New York State Assembly

I am proud that Governor Hochul returned the State of the State address to the People’s House.It has been two years since New York became the epicenter of this global health crisis, and – evidenced by my own positive COVID-19 test –...

As part of the governor’s safety protocols prior to today’s State of the State message, I underwent two rapid COVID-19 tests which did not come back clear. I am now awaiting results from a follow up PCR test. I get tested routinely, and most...

The Assembly Majority believes that putting families first means that every hardworking New Yorker is able to earn a meaningful wage to achieve financial independence and support their families.That is why in 2016, we fought tirelessly to enact legislation...

The New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee today released a report completed by lawyers from Davis Polk & Wardwell, LLP concerning allegations against former Governor Andrew Cuomo.In March 2021, the Judiciary Committee was charged by Speaker Carl...

On November 17th, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie formally requested an additional $996 million from the Federal Reserve for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). These funds would help...

Two months after the devastating September 11th terrorist attacks, another tragedy took the lives of 260 people on board American Airlines Flight 587 bound for the Dominican Republic, including five people on the ground in Belle Harbor, Queens.For New...

Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Assemblymember N. Nick Perry, on his nomination to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Jamaica. In his nearly three decades in the New York State Assembly, he has been a voice for his constituents...

Today we join the country in mourning the loss of General Colin Powell, a great man and an extraordinary leader.Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx by Jamaican parents, General Powell helped blaze a trail for men and women of color at the highest levels...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour in Nassau County with Assemblymember Gina Sillitti. Together they visited the Plandome Road business district to talk about the Manhasset sewer project, and toured damage homeowners in Manorhaven...

Speaker Carl Heastie today traveled to Westchester to continue his statewide tour with Assemblymember Chris Burdick. During the visit, the pair made stops at a local playground, a community center and an immigrant resource center.“Every community...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour with stops at Special Touch Bakery and the Lexington Avenue Community Garden in Rochester with Assemblymember Sarah Clark, and the White Pine Commerce Park and the North Syracuse Early Education...

Speaker Heastie today continued his statewide tour with Assemblymembers William Conrad and Jon Rivera in Buffalo. The trip included a tour of Fowler’s Chocolates Factory Headquarters, tire manufacturer Sumitomo Rubber USA and a stop at the Hispanic...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour in Western New York with Assemblymembers Jennifer Lunsford and Demond Meeks, taking a walking tour of the village of Fairport and touring Heritage Christian Services in Penfield and East High...

Twenty years ago, our nation experienced one of the most devastating attacks in U.S. history that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people.For New Yorkers, the events that unfolded that day shook us to our core and overwhelmed us with a shared sense of grief.In...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he has appointed Adam W. Perry to serve on the Cannabis Control Board.“As we create the mechanisms and regulations around the new legal cannabis industry, it is critical that we have people involved that...

I was informed today that Assemblymembers Charles Fall and Inez Dickens have tested positive for COVID-19. Both have been vaccinated and are currently quarantining. We are now in the process of reaching out to other members and staff that they may have...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the following leadership appointments:  Chair, Majority Steering Rebecca A. Seawright Chair, Banks Patricia Fahy Chair, Task Force on Women's Issues         ...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Codes Committee Chair Jeffrey Dinowitz and Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz today announced that the Assembly will pass critical legislation that will extend the residential and commercial eviction and foreclosure moratoriums...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour on Long Island with Assemblymember Steve Stern, touring Huntington Station and then visiting Farmingdale State College, where they met with Farmingdale State College President John Nader and...

Today, we have sworn in the first woman to serve as governor of New York. From State Senate majority leader to state attorney general to vice president of the United States, we continue to see women rise through the ranks of government, and it is a welcome...

Speaker Heastie today began his annual statewide tour, joining Assemblymember Anna Kelles in touring Main Street in Cortland and meeting with the REACH Project, Inc Medical Director Dr. Justine Waldman, as well as touring the Learning Farm in Ithaca.“One...

The Assembly Judiciary Committee will continue to review evidence and issue a final report on its investigation of Governor Cuomo. In doing so, the committee will take all appropriate steps to ensure that this effort does not interfere with various ongoing...

After consulting with Chair Lavine and my majority colleagues, the Assembly will suspend its impeachment investigation upon the governor’s resignation taking effect on August 25.There are two reasons for this decision. First, the purpose of the...

This has been a tragic chapter in our state's history. Governor Cuomo's resignation is the right decision.The brave women who stepped forward were heard. Everyone deserves to work in a harassment free environment.I have spoken with Lieutenant Governor...

August 9, 2021Legislative Office BuildingAlbany___________________________________[as prepared]Good afternoon.On March 1st, the attorney general was authorized to undertake an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Governor...

It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.Richard dedicated his life to fighting for working people. His passing is a tremendous loss to my union brothers and sisters, but his legacy has undoubtedly changed...

After our conference this afternoon to discuss the Attorney General's report concerning sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo, it is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and...

We have received the Attorney General's 168 page report containing findings of sexual harassment and misconduct committed by Governor Cuomo. The findings contained in the report are disturbing. The details provided by the victims are gut-wrenching....

The recent spike in the COVID-19 pandemic shows that we still have more work to do in order to overcome this terrible health crisis. In order to ensure the safety of the public and our employees, and consistent with CDC and state guidance, the Assembly...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein, Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz and Social Services Committee Chair Linda B. Rosenthal today announced the Assembly will hold a hearing on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 to...

This week, the federal government began the disbursement of monthly Child Tax Credit payments that were included in the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress earlier this year. Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene Weinstein...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced the Assembly has passed the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act to enhance and maintain the health of soil on farms to improve productivity for farmers, protect natural...

In its never ending quest to degrade public discourse, the New York Post's editorial board today reached a new low, if that is even possible. Using racist dog whistle language to make an inaccurate point about an issue which I am not even involved with...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe and Assemblymember Erik Dilan today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to help small businesses across New York by ensuring that grants from the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes to reduce the spread of blood borne diseases, most notably...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would create the state Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate to represent residential utility consumers’ interests in residential and utility matters at the state...

Addressing climate change continues to be a top priority for the Assembly Majority. The adoption of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019 was an important first step in establishing climate and equity requirements, but we...

The Assembly Majority has passed a number of important voting reforms to strengthen our electoral system and provide easier access to all New Yorkers. The situation regarding the tabulation issues in New York City is extremely concerning, and we are closely...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would improve drinking water quality in schools by strengthening water testing requirements, including increasing the frequency...

The murder of George Floyd was a tragedy, one that became a rallying cry and a call to action across our country. Today, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and half years in prison for his murder. I hope that today’s sentencing brings George Floyd’s...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced that the Assembly passed legislation that would help New York businesses by holding out of state business to the same standards as those headquartered in New York....

