Sen. Kevin Thomas

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new retirement benefit for New York State public employees who have volunteered as firefighters or in emergency services. Under the law, eligible workers can earn one year of retirement credit for every five years of volunteer service, up to a maximum of three years total. To receive this credit, employees must apply before retiring and pay a fee based on their recent earnings, while the state and their employers cover the remaining costs. The legislation also ensures that any money paid for this credit is refunded with interest if the employee dies before retiring and does not benefit from the additional service time.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act to create a dedicated funding mechanism for improving groundwater and surface water quality across the county. It establishes a new water quality restoration fund financed by an additional sales tax of one-eighth of one percent, which would be approved through a mandatory referendum and remain in effect until 2060. The revenue generated would be split evenly between funding individual septic system upgrades and larger wastewater treatment facility projects. Additionally, the legislation grants the county authority to consolidate existing sewer districts into a single county-wide wastewater management district to streamline operations and enforce nitrogen reduction goals. The bill also outlines a schedule for transferring a portion of existing sewer taxpayer protection funds into the new restoration fund over a ten-year period.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses; provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare May 12-18, 2024, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by people with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and notes the need for better medical understanding and support. It also acknowledges the work of the Fibromyalgia Task Force of New York State in advocating for improved diagnosis and treatment. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to increase public awareness rather than changing specific laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Kayla Christel for earning the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in Scouting, on May 19, 2024. It recognizes her as the first female Eagle Scout from Boy Scouts of America Troop 230 in Oceanside, New York, and acknowledges her completion of a community service project. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its work to congratulate her and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to her.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 14, 2024, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in New York. The resolution highlights the widespread impact of domestic violence across various demographics and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal statement to honor the issue and support ongoing advocacy work.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the 2024 New York State Senate Women of Distinction, a group that honors women who have made significant contributions to the state. The legislation does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of these individuals' achievements. It is a ceremonial measure intended to acknowledge their service and impact within the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Harrison Feldman for earning the Eagle Scout rank, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, on May 19, 2024. The measure formally recognizes his achievement as a member of Troop 230 B&G in Oceanside, New York, and highlights his completion of a community service project. Upon adoption, the legislative body pauses its proceedings to honor Feldman and sends a copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Patrick Michael Egan of Garden City, New York, on earning the Eagle Scout rank, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America. The measure formally recognizes his personal achievements and leadership potential while honoring his contributions to his community and family. Upon adoption, the legislative body will pause its proceedings to acknowledge this milestone and send an official copy of the resolution to Egan.