S4899

The New York State Senate voted to reconsider passage of S4899, an act to amend the Highway Law, by a 62-0 roll call vote on a motion by Sen. Lanza. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Rolison and listed as Calendar Number 443, was restored to the Third Reading Calendar following the reconsideration vote. Sen. Lanza subsequently offered amendments to the bill, which were received by the chamber. Additional amendments were offered on behalf of Sen. Mayer on page 36 of the legislation. The bill retained its place on the Third Reading Calendar pending further action on the proposed amendments.

The New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation naming a state highway in the Town of Fishkill in honor of Chief Daniel Nimham, a Wappinger leader and Revolutionary War hero. The bill (S4899, Calendar No. 443) passed on a 61-0 vote. Sen. Rolison, the bill's sponsor, delivered an extensive floor speech detailing Nimham's life as a diplomat and negotiator for the Wappinger Indians before he joined the Stockbridge Militia, an all-volunteer Native American company organized by General George Washington. Rolison noted that Nimham fought at Valley Forge and the Battle of Saratoga before being killed in action at the Battle of Kingsbridge in August 1778. Rolison characterized Nimham as a "forgotten founder" and argued the highway naming would help return Native Americans to their rightful place in the history of American independence. The measure was noted as Rolison's first bill to pass, prompting a standing ovation from the chamber.