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly passed a comprehensive package of consumer credit protection legislation.“The Assembly Majority has long been committed to protecting the rights...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz today announced the Assembly has passed a comprehensive package of legislation addressing discrimination in the real estate industry.In 1968, the federal Fair Housing Act was passed to...

During one of the toughest times in our history, the New York State Assembly rose to the occasion to meet the challenges we faced. This session we passed groundbreaking legislation and delivered a historic budget that met the needs of New Yorkers during...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Daniel J. O’Donnell today announced that the Assembly has passed the Gender Recognition Act. This bill would ensure that government documents reflect transgender, nonbinary and intersex individuals’...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker and Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that will streamline the process for canvassing absentee, military, special and affidavit ballots,...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker and Assemblymember Al Taylor today announced the passage of the Make Voting Easy Act, significantly expanding early voting sites throughout the state and increasing the hours polling sites...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would ensure individuals have the support they need to reenter the community after incarceration and successfully complete their community supervision.“Successful reintegration...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe and Economic Development Committee Chair Harry Bronson announced today that New York will begin accepting grant applications for its COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to create the Firearm Violence Research Institute and the Gun Violence Research Fund, and allow taxpayers to make contributions to...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee Chair Phil Steck and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner today announced that the Assembly passed legislation to create the Opioid Settlement Fund, which will ensure that funding obtained from settlements...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Legislature will advance legislation to enact the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act. This legislation will allow the state to finance the purchase...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly will pass a comprehensive package of commonsense gun safety legislation. Included in the legislative package are bills that would ban ghost guns, hold the gun industry liable for damages it causes,...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy today announced the passage of legislation that would allow restaurants to continue to use streets and sidewalks for outdoor dining for an additional year as they work towards recovery from the COVID-19...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Didi Barrett today announced the passage of legislation that would change the beginning date of the Vietnam War from February 28, 1961 to November 1, 1955, to coincide with the date used by the...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Codes Committee Chair Jeffrey Dinowitz today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would confirm that forging proof of immunization is a felony (A.7536, Dinowitz).“It is beyond comprehension that after the horror...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine and Assemblymember Phil Ramos today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that builds on a 2017 law that prohibited marriage by young teenagers, but allowed 17 year olds to...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would facilitate additional involvement of the court and increase transparency in grand jury proceedings (A.5845, O’Donnell).“When...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would include making threats to report a person’s immigration status or cause deportation/removal proceedings a form of extortion...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to establish the Nourish New York program in law, which connects surplus agricultural products with food...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the continuation of the Assembly Workgroup on Sexual Harassment and announced new members to the group. The members will review issues on workplace discrimination and identify ways to ensure the safety of all employees.“We...

George Floyd’s murder a year ago today was a personal tragedy for his family and friends who continue to grieve his loss. The protests that were held across the country and the world in the weeks and months following his death spurred action. We...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Karines Reyes today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would enter New York State into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) (A.1524, Reyes). The program...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Minority Leader William Barclay today announced the Assembly will commemorate May 24, 2021 as the annual Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day (K.324, Abinanti). In honor of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, the Assembly...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he has appointed James Bass and Sergio Villaverde to serve on the selection committee charged with determining the location of the first state veterans’ cemetery.“The selfless men and women who...

Effective immediately, and consistent with updated guidance, capacity limits in the Assembly Chamber have been eliminated. In order to ensure everyone’s safety, members, employees and visitors will continue to be required to wear face masks in all...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to expand access to absentee ballot voting in New York by removing the constitutional barrier to “no excuse” absentee...

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a true friend and community stalwart, former Assemblymember Aurelia Greene.While representing the 77th Assembly District in the Bronx for over 20 years, she dedicated her life to the betterment...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Assemblymember Aileen Gunther today announced that the Assembly passed lifesaving legislation which will require hospitals and nursing homes to meet staffing ratios for nurses and unlicensed...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and and Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to extend the residential and commercial eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, and expand the number...

Today, the Assembly passed resolutions to repeal certain portions of a series of executive orders issued by the governor over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. These executive orders were issued in order to respond to the constantly evolving health...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz today announced that the Assembly will pass legislation that would redefine New York’s rape statutes to ensure that survivors receive appropriate justice and that their trauma is recognized...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar today announced the passage of legislation to expand the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights so that domestic workers are covered under Paid Family Leave...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would restore voting rights to individuals released to parole supervision to facilitate community reintegration and participation...

George Floyd’s murder was a tragedy. It was a crime that the entire world witnessed on video over the course of nine minutes and 29 seconds. That Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts is important and it is right. But I also know we must...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the Assembly will commemorate April 22, 2021 as the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day (K.167, McMahon). In honor of Earth Day the Assembly passed...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner and Assemblymember Karines Reyes today announced that the Assembly has passed the Hero Act, which will establish health and safety standards to protect New Yorkers from airborne infectious diseases...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would exempt COVID-19 stimulus relief for individuals and families with children from seizure to satisfy money judgments...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Science & Technology Committee Chair Steve Otis today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes the Assembly’s proposal to establish a new $15 million statewide Digital Inclusion...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes critical funding for programs that support children and families, as well as invests in vital mental health, addiction and substance abuse services.“The...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe; Economic Development Committee Chair Harry Bronson; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Chair Daniel O’Donnell; Children and Families Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi;...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner today announced the enacted State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes $2.1 billion for the Excluded Worker Fund. The fund will be administered by the Department of Labor and will provide...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget makes investments in critical social service programs and public housing, as well as providing rent and homeowners relief programs for those impacted by the...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah J. Glick today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-2022 Budget invests in making higher education accessible for all New York students, funding the State University of New...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will include $35.78 million in funding for agricultural aid to localities and other critical agricultural programs....

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the enacted State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget invests $1.84 billion in funding for the environment, including $300 million for the New York...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will include $29.1 billion in funding to General Support for Public Schools (GSPS), an increase of $3.1 billion,...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Transportation Chair William B. Magnarelli, and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Chair Amy Paulin today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will invest $11.2 billion in the state’s transportation...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes $542 million in restorations to the Medicaid program and $58.25 million in restorations to public health programs....

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget of $212 billion will put New York families first by making critical investments in communities helping...

The signing into law of the HALT Solitary Confinement Act marks a historic day for our state and for our criminal justice system, and recognizes the fundamental human rights to which we all are entitled. The evidence is clear – solitary confinement...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Diana Richardson today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would continue and expand the existing moratorium on utility termination of services to protect New Yorkers struggling financially during...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes today announced that the Assembly will pass the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which will legalize the adult use of marijuana in New York for individuals 21 years...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to eliminate the stigma of being labeled “incorrigible” in Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) proceedings (A.5873, Reyes).“Our family court system is intended...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner and Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford today announced the Assembly has passed legislation expanding unemployment insurance eligibility to include workers who have had to leave their jobs in order...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Governmental Operations Committee Chair Kenneth Zebrowski today marked the nationwide observance of Sunshine Week with the passage of legislation to strengthen the state’s Freedom of Information Laws (FOIL) to enhance transparency...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine today announced that the Assembly has retained the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP to lead an impeachment investigation into allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo.“Since...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine, Assemblymember Sandy Galef and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Didi Barrett today announced the Assembly has passed legislation expanding the availability of Veterans Treatment...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Corrections Committee Chair David I. Weprin and Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry today announced that the Assembly passed the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act, which would limit the time an inmate can...

