.
We have no housekeeping this morning so we going to start with an introduction Ms Warner for the purpose of an introduction Good morning colleagues and thank you for the privilege of interrupting our proceedings for the purposes of an introduction. I am very, very pleased today to be joined in the chamber by some reenactors, some living history members from the Revolutionary War, and they are here to help us celebrate New York 250, New York's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. Assemblymember Walsh and myself have organized this in the well today, and we are pleased to have with us Saratoga County historian Lauren Roberts, who is also on the New York 250 Commission, Devin Lander, the New York State historian, Dr. Georgette Creer-Key of the Suffolk County historian, and Rich Sisek from Buffalo City School District here, representing Erie and Niagara counties, and reenactors Michael Companion of the Town of Milton historian, representing the 2nd Continental Artillery, and Paul Novotny representing His Majesty's Noble 24th Regiment. Some of you may not know this, but I have ancestors who fought in the Battle of Saratoga. I had one fighting for the British and two for the Americans. I was covered either way, but I am certainly happy that things turned out in our favor. So, Madam Speaker, if you will please welcome to our chamber these fine living historians and people who are bringing to life the history of our nation as experienced in New York State and offer them the privileges of the floor. Thank you.
On behalf of Ms. Horner, Ms. Walsh, the speaker, and all members, we welcome our esteemed guests to the Assembly Chamber, extending to you the privileges of the floor. Exciting year for us this year, 250th anniversary, so it's great to have historians, reenactors here today. I don't know if you were actually doing musket battles in the well. I didn't hear anything, but I've been to Lake George and saw it, so it's actually very impressive. So as you go through your year this year, celebrate. We've made it to 250 years. Thank you so very much for joining us today. Mr. Saez, for the purpose of an introduction.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I rise today to introduce a very good friend and someone that has been here lobbying and working hard and advocating for interfaith and peace here in New York and throughout the state and the nation and the world. Guruji His Holiness Dilip Kumar Thankapan. His Holiness is an esteemed founder, global chairman, CEO, spiritual head of the World Yoga Community, a prominent NGO affiliated with the United Nations Economic Social Development. He exemplifies leadership as Secretary of the Committee of Religious NGOs and chairs key NGO committees at the UN focusing on yoga meditation which we are sponsoring a resolution today and media and serves as a principal NGO representative of the world yoga community He is a trustee with the All Faith Seminary International, and what is a significant role he plays in his journey is being the first Asian and Indian member of the Executive Board of the New York State Interfaith Council. He is a respected yoga and meditation master trainer, Hindu monk, interfaith minister, committed to promoting culture, justice, and fairness here in our communities and throughout the state. It's a privilege to have him here and he truly signifies bringing the very best in each and every one of us. If you would please extend the full cordiality of the house to my dear friend Garuji.
On behalf of Mr. Sayaj, the speaker, and all members, welcome back, Your Holiness. We welcome you to the chamber, extending to you the privileges of the floor. We thank you so much for all you have done. Really, we all need a little bit more meditation and yoga. So we're just putting that out there. So hopefully we can uplift what's going on. But your background is very impressive, and it's always wonderful to see you. Thank you so very much for joining us today. Mr. Anderson, for the purpose of an introduction.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good Thursday morning. It is a great honor to be here in our New York State Capitol. And I'd like to pause to ask my colleagues and you to welcome a very special young man into our midst today. He is visiting our New York State Capitol, but certainly is not a stranger to the Capitol, haven't had visits several times before. Let me tell you a little bit about him. He is a son of the Rockaways. In addition to being a son of the Rockaways, he is the father to my niece and nephew. He currently serves in the New York Army National Guard, assisting with the DOCS correctional officer staffing crisis impacting our state even today. You all may call him a soldier and someone who is protecting our freedoms here in the state of New York and our incarcerated population here in the state of New York, but I'll simply call him my younger brother. And I'm excited that he is joining us here in the chambers today. My youngest brother, Sakina Anderson-Bility, is here, and I ask that everybody here, please extend the cordialities of the floor of the People's House to my brother, to our New York State Army National Guard service member who is serving our state greatly and with distinction. Madam Speaker, thank you.
