Asm. Stacey Pheffer Amato

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick expressed concern that the bill would be very expensive and questioned whether it should be addressed through collective bargaining rather than unilateral legislative action. He suggested the other side should put something on the table to offset the cost of this benefit in perpetuity to assist taxpayers.

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick expressed concern that the bill would be very expensive and questioned whether the benefit should be negotiated through collective bargaining rather than unilaterally granted. He suggested offsetting costs to assist taxpayers.

Thanked committee members for their work and expressed pride in voting yes on the bill.

Thanked the Governmental Employee Committee for their work and expressed pride in voting yes on the bill.

Congratulated the sponsor and noted that every member of her staff except one has been in debt while solving 10,000 cases and passing 50 bills into law, demonstrating debt does not affect job performance.

Sought clarification on NYC assistance, asking Chair Pretlow to explain actions being discussed for the city.

Sought clarification on New York City assistance, noting misinformation about a $4 billion bailout.

Sponsor Pheffer Amato explained the bill would require subsidiaries of four Upstate transportation authorities to submit unresolved contract negotiations to binding arbitration, extending a practice already in place for the MTA and Downstate authorities. Assemblyman Sempolinski sought clarification on which subsidiaries would be affected and confirmed the arbitration procedure mirrors existing practices. Assemblyman Fitzpatrick opposed the bill, arguing binding arbitration leads to higher costs and taxes, citing Long Island's experience. Assemblyman O'Pharrow supported it based on his 25 years in the NYPD, where arbitration benefitted union members.

Asm. Pheffer Amato explained the bill would require subsidiaries of four Upstate transportation authorities to submit unresolved contract negotiations to binding arbitration, extending a practice long used by MTA and Downstate authorities. Asm. Sempolinski sought clarification on which subsidiaries would be affected and confirmed the arbitration procedure mirrors existing practice. Asm. Fitzpatrick opposed the bill, arguing binding arbitration leads to higher costs and taxes, citing Long Island's experience. Asm. O'Pharrow supported it based on his 25 years in the NYPD, where arbitration benefitted union members.

Assemblymember Slater spoke in support of the legislation, noting that Cold War veterans answered their nation's call and deserve special recognition. He stated that Cold War era veterans in his district have specifically requested this commemorative medal and that state recognition would be meaningful to many veterans.

The bill honors FDNY Lieutenant Alison Russo, murdered while working alone as a supervisor paramedic. It ensures supervisors work in teams like other EMS personnel and solidifies staffing protocols requiring two responders per ambulance.

Explained the bill allows sheriffs and police chiefs to remove candidates from eligible lists if they do not meet psychological fitness requirements or lack good moral character, enabling selection of the most qualified candidates while still following the list process.

Explained the bill allows sheriffs and police chiefs to remove unqualified candidates from eligible lists based on psychological fitness or moral character, helping departments identify the most qualified police officer candidates.

Praised the 20-year pension for NYPD officers to support recruitment and retention, and defended allowing 18-year-olds to work in correctional facilities as a legitimate career path.

Praised the 20-year pension for NYPD officers and expressed support for 18-year-olds entering civil servant careers in correctional facilities, arguing against age-based fears.