2021 General Budget Conference Committee Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (Co-Chair) Helene Weinstein Crystal Peoples-Stokes Phil Ramos Jeffrion Aubry* William Barclay Edward Ra* Senate Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Co-Chair) Liz...

Speaker Heastie and Science & Technology Committee Chair Steven Otis today announced the Assembly's State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes a new statewide $15 million Digital Inclusion Grant Program to assist local efforts to bring...

Legislature to Convene General Budget Conference Committee meeting today at 12:30 p.m. In the interest of public health and safety, the hearings will be conducted virtually using web-based video conferencing at https://www.nysenate.gov/events...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will include $35.41 million in funding for agricultural aid to localities and other critical agricultural programs....

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced the Assembly's 2021-22 State Fiscal Year (SFY) budget includes an increase of $100 million funding over the proposed executive proposal for...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget would make $376 million in restorations to the Medicaid program and $393 million in restorations to public...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Transportation Chair William B. Magnarelli, and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Chair Amy Paulin today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will invest $11.3 billion in the state’s transportation...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah J. Glick today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-2022 Budget invests in making higher education accessible for all New York students, funding the State University...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget restores critical funding for programs that support children and families, as well as invests in vital mental health, addiction and substance abuse services.“The...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe; Economic Development Committee Chair Harry Bronson; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Chair Daniel O’Donnell; Children and Families Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi;...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Assembly Budget would restore $2 billion, including $29.5 billion in funding to General Support for Public Schools (GSPS), an increase...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget makes investments in critical social service programs and public housing, as well as providing a rent relief program for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.“The...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget Proposal of $208.3 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health crisis, it also resulted in...

After meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference today, I am authorizing the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation, led by Chair Charles D. Lavine, to examine allegations of misconduct against Governor Cuomo.The reports...

In light of the allegations concerning the Governor over the last several weeks, I will be meeting with members in conference today on potential paths forward.

I am so thankful to the members of our congressional delegation who have continued to fight for our state since COVID-19 first hit New York. I have said throughout the pandemic that the Assembly Majority would do everything we could to help New Yorkers...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Aging Committee Chair Ron Kim today announced the Assembly will continue passing a sweeping package of legislation to increase safety and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers...

The allegations pertaining to the Governor that have been reported in recent weeks have been deeply disturbing, and have no place whatsoever in government, the workplace or anywhere else. I too share the sentiment of Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins...

A year ago, as New York was being ravaged by COVID-19, we passed legislation to give the governor temporary emergency powers that would allow the state to nimbly react to a constantly evolving, deadly situation. These temporary emergency powers were always...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Aging Committee Chair Ron Kim today announced the Assembly has begun to pass a series of bills to increase safety and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers living in nursing...

Fact #1The legislation immediately repeals the Governor’s expanded emergency powers and he cannot issue any new directives going forward. Fact #2The Governor must justify to the Legislature the extension or modification of any existing directives...

It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues and the nation in mourning the passing of civil rights icon Vernon Jordan.Mr. Jordan grew up in the Jim Crow South and channeled his experiences into action. After graduating from law school...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate and Assembly Education Committee Chairs Shelley B. Mayer and Michael Benedetto, and Senate and Assembly Higher Education Committee Chairs Toby Ann Stavisky and Deborah...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Legislature will pass legislation repealing the temporary emergency powers that were granted to the governor last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic....

Instead of helping to move our state forward, Assembly Republicans are working overtime to stall efforts to help our communities by playing politics during a time when New Yorkers can least afford it.Let’s remember, these are the same do-nothing...

As I previously stated, all allegations of harassment must be taken seriously. A truly independent investigation is warranted.

I have read the reports. These are serious allegations. Harassment in the workplace of any kind should not be tolerated.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he has appointed Richard F. Braun to serve on the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE).“Mr. Braun has an impressive resume that clearly demonstrates his commitment to the legal...

There was a formal request from Assembly committee chairs and other members to the Department of Health asking for more information on follow up questions in regards to data on nursing homes. The Governor's office communicated to staff that they needed...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has created an internal working group to focus on the recovery and future of the state’s mass transit systems as they mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.“Every day, hardworking...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker today announced the Assembly has passed a package of legislation that will help make conducting elections safer during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Ensuring our elections are free...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would allow New Yorkers to vote to amend the New York State Constitution’s Bill of Rights to include...

On behalf of my Assembly Majority colleagues, I would like to congratulate Dr. Betty Rosa for being appointed commissioner of education. Dr. Rosa’s outstanding reputation as an educator and an advocate combined with her proven track record as interim...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Governmental Employees Committee Chair Peter Abbate, Jr. today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to extend the provisions granted last year that ensure families of municipal frontline workers who lost their lives to...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Governmental Employees Committee Chair Peter J. Abbate, Jr. and Assemblymember Charles D. Fall announced today that the Assembly passed legislation granting time off for public and private sector employees to...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Amy Paulin today announced that the Assembly passed legislation repealing the ‘Walking While Trans’ ban, which prohibits loitering for the purpose of prostitution (A.3355, Paulin). This law has been...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the appointment of an Assembly internal working group to focus on transitioning New York State’s economy toward a COVID-19 recovery. The working group will be led by Assembly Economic Development, Job Creation,...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would provide New York construction workers with a new remedy against wage theft.“The Assembly Majority has earned its reputation...

Today my colleagues and I in the Assembly Majority passed a resolution commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 76th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.Each year, this day serves as a stark reminder of what can happen...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly will pass legislation to help hard working New Yorkers and small businesses across the state weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation will allow workers to collect unemployment...

Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Joint Legislative Hearing Schedule on the 2021-22 Executive Budget Proposal.These hearings, each of which focuses on a programmatic...

Today, the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris brings a sense of hope and relief that Americans have desperately needed, especially following nearly a year of immeasurable loss and suffering caused by this global pandemic.We...

This last year, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing financial crisis has put an incalculable strain on New York – on our institutions, our communities and the health and wellbeing of our people. We have lost billions of dollars in revenue, and...

I am proud of the swift action taken by the U.S. House of Representatives today to impeach President Donald J. Trump. A week ago we watched in horror as domestic terrorists incited by the president and his allies flooded the halls of the U.S. Capitol,...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy today were joined by 75 Assembly Majority colleagues in sending a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift action on articles of impeachment and removal from office of President Donald J. Trump...