On behalf of Mr. Anderson, the speaker, and all members, we welcome you to the Assembly Chamber, extending to the privileges of the floor. Thank you so very much for your continued service to our community. And most importantly, thank you for allowing us the privilege of having your brother here in the chamber. He has a bill. You should know about that. Thank you so very much for joining us today. Mr. Slater, for the purpose of an introduction.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am honored to introduce and welcome to the New York State Assembly today a great partner in local government from my district, Carmel Town Board Member, Rob Kearns. Rob is a Navy veteran. Go Navy! Beat Army! He is deeply involved in our community in so many ways, not only serving as a Town Board Member and a great voice for our community, but being a volunteer youth coach, being a volunteer from almost everything. in our town, which is fantastic. And of course, supporting our fellow vets with his leadership at our local VFW. On the town board, Rob has been a tremendous voice for fiscal responsibility and an incredible voice for public safety and our local police. He also recently just opened a new small business right in our community. And so Rob is doing it all in the town of Carmel and he's just a fantastic partner for us here in the Assembly. For me personally, he's a great friend, and I just want to extend the privileges, if you could, Madam Speaker, of the floor, to my great friend and great public servant, Rob Kearns. Thank you.
On behalf of Mr. Slater, the Speaker, and all members, we welcome you, sir, to the Assembly Chamber, extending to you the privileges of the floor. I appreciate all of your service, not only as a Town Board member, but also as a Navy veteran as well and proud business owner. We extend to you the privileges. Hope you enjoy our proceedings today. A little bit different probably than the town board. But thank you so very much for joining us today.
Mr. Fall. Madam Speaker, can you kindly put the House at ease?
Mr. Falls, motion. The House stands at ease. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Shakra Andy Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Madam Speaker, can you please call the House back to order? The House will come to order. Mr. Novikov, for the purpose of an introduction.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I rise to recognize and warmly welcome April Cardena, Government Affairs Manager for SAIL 4th 250, who joins us as part of New York's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. Through her work with Sailforth 250 Ms Cardena is helping foster partnership with elected officials cultural institutions schools nonprofit organizations and community groups to ensure that this historic celebration reflects the diversity inclusivity and shared values that define New York and our nation This July Sailforth 250 will welcome an international fleet of tall ships and military vessels to New York Harbor creating opportunities for education tourism cultural exchange and unity as we celebrate 250 years of American history We're grateful for your service and pleased to welcome you to the New York State Assembly today. Madam Speaker, please welcome Ms. Cardena to the floor of the Assembly. Thank you.
Thank you. On behalf of Mr. Novikov, the speaker, and all members, welcome April to the Assembly Chamber, our People's House, extending to you the privileges of the floor. Thank you for the work you are doing with Sail 4th to 50 and all the work you're doing towards celebrating our America's history. We hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you so very much for joining us.
Mr. Fall. Madam Speaker, members have on their desk the A calendar. I now move to advance the A calendar.
On a motion by Mr. Fall, the A calendar is advanced. Page 3, Rules Report 108. Clerk will read. Assembly number 11285, Rules Report 108, Committee on Rules, Mr. Pretlow, an act making appropriations for the support of government. 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.
Absolutely, Madam Speaker. Before us, we have our 10th extender. This extender would ensure funding for state operations and other programs through May 11th. This bill includes additional funding for WIC, unemployment insurance, transportation assistance, OPWDD services, veterans programs, local government assistance, and general state charges.
Mr. Palmasano.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Chairman yield for some questions? Absolutely.
The Chair will yield.
Good morning, Mr. Palmasano. Good morning, sir. I've enjoyed our conversations. I know they're going to continue to develop. hopefully over the next couple weeks. So you answered my first question, see it up there. This goes to May 11th. My second question is, this being our tenth extender,
what is the total amount we've appropriated to date after this happened?
The overall total amount over all ten extenders is $20.3 billion.
And the increase above the previous extenders?
$481.9 million.
Great, thank you. Now I'm going to have some other questions if I may. Obviously, I think we all saw the governor made this big announcement at 9 a.m. It was teasing the news before, basically saying there's an agreement.
Yes, I saw that.
But I noticed the speaker wasn't there. I noticed the majority leader of the Senate wasn't there. I guess my question, is there an agreement?
