Sen. Jim Tedisco

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates New York as a "Purple Heart state" to honor combat veterans for their service and sacrifice. The primary mechanism is a simple addition to the state laws that formally assigns this title to the state. This designation is symbolic and does not create new funding, change existing benefits, or alter any current policies for veterans.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Koji Sato for his efforts to recognize Fred Korematsu's legacy and his work promoting Japanese and Japanese-American history. The measure acknowledges Sato's leadership roles in organizations like the Japanese American Association of New York and the U.S.-Japan Council, as well as his contributions to fostering relations between the United States and Japan. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to formally commend Sato and instructs that a copy of the resolution be sent to him.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Takeshi and Carolyn Furumoto for their advocacy in recognizing Fred Korematsu's legacy and their efforts to preserve Japanese-American history. The measure formally acknowledges their personal backgrounds, including their families' experiences during World War II internment, and their professional achievements in community leadership and business. It specifically highlights their role in securing the passage of Fred Korematsu Day in New Jersey and their ongoing work through organizations like New York Hiroshima-Kai and the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the document be sent to the couple as an official recognition of their contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Don B. Lee, a distinguished citizen and community leader who passed away in May 2024. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions as a public servant, IT professional, and activist who advocated for Asian American rights and supported immigrant seniors in New York. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his death and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to his family and the Homecrest Community Services organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize September 17, 2024, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day throughout New York State. The resolution commemorates the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution and honors the annual naturalization ceremonies held by federal officials to welcome new citizens. It highlights New York's significant role in the naturalization process, noting that the state ranks second nationally in the number of people who become citizens each year. The measure is a ceremonial proclamation and does not alter any laws or create new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends the Town of Waterford for hosting its 25th Annual Tugboat Roundup, which took place from September 6 to 8, 2024. The resolution recognizes the event as a celebration of maritime heritage and highlights the town's historical significance as the oldest continually incorporated village in the United States. It acknowledges the gathering's various activities, including tugboat parades, tours, and competitions, while noting the location's unique position at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. The final provision directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Town of Waterford to honor the occasion.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 22, 2024, as the International Day for Biological Diversity within the state. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of protecting the variety of life in New York's ecosystems, including its plants, animals, and fungi. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but instead directs the Governor to issue a proclamation highlighting the global biodiversity crisis and the state's role in conservation. By adopting this measure, the legislature aims to raise public awareness about environmental issues without implementing new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally acknowledges the death of Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak, a retired New York Police Department officer who served 30 years and was a respected member of the Brewster Police Department. The document highlights his long career in law enforcement, his role as a mentor to new officers, and his active participation in community and family life. It concludes by directing that a copy of the resolution be sent to Gurniak's family as a tribute to his service and contributions to his community.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the life and service of Officer Jose Colon, a retired NYPD officer who recently passed away. It formally acknowledges his career in the U.S. Army and his two decades of police work, including his response to the September 11 attacks and his continued service in the Brewster Police Department. The resolution directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his death and instructs that a copy of the document be sent to his family.