January 11, 2021Assembly ChamberAlbany_____________________________________[as prepared]Good afternoon members, staff, interns and guests. No matter where you are joining us from, welcome to the People’s House. Things may look different this year...

I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. on his election as chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, and applaud the Board of Regents for this excellent and groundbreaking choice. Chancellor Young, who will be the...

Congratulations to former assemblymember and Brooklyn’s own U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer on becoming majority leader of the U.S. Senate. He has spent his career fighting for all New Yorkers, from the shores of Lake Erie to the Long Island Sound....

The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol and our democratic institutions that is occurring right now in Washington is deplorable. In the United States of America, we pride ourselves on a peaceful transition of power. This is domestic terrorism and it is...

Speaker Carl E. Heastie Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes Chair, Ways and Means Helene E. Weinstein Deputy Speaker Catherine Nolan Assistant Speaker Phil Ramos Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion L. Aubry Chair,...

I would like to thank my Assembly colleagues for entrusting me to serve as speaker of the People’s House for the fourth time. I am truly humbled by your faith in my leadership. It will undoubtedly be a challenging year, but I am confident...

The Assembly Majority believes that putting families first means ensuring that every hardworking New Yorker is able to earn a living wage. The fight to increase New York’s minimum wage began here in the People’s House. In 2016, my colleagues...

Speaker Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020, which will help New York tenants and homeowners who are struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic stay in their...

Housing is a basic human right, and that is why I am calling the Assembly into session on Monday, December 28th to take up critical eviction protections for tenants and residential mortgage foreclosure preventions for homeowners.Far too many of our friends...

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Assemblymember William “Bill” Magee. Bill was born and raised in Central New York’s farming communities, and for 28 years in the Assembly, he was a voice and an advocate...

In March of this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Assembly amended the rules of the People’s House to allow the body to convene according to emergency procedures during a declared state or national state of emergency. Today, we will amend...

This was an election cycle unlike any other, but now, almost a month after Election Day, I am happy that we officially know who will be joining us in 2021 in the People’s House. I would like to offer my congratulations and give a warm welcome the...

It is an honor and a privilege to have been nominated by my colleagues in the Assembly Majority to serve as speaker of the People’s House. I am thankful for their unwavering commitment to putting New York families first and their continued...

It is with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all of those he inspired over the years.Mayor Dinkins was a trailblazer. A man of great...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that four new members were sworn in to the New York State Assembly, including Assemblymembers Khaleel M. Anderson, Kenneth Burgos, Sarah Clark and Demond L. Meeks.“Congratulations and welcome to our newest members...

It is with great happiness and pride that I offer my sincerest and most heartfelt congratulations to President-Elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris, the first woman and the first woman of color to ever be elected to that office....

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that Isa Puello has been appointed secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs.“Isa has been an important member of my team for many years, and has done an great job as we faced unprecedented challenges here in New...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Nily Rozic today announced that legislation passed earlier this year to allow all state employees to receive their pay stubs electronically has been signed into law.“In today’s day and age, most people...

I join with my current and former colleagues in mourning the passing of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. A veteran and an elected official, he was dedicated to serving our country and our state. Although we were on different ends of the ideological...

A New York State government office, the district office of Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright, was defiled overnight with hate-filled and grotesque anti-Semitic language. The Assembly Majority has always been very clear that we have a zero tolerance policy...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced a joint legislative hearing will be held to examine the response failures of various utility companies during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias. The storm...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he is immediately implementing sanctions recommended by the bipartisan Assembly Ethics and Guidance Committee concerning the conduct of Assemblymember Michael Miller.The Ethics Committee found that Assemblymember...

I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to my good friend and junior high school classmate Mario Cilento on his re-election as president of the AFL-CIO.For years, Mario has fought to improve the lives and working conditions of the hardworking...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to ensure vulnerable New Yorkers have the tools and resources they need to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and to foster trust and accurately trace the virus in our communities.“New...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Elections Committee Chair Charles Lavine and Assemblymember Latrice Walker today announced that the Assembly passed legislation to make it easier for eligible voters to register to vote by creating a system for automatic voter registration...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Kimberly Jean-Pierre today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to help end discriminatory practices in the real estate industry that disproportionately affect minority homebuyers. This legislation makes...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Legislature has advanced legislation to limit the immunity that was granted in the State Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget. The new legislation will narrow that...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman today announced the Assembly has passed the Healthy Terminals Act to ensure that airport workers are paid fair wages and have access to benefits including health care.“New York’s airports...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow and Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman today announced that the Assembly passed legislation to recognize Juneteenth and Abolition Commemoration Day in New York State.“African American history has too...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Senate and Assembly have passed legislation that offers legal protection to any individual or entity sued for exercising their free speech rights. A “Strategic...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Pamela Hunter today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would enable New Yorkers to make installment payments for many traffic-related fines and fees, helping to ensure they do not lose their driving...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Mathylde Frontus today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would require video recordings of all interrogations of juveniles in family court (A.7970, Frontus).“The Assembly Majority has fought...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages today announced the passage of the Protect Our Courts Act, which would ensure that all members of the community are able to participate in the justice system without fear of immigration related...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Codes Committee Chair Joseph R. Lentol and Assemblymember Aravella Simotas today announced the Assembly passed legislation that will expand New York State’s rape statutes, helping survivors seek justice and appropriate recognition...

It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues – and the nation – in mourning the death of Representative John Lewis.A champion of the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis dedicated his life to the fight for racial equality and basic human...

For years, the Assembly Majority has fought tirelessly to bring greater transparency and accountability to our criminal justice system. Today, the Right to Monitor Act goes into effect, ensuring every New Yorker has the legal protections they need to...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced a series of joint legislative hearings to be convened over the coming weeks. The hearings will examine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted New York State with...

The Assembly Majority knows that women’s reproductive health care and family planning decisions should be made by women and their health care providers – not their employers. Today’s Supreme Court decision delivers an unconscionable blow...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR), Senate Judiciary Committee and Assembly Government Operations Committee...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the appointment of Ekow N. Yankah to the Public Campaign Finance Board and issued the following statement:Elections are a sacred part of our democracy. With...

It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues in mourning the death of the longtime dean of the Assembly’s Rochester delegation, David F. Gantt.David was a lifelong public servant and a fierce advocate for his constituents and his community....

Today’s Supreme Court decision to strike down Louisiana’s attempt to restrict abortion access is a win for women not just in Louisiana, but across our country.Time and again, we see states seeking to control and limit women’s reproductive...