No.
There's a conceptual agreement. Let me put it this way.
I had this similar conversation last year with your predecessor, now your minority leader, about invitations and weddings and all of that. But this year we have been talking in terms of baseball, as most of us in this room are used to baseball. And last we spoke, I mentioned that or I said that we were in batting practice. I happy to report to you that batting practice is over the players are on the field the national anthem has been sung but there an ominous cloud floating over the stadium and we not sure if the game will actually start
I appreciate that, Mr. Prowler, because you kind of went right into the question I was going to ask you. So we're on the field, but there's a storm cloud over. There's a storm cloud room. Well, with that, I'd actually like to go back to the analogy you used, and maybe just to kind of show. I remember, and I like that you said, it's kind of like the budget's like that game with the metal, and it drops down to the magnet.
Yes.
Has the metals dropped, or are they just all over the place?
No, the magnet has definitely not dropped.
So we're waiting for that. You know, current Earth physics, the magnetic north keeps moving on us, that we really can't find that sweet spot to put the magnet down to bring everything together. And I know, like, you're supposed to use props, just giving it back to the governor. I mean, she put out a five-page memo of everything. So is she a little optimistic, getting ahead of the process, or a little combination of both?
I would say a combination of both.
That's fair. So based on that, then I would ask you, and obviously your experience, expertise, being our chairman, What is your prognosis? Like, when do you feel, I mean, if you say we have a conceptual deal, when do you think we will actually start voting on budget bills? Do you think we will start voting next week, and if so, what day?
I really do not have a handle on that.
I would hope that we could start next week. I would hope we could start this afternoon. Unfortunately, that's not the case. I think, like you, I'd like to see this process come to fruition.
I agree.
One thing that the governor did mention in her announcement, she said it's a $268 billion budget agreement. Would you say that's accurate or close or optimistic?
I would say that's close.
I'm really not sure if that's what the final number will be. Her original, I believe, was $266 billion, so it's $2 billion over the original and maybe more than that. All right. Now, and you mentioned you think we are at a conceptual deal, but we're just trying to iron out those specifics. Is that accurate?
Kind of?
Yeah, kind of. All right. On that point, I just kind of want to ask, and obviously just to get an idea just for the chamber, you know we know those policy issues that were holding up the budget. Yes. Would you say, is there any, I know there's no language, we know there's no
language, but is there agreement on the immigration changes that were talked
about? We just got to put in the language? There's conceptual agreement in all of the
areas but nothing has been finalized. Okay. Is there anything on, for example, on
immigration reform you can elaborate and say? There's a conceptual agreement on
immigration as there is on insurance, COCPA, and...
SECOR.
SECOR, yeah.
So I know there's... Do you have any specifics of those agreements that you can share with us?
I have absolutely no specifics.
No specifics you can or are able to share with us? Also, it was mentioned about the, you know, obviously the PA de Terre, I hope I pronounced that right, tax, you know, for New York City, she didn't mention there was a lot of discussion over the past week from one of our upstate colleagues who was looking to extend that to upstate homes. Do you know or could you say definitively yes or no that specific tax will only apply to New York City or is it going to also apply to upstate second homes That has not been finalized There's no specific agreement on that.
And for the addition of the upstate entities, that is under discussion, but there's no agreement on that either.
Okay. Then when do you think we should see a spending plan, And will this, do you believe, be released in a timely manner for the members and the public to review?
I would hope we see a spending plan as soon as possible.
As of yet, we have not seen any definitive spending plan put together. And when, has the governor shared any numbers with you that you could share with us on the spending plan? Only what we've seen so far in the preliminary introduction of the budget that the government gave us back in March.
Okay.
Now, when it comes to the budget bills, we know at times we have messages of necessity. Constitutionally, we should have the three-day aging process. Will these bills be introduced and aged for three days so our staffs can go through it, the public can review it, and then go through that process, which we're really constitutionally required to do?
That's difficult to answer due to the lateness of the budget.
