Sen. Sean Ryan

Enables public libraries to access employment preparation education (EPE) funds to provide adult literacy education; sets aside one million dollars to be awarded through a competitive grant process; provides that half of such appropriation shall be set aside for libraries serving a population of one million or more.

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 bill reduces the fee that funeral directors and undertakers must pay to use the electronic death registration system from twenty dollars to five dollars per permit. The change is implemented by amending the public health law to lower the required payment while maintaining the rule that these fees cannot be passed on to families as extra charges. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage, directly affecting licensed funeral service providers who currently pay the higher registration fee.

Establishes the New York state innovation voucher program; provides small businesses with access to research and development by colleges and universities, government laboratories and public research institutes in order to assist such businesses in the creation of innovative products or services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors George J. Measer, Jr., a distinguished citizen and former newspaper publisher who passed away in April 2024. The bill formally pauses legislative proceedings to express mourning for his life and directs a copy of the resolution to his family. It recognizes his service during World War II and his decades of leadership in the Amherst Bee and other regional publications. The measure serves as a tribute to his contributions to the community and the newspaper industry in Western New York.

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 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 Cecilia Gentili, a community advocate and actress from Brooklyn. It honors her life by highlighting her significant contributions to supporting transgender people, sex workers, and the LGBTQIA+ community through her work in healthcare, policy, and the arts. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but instead serves as an official tribute to her legacy and asks that the legislative body pause to mourn her passing.