Today’s Supreme Court ruling establishes what the Assembly Majority has long known to be true: Dreamers are an integral part of the economy and the social fabric of our communities.The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, or DACA, was...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly passed legislation that would establish the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office within the Department of Law to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud, use of excessive force, criminal...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember N. Nick Perry today announced that the Assembly passed legislation to create the Office of Special Investigation that would investigate and, when warranted, prosecute when a person dies in law enforcement custody...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to establish the New York State Body-Worn Cameras Program to increase accountability and evidence for law enforcement and the residents of the state by providing body-worn cameras...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would provide greater transparency of law enforcement conduct and promote trust between law enforcement and the public.“All across the nation, there is a shared sense...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the passage of legislation to affirm that police and correctional agencies must provide attention to the medical and mental health needs of individuals in their custody (A.8226-B, Fernandez).“One of my goals since...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember N. Nick Perry today announced the Assembly passed the Right to Monitor Act, which confirms the public’s right to record public law enforcement activity (A.1360-A, Perry).“As we seek to bring transparency...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would create a civil penalty for the biased misuse of emergency services, such as 911, when there is no reason to believe a crime or offense, or imminent threat to person or...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed the Police Statistic and Transparency (STAT) Act, which would provide for collection of data concerning police and court activities, in order to promote transparency and help researchers...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember N. Nick Perry today announced the Assembly passed legislation that would that require law enforcement officers that discharge their weapon in circumstances where a person could be struck by a bullet from a weapon...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley today announced the Assembly passed the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, which would criminalize the harmful use of a chokehold by a police officer (A.6144-B, Mosley). “I have worked with my...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that this week the Assembly will pass a package of legislation to protect New Yorkers, improve police and community relations, and bring transparency and accountability to the criminal justice system.“The Assembly...

Today the Senate and Assembly had productive majority conferences to discuss the issues occurring in our communities that have caused so much unrest over the last several days. Members have bills on many topics related to these issues and we will be developing...

Tonight has been another night of heartbreak in the wake of the horrendous killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Protests have been unfolding across the country and here in New York. Let’s be clear - the reason for the protests themselves is warranted...

Across the state, New Yorkers are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, my colleagues in the Assembly Majority and I convened session to pass a comprehensive package of legislation to address these challenges.Here...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Chair of the Committee on Governmental Employees Peter Abbate, Jr. today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to ensure that the families of municipal frontline workers who lost their lives to COVID-19 as a result of...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Legislature has passed a major legislative package to help support New Yorkers during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and help the state be prepared for...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today announced the Legislature plans to convene session next week to pass legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee meetings are scheduled to take place on...

During this global pandemic, our state is facing a growing number of extraordinary challenges. As I have continuously said throughout this crisis, assistance from the federal government is critical to maintaining vital programs and ensuring that New Yorkers...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Uber today announced a plan for the company to donate 8,000 free meals to nonprofits and institutions serving New Yorkers impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. All of the organizations are on the frontlines of the city’s health...

During this global pandemic, the Assembly Majority knows that New Yorkers are facing challenging times. This virus has threatened more than just our health – it has brought tremendous economic hardship, including food insecurity.For an increasing...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today announced the Legislature will soon hold two public hearings to address the impacts of COVID-19 on New York State. In the interest of public health and safety, the hearings...

Speaker Carl Heastie and members of the Assembly Majority today sent a letter to the New York State Congressional delegation calling on them to support unrestricted aid to state and local governments that have borne the financial burden of confronting...

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former colleague and Assemblymember Richard Brodsky. Richard was a dedicated public servant, and in his 27 years in the Assembly he fought to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Among his many...

As always, the Assembly stands ready to protect and provide for the well-being of all New Yorkers. Last week we established a system for remote voting and we are on call to perform our constitutional duties as a co-equal branch of government. The Assembly...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Labor Committee Chair Marcos A. Crespo today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-21 Budget includes provisions that will require annual sick leave policies for all private sector employees.“The Assembly Majority...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-21 Budget will uphold the Assembly Majority’s longstanding commitment to promote college affordability despite...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-21 allocates $27.9 billion in school aid. Through the combination of state support and funding from the recently passed federal...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-21 Budget will build on the Assembly’s previously enacted common sense gun legislation and offer greater protection to New Yorkers from gun violence.“The Assembly Majority...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-21 Budget includes a number of significant environmental policies including a possible new environmental bond act.“It...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes today announced that the Assembly will pass a resolution providing for special temporary procedures during a declared state of emergency (E.854, Peoples-Stokes). The change will preserve...

Today I was informed that a third Assembly member, Kimberly Jean-Pierre, has tested positive for COVID-19. I have informed the Department of Health upon learning this news as this member was in Albany yesterday to participate in our legislative session,...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that will immediately provide all New Yorkers with sick leave during the coronavirus pandemic (A.10153, Nolan).“No one should have to worry about losing their...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Charles Lavine today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would make necessary changes for filing designating petitions for the June 2020 primary for congressional, state senate, state...

For the purposes of efficiency as well as the public health and safety of members and staff, session will be postponed until later this week, possibly Wednesday.This is subject to change and we will provide updates as developments warrant.

Recognizing that there are extraordinary events unfolding by the hour, I convened a conference call this afternoon with my Assembly Majority colleagues. During the call, members were provided an update on what has occurred in the last few days, and instructed...

"It has come to our attention that two of our Assembly colleagues – Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron - have been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is important to note that both members have not been in Albany since early March for separate reasons....

Speaker Carl Heastie and Social Services Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi today announced an Assembly proposal to establish a comprehensive $450 million, five year plan to address the statewide homelessness crisis. The Statewide Homelessness Reduction Plan...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to assure that judges determining the division of property in a divorce must consider the effect domestic violence has had on the survivor (A.1967, Zebrowski). Current law does not...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate and Assembly Education Committee Chairs Shelley Mayer and Michael Benedetto, and Senate and Assembly Higher Education Committee Chairs Toby Ann Stavisky and Deborah Glick...

The appropriation we passed will help save the lives of New Yorkers. While the vast majority of people who contract the novel coronavirus do not become seriously ill, we have seen how quickly the disease can spread and just how deadly it can be. This...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-21 proposed budget would build on the Assembly Majority’s longstanding commitment to supporting high quality, public education for all. The proposed plan would...

Congratulations to Mary E. Sullivan on her election to president of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Mary has a long history of standing up for New York’s workers, fighting so their members who work in our hospitals, schools, universities...

Last year the Legislature and Governor stood shoulder to shoulder to hail the passage of legislation to reform our deeply flawed, class-based criminal justice system. This law has only been in effect for six weeks. I want to underscore what I have said...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Assembly Transportation Committee Chair William B. Magnarelli and Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley today announced that the Assembly passed legislation requiring all passengers 16 years of age or older wear seat belts while riding...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Minority Leader William Barclay and New York State Assemblymembers, in observation of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, will pass a package of bills aimed at improving the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities."The Assembly...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the appointment of an Assembly working group to be led by Assembly Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz that will identify and propose solutions on the most pressing issues affecting limited-profit housing companies,...