Now we're already a month late. And to abide by the three-day process and everything else that has to be done, that puts budget passage at least another two weeks behind schedule. My time has reduced to writing, and then we go through all the preliminaries that we have to go through. And then the debate on each of the nine budget bills. We're actually running out of calendar. The session is scheduled to end the first week in June. And if we do everything according to how the plan would work out now with the three days for each bill coming out, we probably wouldn't be voting on bills until the beginning of June, which actually eliminates the rest of the session. Okay. So you said basically, probably before we actually vote on actual budget bills, you know, probably until we complete it, probably we're looking at at least two weeks from today before we actually have completed budget votes, or you think it could be done next week?
Well, that's just my guess. I can't answer that. This could all come together this evening and go to print it this evening.
Mr. Proudl, I told you I'm not pushing. I just got, and I definitely want your opinion. We like your opinion. And we know in this chamber, in this body, everything's subject to change. So just to try to give us a perspective. And I know when we talked about the message of necessity, the reason I ask that, because we know all the policy issues that were added late, and the reason I ask about the three days, because all that was added. I mean, obviously we had the budget framework at the beginning, so that was kind of, we had a general parameter, but all the policy issues and then getting tossed into it, we believe firmly, and we certainly, obviously you ask, you know, on your side of the house when you're communicating with the governor and your colleagues down the hall, that given the complexities of this budget with the policy, all the policy issues have been added, that we really should adhere to that three-day timeline.
I understand about the timeliness, but given the seriousness of the budget.
So we would just ask you to, you know, we would like to see that three-day. It would help staff timing. It would help members prepare so we can prepare for, you know, which will be, I'm sure, a very vibrant debate.
I understand your position, Mr. Palomassano, but I'm 100% sure that you will be given ample time to conference anti-ditionists too, that even if we don't have the three days, you will have as much time as you need to go over it. with your members and to analyze exactly what's in it and actually disseminate it to your constituents if you so desire.
And I appreciate that. I have one last question. Given what we've said, how we are here in May and how you mentioned we could even be a couple weeks and getting near the end of session, do you anticipate, given how long the budget's gone, that there will be, and I know the end date for the session, I believe it's Friday, June 5th, right around there. Do you anticipate that we will complete the legislative session on that day or that day after? Or will we be extended into the next week to deal with other issues?
I seriously doubt that we will extend it into the next week because I don't know if we can talk political things in this. But primaries are two weeks after that, and there are many members on both sides of the aisle that have things to do.
I agree. On the last Tuesday of the month of June, we'd rather not be debating a budget.
I agree.
Mr. Chairman, as always, it's a pleasure talking with you. I look forward to talking next week. I hope you have a great weekend. Good luck with further negotiations. Madam Speaker, on the bill.
On the bill.
Madam Speaker, my colleagues, here we are with our 10th budget extender. We've only passed one budget bill. We still have nine bills left to pass, nine budget bills left to pass. And I appreciate my conversation with the chairman. I'm glad we've got out of batting practice. and I remember we got past the rain delay and the snowstorm, but now we're on the field, but that cloud is omnibus, and omnibus, as he said, and he said there's no, as he said, there's really no deal. There's a framework. I'm happy to see that things are moving in the right direction, but are we getting close? When will we get close? When will we finalize it? We don't know, and with the policy and the budget, that delays that process. I know that concerns have been raised on both sides, But if we are getting there, I mean, that's welcome news for the people of New York who have really waited for more than a month for some certainty and stability in this process from this House, the House down the hall, and the governor. Now, if we're getting there, if those pieces of magnets are about ready to drop, the focus must turn to transparency and review. with the potential agreement now being announced. It's my hope is that the members of the legislature and the public will also receive an updated spending plan that reflects that agreement. That's imperative because it's critically important that members understand not just the policy headlines, not just the press releases, but the actual fiscal framework of this budget before final bills are brought to this floor for a vote. What are the final spending