S1688

The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on a 56-0 vote, marking the sixth introduction of the bill by sponsor Sen. Skoufis. The measure amends the Executive Law to create an official state commemoration. During floor debate, Sen. Borrello of Allegany County used the occasion to honor Wallace 'Wally' Higgins, an original Tuskegee Airman and constituent who recently died. Borrello detailed Higgins' service, noting he was recruited into the Army in 1943 before completing high school and later served in the Pacific theater during World War II, helping construct critical military infrastructure. After the war, Higgins became a professor at Alfred University and civic leader in Allegany County, earning a Congressional Gold Medal and induction into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. Borrello argued the commemoration day would ensure the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy of patriotism and perseverance in the face of segregation and discrimination is preserved for future generations. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

The New York State Senate passed S1688, sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, an act to amend the Executive Law, on a roll call vote of 57-0. The bill, which was Calendar Number 113, proceeded directly to a vote without floor debate. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

The Senate passed S1688, an environmental conservation bill sponsored by Sen. Sanders that would help farmers find beneficial uses for unwanted tires, by a vote of 61-0 on a roll call. The bill's passage came after Sen. Palumbo appealed Acting President Persaud's ruling that an amendment was nongermane, arguing it was relevant to the bill's farmer relief purpose. The appeal was defeated 20-0 on a show of hands vote, and the chair's ruling was sustained. During debate on the appeal, Palumbo used the opportunity to advocate for broader tax relief measures, citing inflation pressures on New Yorkers and promoting his separate bill S9518, which would index state income tax brackets to inflation and provide roughly $300 million in annual tax relief. Despite his concerns about the scope of relief needed, Palumbo indicated he would support the bill.