Speaker Carl Heastie joined with Assemblymembers Helene E. Weinstein, Joseph R. Lentol, Nily Rozic and Sean Ryan to reaffirm the Assembly Majority’s commitment to provide funding for Holocaust survivors with critical supports and services as the...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the following individuals have taken on new roles in the Assembly:LouAnn Ciccone has been appointed Secretary to the Speaker/Senior Policy Advisor. A veteran of the Assembly and longtime member of the Speaker’s...

Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Joint Legislative Hearing Schedule on the 2020-2021 Executive Budget Proposal.These hearings, each of which focuses on a programmatic...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli announced the Assembly today passed a package of legislation to create critical oversight for the limousine industry, and keep New York's roads safer."Limos are used for...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly, in conjunction with the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), updated most of the lights in the Assembly Chamber to more energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) lights. The new LED...

January 9, 2020Assembly ChamberAlbany_____________________________________[as prepared]Good afternoon members, staff, interns and guests. Welcome to the New York State Assembly Chamber – the People’s House of the New York State Legislature....

Speaker Carl E. Heastie Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes Chair, Ways and Means Helene E. Weinstein Deputy Speaker Catherine Nolan Assistant Speaker Félix W. Ortiz Speaker...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal today announced the creation of the Assembly Task Force on Examining Socio-Economic Responses to People with Substance Use Disorders. The task force will hold hearings to receive recommendations...

Beginning on Saturday, for the first time ever New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote early in the General Election. Legislation that was passed into law this year will deliver a more equitable voting process by offering a nine day early voting...

I am saddened to learn of the passing of New York State Regent Judith Johnson. Regent Johnson dedicated her career to improving public education in New York State and across the country, from her start as a teacher in New York City, through her leadership...

Speaker Carl Heastie today visited Rochester with Assemblymember Jamie Romeo as part of the speaker's annual statewide tour. Together they visited Irondequoit Square (I-Square), United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America...

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Aileen Gunther in the Hudson Valley as part of his annual statewide tour. During the tour, the pair visited a youth center, a not-for-profit that assists families in need, a local ballfield and Fei Tian...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour in Onondaga County with Assemblymember Al Stirpe. Together, they visited JMA Wireless, the Matilda Joslyn Gage Home and Side Hill Farmers.“My statewide tour gives me the opportunity to...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour in Cortland and Tompkins Counties. He joined Assemblymember Barbara Lifton in visiting Suggett Park in Cortland, a daycare center at Tompkins Cortland Community College and Cornell University.“The...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour with Assemblymember Steve Stern on Long Island. They made stops at Sweetie Pies on Main and Cold Spring Harbor, and Farmingdale State College.“Going on my statewide tour every year gives...

Today people across the nation will pause to remember the thousands of lives tragically lost on 9-11. Our hearts still break when we remember these terrible events, and we extend our gratitude to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve...

While knocking on doors and visiting with my constituents, it became clear that bureaucracy and a flawed system have been posing a significant hardship on city homeowners. Since then, I have fought tirelessly to develop a solution to this problem because...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced he will join the New York State Assembly Haitian Caucus, including Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages, Rodneyse Bichotte, Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Clyde Vanel and Mathylde Frontus, to assist in Hurricane Dorian relief...

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian on the Bahamas has been heartbreaking. These islands hold a special place in my heart as the place my paternal grandparents called home, and I have returned there often to visit friends and family.Here in New...

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Mathylde Frontus in Brooklyn during his annual statewide tour. Today’s tour included a trip to two senior centers, one which is located at a NYCHA development, lunch at a local pizza spot and a trip...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour, joining Assemblymember Didi Barrett at the Duchess County Stabilization Center in Poughkeepsie and touring Hudson Hemp in Columbia County.“My statewide tour gives me the opportunity...

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymembers Monica Wallace and Karen McMahon for a second day of touring in Western New York during his annual statewide tour. During the visit, the speaker joined the members at area eateries, a community center,...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour with stops at New Era Field in Orchard Park, Lackawanna City Hall and the Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub in South Buffalo with Assemblyman Pat Burke.“One of the things I love about my...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour in Troy, accompanied by Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. They were joined by Troy Mayor Patrick Madden as they visited local businesses and One Monument Square.“During session, I...

Speaker Carl Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour with stops in Utica with Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon and Schenectady with Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara.“One of the best parts of my statewide tour is being able to see all...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Carrie Woerner in Mechanicville as part of his fourth annual statewide tour. The pair visited the Mechanicville Area Community Service Center (MACSC).“This tour affords me the opportunity...

In New York I am proud that the Assembly Majority has led the fight for stricter gun laws that are proven to make our communities safer. The horrific events over the last weekend in El Paso and Dayton, and all the other mass shootings that have become...

Speaker Carl Heastie joined Assemblymember Charles D. Fall on Staten Island today for the fourth stop on Speaker Heastie’s 2019 statewide tour. Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Fall made stops at the Empire Outlets, Curtis High School, Snug Harbor...

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Kimberly Jean-Pierre on Long Island as part of his fourth annual statewide tour. During the tour, the pair visited a not-for-profit organization that provides after-school and summer learning programs to...

Speaker Heastie today continued his annual statewide tour in Nassau County. He was joined by Assemblymember Judy Griffin as they made stops at Operation Stop Polluting Litter and Save Harbors (S.P.L.A.S.H.) and Otto’s Sea Grill along the Freeport...

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Héctor Figueroa, one of the great champions of today’s labor movement and of the rights of all people.Héctor spent his career fighting to improve people’s lives. In addition to being...

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson in Poughkeepsie during his fourth annual statewide tour. The pair visited the Family Partnership Center, a hub for programs and organizations serving local residents and ate lunch at Alex’s...

Legal attempts by the Erie County Clerk and others to block the Green Light Law, which will allow immigrants to obtain a New York driver’s license, are shortsighted and just plain wrong. The landmark legislation passed by the legislature this year...

Year after year, the Assembly Majority has laid out a progressive agenda that puts families first. Many of the issues that took center stage this year started right here in the People’s House. In recent years, our progressive agenda had little hope...

Today, people will come from all over to celebrate Pride here in New York City, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that marked the start of the gay rights movement. As we do, we honor the memory and pay tribute to the activists...

The Census is an essential tool the United States uses to determine the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives and the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding for our schools, health care facilities, housing and other critical...

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Billy Jones in the North Country to kick off his 2019 statewide tour. This is the fourth statewide tour Heastie has embarked on since assuming the role of speaker in 2015. During today’s visit, Heastie...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes and Codes Committee Chair Joseph R. Lentol today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana and expunge the records of those...

Due to a significant technical issue with the Automatic Voter Registration Act (S6457A /A8280A) that would have impacted the intent of the legislation, the Senate Majority will recall the bill and introduce a corrected version. We will pass this updated...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli today announced the passage of legislation to ensure limousine safety and protect New Yorkers while riding in limousines. This package of six bills will add to the comprehensive...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N.Gottfried and Assemblymember David Weprin today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would allow adoptees to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate (A.5494, Weprin).“Knowing...