numbers going to be? How much is the state increasing spending? What assumptions are being made about revenues, reserves, and out-year debt gap projections? We need that information. Those are not minor details. They are central to understanding the long-term impact of this nearly over a quarter of a trillion dollar budget. Quarter of a trillion dollars, I just wanted to say that. Everyone says 268. Quarter of a trillion dollars. That is a lot of money. And I hope we remember in those discussions as we're wrapping this up that it is not our money. It's the people's money. And part of that is, in dealing with that, is an updated financial plan is essential for transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. Again, this is needed. We need that information. The members of this chamber should not be asked to vote on thousands of pages of budget bills without first seeing the overall spending picture those bills create And the same is true as I mentioned with the chairman for the three aging process That's the constitutional requirement. And I know we're late. We know we're late, and I know there's a rush, but given the serious financial impacts of nearly over a quarter trillion dollar budget, I think an extra three days, I mean, the governor says we can wait for a good budget. Other people say we can wait for a good budget. We need to wait for a transparent budget that allows for the constitutional requirements of a thorough, transparent analysis and review. That is what the people of this state deserve. That is what the people of this state want. The agent process exists for a reason. It does give our staffs and members in the public time to properly review this legislation before it becomes law. And especially after this delayed budget process and policy that was added in the governor's 30-day amendments, it's important in the final stages that we're open and deliberate in this process, not just rush to say we finished. We know we're late. An extra three days is not going to be problematic. It's about transparency and accountability. And if there's confidence in the agreement, then there should also be confidence in allowing adequate, excuse me, there should also be time to allow for adequate review of that budget and the policies and the fiscal implications of it. At the end of the day, my colleagues, New Yorkers are not just looking for a budget to be finished. They are looking for a budget they can trust. So as we move forward, I hope we keep that in mind. Again, I will say, just for the record, I will be voting for this extender because it's imperative that we keep our government open. It's imperative that we continue to pay our state employees who do such a great and dedicated job for the people of this state. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Ms. Walsh.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield just for a couple of quick questions? Will the sponsor yield?
Most certainly. The sponsor yields.
Thank you very much, Mr. Pretlow. So, I mean, I'm going to be direct in a way that maybe there seems to be a lot of just uncertainty about, like, kind of where we're at. So I just want to just directly ask you, like, what's going on? Like, what is the holdup? How is it that the governor is coming out unilaterally, like one hand clapping and saying that we have an agreement when it's clear that we don't? What is going on?
You would definitely have to ask the governor why she did that. I'm not prepared to answer for the governor.
But this is the second year running that I'm keeping track of. She did it last year as well. Absolutely.
And the outcome will be the same. The negotiations will go on, and we will eventually have a budget.
Yeah. Well, here's hoping. I mean, you referenced, I thought that metaphor was great about the dark cloud that's kind of hanging over. What's in that cloud? I mean, what is left by your estimation?
I would think just the final agreement, everything is conceptually agreed to, but it's not positively agreed to. And there are small things. You're an attorney. You know the intricacies of the law and how sometimes a comma makes a difference.
If you remember you probably not old enough but in my day when they were negotiating the end of the Vietnam War it was what shape the table was And little things that to the common person do not seem important when you involved in these things the shape of the table the comma it all means something And that where we are right now. Well, I think that's really interesting because when I first walked into the chamber, what was to be the start of session today, I witnessed the speaker coming out of his office and walking towards what turned out to be a gaggle with the press out in the LCA quarter, and there was a standing ovation and clapping from members on your side of the aisle, obviously showing great support for the Speaker. It just seems to me that there's a lot more dissension and support for the Speaker supporting your members than there is just like a comma missing or the shape of a table missing. It seems like it's more significant than that, but that's why I'm asking. I mean, is it? Or is it really just creating the final little intricacies of final language, which is kind of what you just said?
