Asm. John Zaccaro Jr.

Highlighted that the bill removes barriers to access for patients with chronic conditions and debilitating illnesses, and praised the reciprocity provision allowing out-of-state patients to obtain medication while in New York.

Zaccaro, drawing on his personal experience of losing a child, argued that eliminating fees for stillbirth and pregnancy loss certificates removes financial barriers for grieving families during their most vulnerable times. He characterized the measure as a commonsense step to ease the burden on families honoring their lost loved ones.

Zaccaro, drawing on his personal experience of losing a child, advocated for eliminating all fees associated with obtaining certificates of stillbirth or pregnancy loss, stating that families should not face financial barriers during their most devastating times. He praised the bill's unanimous support as reflecting shared values of easing burdens on grieving families.

Described the bill as closing a loophole discovered through community advocacy against illegal smoke shops near schools. Emphasized the legislation balances public safety with promoting a thriving legal cannabis industry through smart, community-centered regulation.

Argued that home visiting programs are vital for supporting families and enhancing outcomes for children, especially those facing poverty, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. Emphasized the programs' economic benefits by reducing costs in social welfare, mental health services, and juvenile corrections, and framed the investment as essential to the state's responsibility to care for children and families.

Spoke with pride about designating Little Yemen in the Bronx as a cultural district, comparing it to other recognized cultural landmarks. Emphasized the vibrancy of the Yemeni community and noted the designation brings access to funding, technical support, and recognition for cultural institutions.

Asm. Ra criticized the chapter amendment process as lacking transparency, noting that such amendments typically involve gubernatorial expectations for legislative rubber-stamping rather than genuine legislative agreement. Ra argued the Legislature should evaluate each amendment on its merits rather than assuming passage because the Governor expects it, and that once the Governor signs a bill, the Legislature has no obligation to pass subsequent amendments.

Argued that New York is a multilingual state and requiring qualified translators ensures equal treatment and upholds fairness and integrity of the legal system without being overly burdensome.

Argued that New York is a multilingual state and requiring qualified translators ensures equal treatment and upholds fairness and integrity of the legal system, sending a message that no one will be left behind because of language barriers.

Emphasized budget uplifts families and workers, highlighting TAP eligibility for part-time students and housing programs including basement unit legalization and Affordable Neighborhood for New Yorkers tax incentive.

Emphasized budget's support for working families, including TAP income threshold increase to $125,000 for part-time students, housing programs like the New York Housing for Future Ownership and Rental Housing Program and basement unit legalization, and nursing employee paid time off requirements.

Championed the illegal cannabis enforcement provisions from A9520, noting that revoking tobacco, liquor, and lottery licenses will increase costs for illegal operators and received bipartisan support.

Sponsored A9520 on cannabis enforcement; praised the bill's provisions revoking licenses for stores selling illegal cannabis, noting this will increase costs for illegal operators.

Supported the bill as important consumer protection; noted that ingredient labeling is standard for other products and should apply to diapers used on children for years.

Praised $34.5 billion fully-funded Foundation Aid as reflection of state values; noted budget is significant step forward though housing crisis remains unaddressed.

Praised $34.5 billion Foundation Aid as fulfilling decades-long court mandate for sound basic education and supported charter school options while acknowledging housing crisis remains inadequately addressed.

Nearly one million people die annually from lead poisoning; personal experience with sister's lead poisoning demonstrates the need to protect New Yorkers over insurance company interests.

Nearly one million people die annually from lead poisoning; his sister suffered lead poisoning as a child causing developmental disabilities; the bill protects New Yorkers rather than insurance companies.

Sponsor explained the bill clarifies prior legislation to address concerns about runaway youth by focusing on homeless youth receiving services. Emphasized the health of vulnerable populations is imperative to their future.