Since Governor Cuomo first raised the Child-Parent Security Act as an end-of-session priority, the Assembly has had numerous conversations and heard from advocates on all sides of this issue. While there are strong feelings about surrogacy on all sides,...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Diana Richardson today announced the passage of legislation to expand the availability of educational materials that would provide information on possible complications during pregnancy that have the potential to...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Governmental Operations Committee Chair Michele Titus, and Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Subcommittee Chair Rodneyse Bichotte today announced the passage of legislation to renew and expand New...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced Assembly passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a comprehensive bill that sets critical environmental standards, including reductions...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Marcos Crespo, Governmental Operations Chair Michele Titus and Ethics and Guidance Committee Chair Aravella Simotas today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to increase protections against discriminatory...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would allow campaign funds to be used for childcare expenses when they are incurred during an election campaign or in the execution of the...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol and Assemblymember Aravella Simotas today announced the passage of legislation to extend the statute of limitations for rape in the second and third degrees so that victims can seek justice from...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to end the use of gay and trans panic defenses. Under current law, the use of the “extreme emotional disturbance” defense, in some...

Leading the fight to strengthen labor protections for farmworkers, Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember Catherine Nolan and Labor Committee Chair Marcos Crespo today announced the Assembly has passed the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act (A.8419,...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal today announced the Assembly has the passed the Securing Wages Earned Against Theft (SWEAT) bill to help employees recoup stolen wages from their employers. This legislation would enable victims...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz today announced passage of legislation to extend and strengthen rent protections for tenants across the state (A.8281, Heastie). Rent regulations are set to expire at the end of the day...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and advocates today applauded legislation that will extend New York's rent laws and give tenants across the state the strongest protections in New York history. Further details...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz today announced passage of legislation that would prevent people from opting out of vaccinations for nonmedical reasons.“Vaccines are proven tools in combatting communicable disease,”...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli and Labor Committee Chair Marcos Crespo today announced the Assembly has passed the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, also known as the Green Light Bill, to create safer...

"These reforms give New Yorkers the strongest tenant protections in history. For too long, power has been tilted in favor of landlords and these measures finally restore equity and extend protections to tenants across the state. These reforms will pass...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Nily Rozic today announced that the Assembly passed legislation to prohibit charging more for similar products on the basis of gender (A.629, Rozic).“The Assembly Majority believes that being a woman should...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Labor Committee Chair Marcos Crespo today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to ensure that car wash workers in New York City, and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties are paid minimum wage (A.6346C, Crespo).“The...

Today the Assembly Transportation Committee took a critical first step and passed legislation (A.3675A) to allow undocumented immigrants access to drivers licenses. The full Assembly will take up and pass this legislation when we return to session next...

The Senate and Assembly together are ready to work with the governor to deliver the strongest rent package ever to meet the needs of tenants across the State of New York.

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to ensure that the internet remains open with equal access for all New Yorkers.“The internet has undoubtedly changed the world we live...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal today announced passage of legislation prohibiting the declawing of cats, and imposing a fine of $1,000 on veterinarians who perform the procedure for no valid reason (A. 1303, Rosenthal).“When...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Kimberly Jean-Pierre today announced Assembly passage of Brianna’s Law, expanding requirements for boating safety classes and making New York’s waterways safer (A.4853-A, Jean-Pierre).“Summer is coming,...

June 3, 2019Barclays CenterBrooklyn_____________________________________[as prepared]Good morning graduates, guests and faculty. I’m honored to be here today to celebrate this occasion with you. You should all be very proud of what you have accomplished...

Now that both legislative houses have concluded our hearings on New York’s rent laws, the Senate and Assembly majorities agree that in 2019 we will enact the strongest rent package ever – one that protects tenants and makes New York more affordable...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb today announced the Assembly passed a package of bills aimed at improving the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities to commemorate the annual Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day.“The Assembly...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly passed legislation to ban the manufacture, sale, transport and possession of undetectable firearms in New York State (A.763, Abinanti).“As rates of gun violence increase across the country, New York...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol and Assemblymember Sandy Galef today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would extend to every county in the state the authority to establish a local court or a division of a local...

Speaker Carl Heastie announced that the Assembly today passed a package of legislation to support victims of domestic violence, helping them seek justice and reclaim their lives.“Far too many New Yorkers have faced the horrors of domestic violence...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the Assembly will pass a package of legislation to commemorate Earth Day by promoting environmental conservation and protecting public health.“The legislation...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol today announced the passage of a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at providing crime victims with the services and support they need to overcome trauma and seek justice.“Crimes...

Assembly Continues Fighting to Protect Tenants and Strengthen Rent Regulation in New YorkSpeaker Carl Heastie and Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz today reaffirmed the Assembly Majority’s commitment to strengthen rent regulation laws and...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 approved budget includes funding for essential human services, including the areas of social services, mental health, children and families, alcoholism and substance use, aging and...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Chair Charles Lavine today announced that $24.7 million in funding for updates to the local and state boards of elections is included in the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget. This funding will help implement...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget will include $641 million in restorations for Medicaid and $34 million for public health programs. Additionally the budget...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick today announced that the enacted State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget will include funding critical to the preservation of higher education programs across the state. These...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget will include $27.86 billion in funding to General Support for Public Schools (GSPS), an increase of $1 billion,...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Codes Committee Chair Joseph R. Lentol today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget Agreement invests in grants and programs to help crime victims, defendants and all New Yorkers better navigate the legal system....

From the first day of session, the Assembly Majority pledged to work with our new partners in the Senate Majority to deliver a Families First agenda. Despite the financial challenges we are facing, we have never lost sight of that promise. We have worked...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget includes $27 million to support the Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act, which will enable New York’s immigrant students...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget will protect New York’s waterways and the environment by banning plastic carryout bags.“The Assembly...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Codes Committee Chair Joseph R. Lentol today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to protect New Yorkers from unscrupulous landlords seeking to force rent regulated tenants out of their homes (A.6188, Lentol).“No...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced they have reached a consensus on table targets for the individual budget conference committees.These funds will be used as the basis for budget negotiations...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Establish aMaternal Mortality Review BoardSpeaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly passed legislation that would establish the Maternal Mortality Review Board to closely examine maternal mortality in New York and...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes today announced that the Assembly passed life-saving legislation to expand the use of speed cameras in New York City school zones, and to establish a demonstration...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Transportation Committee Chair William B. Magnarelli today announced the passage of a measure to install safety cameras on school buses to monitor overtaking and passing violations (A.4950A, Magnarelli).“Ensuring the safety...

March 13, 2019Albany_____________________________________[as prepared]Good afternoon.I want to start by thanking my Assembly Majority colleagues for all their hard work over these past few months in helping to craft our budget. Here with me today are...