I think you'll find the same sentiment that you're seeing here in the Assembly over in the other House and in the Senate. If you noticed, if you watched the press conference, neither of the leaders were there. You may just mention one hand clapping. That might be what it is. You know, we're trying to get things in the budget that, because of Pataki v. Silver, says that we cannot do without actually the governor's agreement to. And if the governor is steadfast opposed to doing something that we do, we negotiate back and forth. There were comments made about this budget process a couple of extenders ago about the on-time budget that we had under the previous governor. Those budgets were actually given to us under due risk. And there were things that we voted for, at least on this side, that we did not agree to, but the threat was a 52-week extender with all of the bad things in that extender, which we would be forced under the guise of Pataki v. Silva to vote for or against. We're not going to vote against the budget. We're not going to shut down the state. state. Every governor knows that we do not want to shut down the state. So sometimes they play hardball. Sometimes they say, well, I'm not going to agree to this. I said last week that I appreciate the fact that at least the governor is sitting down and talking. Whether those conversations are as meaningful as I would like to have been, that remains to be seen. But the conversation is still happening. She can, if she wanted to, put all of her policy things in the next extender on Monday and force us to vote yes or no on it, and it'll be over. I'm hoping she doesn't do that, and I'm hoping she's not listening to this conversation and getting the idea to do that. Because, you know, anything can happen. But we are still in negotiations. We are close. Things are moving along. It's not a secret that the Speaker is unhappy that an announcement was made when there really wasn't an agreement. I know for a fact that the majority leader is not happy that an agreement was announced when she was not informed. I mean, when you wake up and you find out that you agreed to something you knew nothing about, I'm pretty sure you'd be upset about it. I certainly would be. And that's the situation that we're at now. I'm afraid that this may even set things back a little because instead of going over negotiations now, there may be a cooling off period, which is going to take a few more days. We're going into the weekend. We're not going to be here Sunday for Mother's Day. This whole process may start again Monday morning but we actually being thrown behind a couple of days Well I appreciate your candor in answering my questions Mr Pretlow Thank you
And Madam Speaker, just briefly on the bill.
On the bill.
So I just find it fascinating that we've got – we're appreciative that the governor is coming to the table, but she's obviously getting up from the table, walking over to the press corps and announcing an agreement when she appears to be one person out of three people agreeing that there's a deal. I mean, for all of the lack of transparency in this process, I mean, the 150 of us are not in that room. The members of the Senate are not in that room. The three people that are in that room, we've boiled it all the way down to a very non-transparent three people in the room. And even those three people can't agree as to whether there's a deal or not. So I did use the analogy of one hand clapping. I mean, there's collaboration that's necessary in order to come to a budget agreement. And I know it's complex. I mean, you can't spend over a quarter of a trillion dollars without it being very complicated. But it seems to me like there's a lot more going on here than the placement of a comma. It sounds to me like there's something more. I can't report back to my district and let them know anything more than that because we don't know. We don't know where it stands. I do agree with our Ways and Means Chair that I think that the budget process could really be set back, the negotiations, by a few days, because it does seem as though tensions are pretty high right now. And I do hope that sounder minds prevail and that we can all calm down and come to an agreement. But in the meantime, as I said before, 10th extender, school budget votes coming up, I think, next week or maybe the week after, but coming up very soon. And things like the e-bus mandate portion of the CLCPA is still out there. I mean, I'm sure that that's going to be part of some of these school budgets. I mean, it would be really nice to know when people go in to vote on their school budgets whether they really needed to approve the purchase of additional buses, which are three times as expensive and have a much lesser range, especially in the North Country areas and colder areas, and all the incumbent changes that are going to have to happen if that goes through. But things like that, we just don't know. So what an unfortunate process that this is. It's too bad.
And it's really none of our faults that are here right now. Our job right today is to keep government going for another few days until those three people in the room can get on the same page. And hopefully the next time that there's a press gaggle, the three of them will be standing there to announce that there is a budget agreement. And I just want to pick up on something that our rancor on Ways and Means just recently pointed out. I want to assure the people that I represent and really that you all represent that our side of the aisle is definitely, certainly not going to be taking any votes on any of these remaining nine budget bills until we are completely briefed and aware and able to ask questions and that our staff, our very able staff has been able to get through and figure out all the piles of information and be able to answer our questions. We will not be voting on those budget bills until we are ready to do so. So with that, Madam Speaker, I will be supporting the budget extender, as I have every one of the ones preceding, because I think it is important to keep government working in the midst of all of the dysfunction, which seems to be, even by Albany's standards, pretty bad this year. So thank you very much. I'll be a yes on this.
