Asm. Angelo Santabarbara

Explained that truck strikes on low-clearance bridges are a recurring problem across the state and in his district. GPS systems can warn drivers about bridge heights just as they do for traffic and construction, providing safer alternate routes and preventing costly accidents.

The bill moves New York's developmental disabilities service system forward by bringing together self-advocates, families, providers and experts to focus on real solutions and make the system more coordinated, responsive and better aligned with people's needs.

The bill moves New York's developmental disabilities service system forward by bringing together self-advocates, families, providers and experts to focus on real solutions and make the system more coordinated, responsive and better aligned with people's needs.

Assemblymember Lavine explained the bill is written with Abraham Lincoln's philosophy in mind, ensuring that veterans who are incarcerated and about to be released receive available federal and state benefits they deserve. Lavine emphasized that New York State has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation and that caring for veterans is a solemn obligation.

Ms. Walsh explained support for the bill, noting that substance abuse disorder often co-occurs with mental health issues and that coordinated, streamlined treatment is essential. She emphasized the importance of addressing these co-occurring issues together.

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.

Assemblymember Dais explained that the bill aims to ensure veterans and their families have access to needed resources and make it easier for veterans to obtain information. He also recognized a colleague currently serving in the military while serving constituents. Assemblymember Walsh expressed support but noted concerns about the Department of Veterans Services' capacity to undertake this significant effort, citing past issues with distributing tax checkoff funds to veterans' organizations.

Assemblymember Walsh expressed support for the bill, noting that it increases transparency with NYSERDA by expanding the list of individuals who will receive the annual report to include the chairpersons of the respective energy committees in each House of the Legislature. She stated the bill does not increase the amount or type of reporting required, but ensures more individuals receive important information about NYSERDA's activities, revenues, and contracts.

Assemblymember Walsh expressed strong support for the bill, noting that financial exploitation of elderly constituents is a serious problem that generates some of the saddest calls to district offices. She stated the bill, which requires the Office for the Aging to develop an awareness campaign on financial exploitation of the elderly, is an important step. She noted the bill passed unanimously last year and expressed hope it will do so again, though she noted there is currently no Senate companion bill.

Asm. Santabarbara explained that the bill honors Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Michael Grassia, III, a decorated service member and hometown hero from Rotterdam. Grassia enlisted in the Army National Guard at 18, served overseas in Kuwait as a UH-60M Blackhawk pilot, and later became a New York State Trooper. He died at age 30 when his helicopter crashed near the southern border of Texas during a mission. Santabarbara argued the bridge dedication recognizes a life of service, sacrifice, and strength, ensuring future generations remember Grassia's legacy and values.

The bill honors Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Michael Grassia, III, a hometown hero from Rotterdam who served in the Army National Guard and as a New York State Trooper before dying in a helicopter crash at age 30. The bridge dedication recognizes his service and sacrifice.

Ms. Walsh spoke in support, noting that while first responders like firefighters and police receive attention for mental health consequences, 911 dispatchers often go unrecognized despite the cumulative psychological impact of handling multiple emergency calls. She highlighted the risk of PTSD and mental health issues from the constant exposure to traumatic situations.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that 911 dispatchers face cumulative mental health impacts from handling multiple emergency calls in succession, similar to first responders at scenes. She noted that dispatchers often experience PTSD and other mental health issues from the relentless nature of their work.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that 911 dispatchers face cumulative mental health impacts from handling multiple emergency calls, similar to first responders at scenes. She noted that dispatchers must immediately move to the next call after dispatching services, creating PTSD and mental health risks that are often overlooked.

Assemblymember Magnarelli explained the bill requires food retailers and third-party delivery platforms to clearly disclose whether online prices are higher or lower than in-store prices. Assemblywoman Walsh questioned the scope of implementation, asking whether item-by-item price comparisons would be required and what role the Department of State would play in regulation. Magnarelli clarified the bill requires disclosure of whether prices are generally higher or lower, with a link to the grocery store's website for consumers to verify, rather than mandating individual item comparisons. Walsh expressed concern about the burden on platforms given fluctuating prices but acknowledged the bill's consumer protection intent.

Praised continuation and expansion of New York Disability Employment Tax Credit as meaningful structural change supporting inclusive hiring.

Supported continuation and expansion of the New York Disability Employment Tax Credit as meaningful structural change promoting inclusive hiring and workforce access for individuals with disabilities.

Praised continuation and expansion of New York Disability Employment Tax Credit as meaningful structural change for inclusive hiring.

Assemblywoman Walsh praised the bill as a chapter amendment that narrowly defined eligible individuals for mental injury workers' compensation claims, noting it reflected debate from the original legislation and represented a more reasonable approach.

Bridge strikes are increasingly common and cause significant damage and emergency response costs. GPS height information will provide drivers crucial information to avoid dangerous situations and reduce accidents, emergency response expenses, and repair costs.

Bridge strikes are increasingly common and cause significant damage and emergency response costs. GPS systems displaying bridge heights will provide drivers crucial information to avoid dangerous situations and reduce accidents, repair costs, and emergency response expenses.