Senate Resolution No. 2318
BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS
CELEBRATING Senator Michael N. Gianaris upon the
occasion of his designation as the recipient of the
President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader's
Legislative Legacy Award
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
esteemed public servants whose careers have been marked by an abiding
dedication to justice, fairness, and the betterment of their
communities; among them stands Senator Michael N. Gianaris, a public
servant whose presence did far more than fill a seat, and who has left
an indelible impact on the very character of the institution he helped
lead; and
WHEREAS, Senator Gianaris was born and raised in Astoria, Queens,
the proud son of Greek immigrants whose values of hard work and civic
responsibility shaped his life's calling; he graduated summa cum laude
from Fordham University and earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law
School, preparing him for a long and accomplished career in public
service; and
WHEREAS, Before his election to public office, he built a
distinguished record of public service through multiple roles across
government, serving as an aide to Congressman Thomas Manton, as Queens
Regional Representative to Governor Mario Cuomo, and as a Counsel to the
Speaker of the New York State Assembly; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, he was elected to the New York State Assembly,
becoming the first Greek-American ever elected to public office from New
York City, a milestone that reflects both his heritage and the deep
trust placed in him by the communities he has long served; in the
Assembly, he championed consumer protection, environmental protection,
government reform, and public safety; and
WHEREAS, Senator Gianaris was elected to the New York State Senate
in 2010 to represent the 12th Senate District which includes the Queens
neighborhoods of Long Island City, Sunnyside, Astoria and parts of other
neighborhoods in western Queens; during his 16-year tenure, he became
one of the most influential voices in the chamber, rising to Deputy
Majority Leader upon appointment by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart
Cousins, and building an impressive legislative record defined by
meaningful protections and bold reforms grounded in justice, fairness,
and accountability; and
WHEREAS, A leading champion for tenants and housing justice, he
helped pass the 2019 rent reforms with the HSTPA, authored the Housing
Our Neighbors With Dignity Act to convert distressed properties into
supportive housing, and helped usher in Good Cause Eviction protections;
he worked to transform New York's criminal justice system by writing
legislation to eliminate cash bail, creating an Innocence Commission,
and advancing reforms to "ban discriminatory citizens' arrests and
protect habeas corpus rights"; he spearheaded sweeping election reforms
to strengthen access and participation in the electoral process,
including expanding voter registration, enacting early voting and vote
by mail, championing automatic voter registration, consolidating
primaries, and advancing redistricting reforms to ensure fairer
representation for all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Senator Gianaris authored and championed numerous other
consequential laws, including fighting for and helping to advance LGBTQ+
rights, securing record funding for mass transit, pushing for increased
accessibility through the free bus pilot program; authoring the NY HERO
Act to protect workers during the COVID 19 pandemic; challenging
polluting power plants, ensuring utility employees received a prevailing
wage; strengthening consumer protections through the nation's first
Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, and advancing major animal welfare
legislation like the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act; he also led the successful
opposition to the proposed Amazon HQ2 project in Long Island City; his
career has been defined not only by legislative victories but by fierce
advocacy for working families, tenants, immigrants, consumers, and all
those who rely on government to stand up for them; and
WHEREAS, Senator Gianaris is widely regarded not only as one of the
sharpest minds in New York State politics but as a strategist whose
instincts are the stuff of Capitol legend; he is known for his ability
to read a room instantly, anticipate political shifts before anyone else
senses it, and navigate complex negotiations with precision and
patience; it is a combination that has made him a trusted leader, a
steady hand in moments of uncertainty, and a force whose presence can
change the entire temperature of the chamber; and
WHEREAS, He is known to be an exceptional Floor Leader and debater;
his command of policy, quick wit, and ability to "verbally spar" when
necessary, while still remaining deeply likable and poised, make him
both a formidable opponent and a respected colleague; members on both
sides of the aisle admire his intelligence, integrity, meticulous
preparation, humor, and his legendary talent for remembering exactly
what someone said three years ago and deploying it gracefully,
devastatingly, and usually to great comedic effect during debate; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his public achievements, Senator Gianaris is a
devoted husband, father, son, and brother; his colleagues know him as
someone who loves cats and his dog Fred, and for whom devotion to the
New York Mets and enthusiasm for Star Wars are unmistakable parts of who
he is, infusing even the most serious legislative moments with levity
and humor; his humor has long served as a reminder that even in the most
serious moments, public service can still make room for joy,
imagination, and laughter; and
WHEREAS, Within these halls, he has not only been a colleague but a
mentor, guiding, shaping new talent, and elevating many of the great
voices who have served in the New York State Legislature; and
WHEREAS, After more than a quarter century of public service,
Senator Gianaris has chosen to end his storied tenure in Albany to
return home to his beloved Queens and embrace his most cherished role as
a devoted husband, father, and son; as he retires from the New York
State Senate, he leaves behind a legacy of courage, conviction,
transformative leadership, and a lifelong commitment to lifting up those
most in need, a legacy that will continue to shape New York for
generations to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Senator Michael N. Gianaris upon the occasion of his designation
as the recipient of the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority
Leader's Legislative Legacy Award, and to express its deepest gratitude
for his decades of service, his legislative achievements, and his
unwavering dedication to the people of Queens and the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Senator Michael N. Gianaris with the highest esteem and
appreciation of this Legislative Body. May the Force be with you.