Thank you. On a motion by Mr. Pretlow, 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 Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes 93, nays 40. The bill is passed. Mr. Faw for the purpose of an introduction.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of Member Jacobson of the 104th Assembly District and Member Eekes of the 99th Assembly District, It's an honor to introduce and welcome members of the Newburgh Free Academy Black History Club, who are in Albany, getting the Albany experience. You have here the officers, which include the president, Ayanna Gordon, the vice president, Cameron Ford, Secretary Jackie Green, and the treasurer, Nyla Mathews. Matthews, would you be so kind to extend the cordialities of the floor and welcome these incredible individuals to the People's House? On behalf of Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Ekes, the speaker, and all members, welcome Newburgh Free Academy Black History Club to our assembly chamber, extending to you the privileges of the floor. Hoping you enjoy our proceedings. You have the unique opportunity today to sit here and listen to conversation relative to the New York State budget monies that obviously go to school to help improve your studies So Black History Club you have checked something off on the box that many students will never be able to see in person. So glad you were here today to be able to enjoy our proceedings and be able to take this back with you to your school. Best wishes to you for your continued academic success. Thank you so very much for joining us here today.
On the main calendar, resolutions, page 3, clerk will read. Assembly number 1292 rules at the request of Ms. Clark. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 8, 2026 as Provider Appreciation Day in the state of New York. Ms. Clark, on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. So it's that time of year where hopefully the weather is getting warmer and the trees and flowers are blooming and we are all getting ready to celebrate the moms and the mom figures in our life. It is a great time of year. But before we celebrate that on Sunday, on Friday, we have a very important day. And it is the critical piece of the puzzle that makes having children and family so possible in our lives. and it is the child care providers, the village that it takes to ensure that those of us who need to go to work and do those things that we need to do, higher education, whatever it might be, we rely so heavily on our child care providers. And at a moment where we were talking about the fact that too many providers make less than what you would make in a fast food restaurant, when we were talking about providers who are tired, exhausted, and can't take a day off because they feel the responsibility and weight of what it takes to watch children while others go to work, we really need to take a moment to say thank you. We need to take a moment to show our gratitude for what they do every day, how they show up for us every day, how they teach our children to nap, which is what they taught my children. It is our moment to really, really, really say thank you to them. I am so proud of this resolution and that we are having the governor memorialize this day to appreciate the providers in our life. So I say from all the moms and everyone else here in the Assembly, a big thank you to all of them. Thank you.
On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed. No, the resolution is adopted. Assembly number 1293 rules at the request of Mr. Durso. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2026 as Skilled Trades Day in the state of New York. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed. No, the resolution is adopted. Assembly number 1294 rules at the request of Ms. Barrett. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3 through the 9th, 2026 as Compost Awareness Week in the state of New York. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted. Assembly number 1295 Rules at the Request of Mr DiStefano Legislative Resolution Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to Proclaim July 31 2026 as Lifeguard Appreciation Day in the state of New York On the resolution all those in favor signify by saying aye Opposed. No, the resolution is adopted. Assembly number 1296 rules at the request of Mr. Levine. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026 as Polish American Heritage Month in the state of New York. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed. No, the resolution is adopted. Assembly number 1297 rules at the request of Ms. Lunsford. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 8, 2026, esteemed day in the state of New York. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed. No, the resolution is adopted. Assembly No. 1298 rules at the request of Mr. Ekes. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 3, 2026 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the State of New York. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. Assembly number 1299 rules at the request of Mr. Saez, legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 21st, 2026 as Meditation Day in the state of New York.
Mr. Saez on the resolution. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. gives me pleasure to rise to join in support and resolution, recognizing Meditation Day in the state of New York, December 21, 2026. Meditation is an ancient, diverse practice involving breathing practice alongside spiritual ones designed to clear the mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Regular practice can lead to a decrease in anxiety and depression, lower stress, better sleep quality, improved memory and attention, and improved pain management, which is very crucial. Stemming from the Hindu Vedas of India around 1500 BC, the practice since then has been documented in many cultures all across South Asia and communities across the world. I'd like today, as a member of a successful fitness cultural initiative all across New York, to recommend that meditation be a practice that we encourage in our public school system, in our governmental bodies, so we can reduce stress, we can communicate more efficiently, we can legislate better, and we can learn to respect each other's opinions and the diversity that when we have advocacy with regards to issues and concerns that we utilize meditation to really bring about success. So today it's an honor to recognize, especially we introduced earlier, my dear friend Guruji, Thanka Pan,