2019 General Budget Conference Committee Assembly Senate Carl Heastie (Co-Chair) Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Co-Chair) Helene Weinstein Liz Krueger Crystal Peoples-Stokes Michael...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright announced today the Assembly’s 2019-2020 state fiscal year (SFY) budget includes $175.2 million funding for environmental protections.“The Assembly...

Legislature to Convene General Budget Conference Committee meeting today at 5:30 p.m. in Hearing Room B of the Legislative Office Building. 2019 General Budget Conference Committee Assembly Senate Carl...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced the Assembly budget proposal allocates $28.4 billion in school aid, which is an increase of $1.6 billion or 6.3 percent over the 2018-19 School Year (SY). The plan reflects...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget would make nearly $700 million in restorations to the Medicaid program and $54 million in restorations to public...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget promotes college affordability by restoring and increasing funding by $23.8 million for opportunity...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Codes Committee Chair Joseph R. Lentol today announced the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget invests in combating gang violence in our communities, and includes critical funding for programs that help New Yorkers...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Local Governments Committee Chair Fred W. Thiele, Jr. and Transportation Committee Chair William B. Magnarelli today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget provides funding support to programs...

Speaker Carl Heastie announced today the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget includes restorations and investments to critical human services programs.“Despite the state’s financial challenges, the Assembly Majority remains...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Chair Charles Lavine today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget provides necessary funding for local and state boards of elections.“The amounts provided in the Assembly budget...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz today announced that the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget proposal makes critical investments in affordable housing across the state, including programs serving urban...

Speaker Carl Heastie, Transportation Chair William B. Magnarelli and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Chair Amy Paulin today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget will invest a new $12.8 billion in the state’s...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly's State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Budget proposal of $175.6 billion.This proposal would make significant investments in health care,...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Governmental Operations Committee Chair Michele Titus today marked the nationwide observance of Sunshine Week with the passage of legislation to strengthen the state’s Freedom of Information Laws (FOIL) in order...

It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues in mourning the death of former Assembly Speaker Mel Miller.Mel represented the 44th Assembly District in Brooklyn for 21 years, five of those years he served as Speaker. During his time in the Assembly,...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly will pass legislation to protect the health of children in New York by lowering the statutory standard for elevated blood lead levels (BLL).“There is nothing more important than the health and safety...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly will pass legislation that would increase the purchasing age for tobacco products and electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21 years old (A.558-A, Rosenthal).“Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes is a dangerous...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto, Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer, Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick,...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly passed legislation which will expand current requirements that guns are kept in safe storage repositories, especially in households with children (A.2686A, Paulin).“Today’s bill is another important...

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly passed the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (A.3974, Aubry). The legislation would expand on alternative sentencing laws for domestic violence cases.“Domestic violence is a heart breaking reality...

It is unfortunate that we could not come to an agreement on a revenue consensus with the Governor. It remains the intention of both the Assembly and the Senate to reach a fiscally responsible, on-time budget that meets our priorities.

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Edward C. Braunstein announced that the Assembly today passed legislation to criminalize the unlawful dissemination and publication of intimate images, commonly referred to as revenge porn, and also provide victims...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced today the Assembly will pass a package of legislation that would expand civil rights protections in schools and protect New Yorkers from discrimination and harassment.“The Assembly Majority has long been committed...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes today announced the Aspire to Inspire initiative, an invitation for New Yorkers to pass along their favorite quotes to inspire others. A selected entry will be read at the beginning...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Nily Rozic today announced passage of legislation requiring insurance companies to provide full coverage for all aspects of eating disorder treatments (A. 1619, Rozic).“Eating disorders are a treatable...

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright today announced that the Assembly passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would guarantee equal rights for women in New York State (A.271, Seawright).“The Assembly Majority is committed...

As a City University of New York (CUNY) graduate, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the newest CUNY Chancellor, Félix V. Matos Rodríguez – the first Latino to lead this great institution.Félix’s accomplishments...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and State-Federal Relations Chair Nily Rozic today met with Democratic members of New York’s Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. to discuss the need for statewide housing...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright announced the Assembly will pass legislation (A.2572, Englebright) today to prohibit oil and natural gas drilling in New York’s coastal areas.“While...

Speaker Carl Heastie announced the Assembly today will pass legislation to prevent and reduce gun violence in New York State. The legislative package includes bills that have passed the Assembly in past years, including keeping guns out of the hands of...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal announced the Assembly’s intent to pass the Child Victims Act today. The legislation (A.2683, Rosenthal) would help survivors of childhood sexual abuse seek justice by allowing them...

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced an agreement on a joint legislative budget schedule...

People across the nation are finding many different ways to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. More than just a day off or a long weekend, the third Monday of January serves as a reminder to us that the fight for equal rights...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced passage of legislation (A.783, Benedetto) that would eliminate the mandatory use of state assessments to determine a teacher or principal’s evaluation....

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa announced that today the Assembly will pass the Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act to ensure immigrant children are able to access higher education in order to fully participate in...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Kevin Cahill and Ellen Jaffee announced that today the Assembly passed a package of three bills that would protect women's reproductive rights and grant all New Yorkers access to family...

Sexual harassment impacts employees across the country, including right here in New York. No industry is free from the scourge of sexual harassment, assault, and inappropriate workplace behavior.The #MeToo movement has brought these important issues to...

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York's ruling to halt the inclusion of a citizenship question in the 2020 census is a victory for New York and for everyone who calls it home.Under the guise of enforcing the Voting Rights Act,...

Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Joint Legislative Hearing Schedule on the 2019-2020 Executive Budget Proposal.These hearings, each of which focuses on a programmatic...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Kenneth Zebrowski announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would allow local governments and school districts to give furloughed federal employees a temporary extension to pay their property...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that today the Assembly has passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) to protect transgender and non-gender conforming New Yorkers from discrimination, as well as legislation to ban mental health...

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced that today the Assembly passed a seven bill package of legislation to reform New York State’s antiquated electoral process, expanding New Yorkers’ access...

January 9, 2019Assembly ChamberAlbany[as delivered]Good afternoon.Welcome to everyone joining us in the Chamber today - the People's House of the New York State Legislature. It is my pleasure to begin the 2019 Legislative session by offering you my...

Today, my colleagues and I in the Assembly Majority opened the 2019 Legislative Session, and while we are confident this year will bring real change for New Yorkers, many of the ideas that have recently taken center stage have long been priorities in...

I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Tish James on being sworn into the Office of Attorney General. As the first African American woman to hold statewide office, she is helping to reshape the face of leadership in New York and beyond. As...

The Assembly Majority believes that every hardworking New Yorker deserves the opportunity to climb the economic ladder. We know that putting families first means putting them on a path towards financial independence. No one working a full-time job should...