Sen. Liz Krueger

Sponsor argued the bill provides a rational, multi-year transition plan with community participation and PSC oversight. Emphasized that people currently pay high utility bills due to aging gas infrastructure costs, and that renewable energy costs are declining. Noted utilities are already voluntarily offering electrification incentives, indicating the transition is economically viable.

The hundred-foot rule costs ratepayers a minimum of $200 million annually and contradicts New York's existing all-electric building standards. Those wanting gas connections should pay for them rather than having all utility ratepayers subsidize the cost.

The bill prevents E-ZPass data from being shared with other states for law enforcement tracking of reproductive health decisions. She cited a Texas case where a woman was tracked via 83,000 cameras after obtaining an abortion out of state, and noted thousands of women are now forced to travel to other states including New York for abortion access.

Characterized the bill as an educational document similar to warnings on other appliances and cigarettes, not a ban. Argued it informs consumers about real health hazards of indoor gas stoves without proper ventilation, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Voted yes, noting the debate highlighted how easily people can be exploited through gambling on phones and supporting the bill as a step toward preventing both illegal and legal online gaming.

The bill requires notice to patients when healthcare professionals are under investigation for professional misconduct, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care. This addresses cases like New York Presbyterian where patients were not notified of investigations into sexual abuse.

There is a direct correlation between advertising exposure and children's demands on parents. The bill helps discourage children from wanting unhealthy foods rather than restricting low-income families' purchasing power, which would be ineffective since low-income families actually eat more healthily due to budget constraints.

Sponsor argued the bill protects 30,000 residents in 12,000 ground-lease co-op units, primarily middle-income and older New Yorkers on fixed incomes who invested life savings in their homes. The bill does not change existing contracts but clarifies that if a building defaults due to excessive land-lease costs, residents can remain as rent-regulated tenants under existing 1974 law, similar to protections for manufactured home park residents.

Drew parallels to chip technology already standard on credit cards and expressed concern that vulnerable SNAP recipients are least able to afford benefit theft. Urged faster implementation and called for gubernatorial support.

Defended the bill and disputed claims that CLCPA drives utility costs, citing PSC studies showing CLCPA adds minimal costs to monthly bills. Argued the real solution is moving faster to low-cost sustainable energy and passing the HEAT Act.

The bill is carefully sculpted and supported by the financial industry. It deters wasteful litigation that has resulted in disruptive cases like the Argentine holdout creditor litigation involving 300 lawsuits and 35 appeals over a decade. The champerty law existed from the 1800s until 2004 and worked fine; restoring it protects New York investors and the sovereign debt market while leaving courts to determine legitimacy of claims.

New York must continue strengthening laws to welcome people from across the country who need healthcare unavailable in their home states. The bill protects doctors and scientists from being removed from successful programs due to political agendas targeting LGBTQ individuals and reproductive healthcare.

The federal government already regulates what banks can invest in, so state regulation is not unprecedented. Research shows disturbing outcomes at many private prisons, and it is appropriate for New York to decide certain business activities are not in the best interests of people.

She drew parallels to lead paint dangers and argued that major paint corporations already offer non-PFAS alternatives, so consumers will not need to leave the state to purchase compliant paint. She supported the ban as a critical public health measure.

Expressed strong support for library access to books, stating she finds book banning terrifying and citing historical examples of censorship and book burning as tools of control.

The bill expands prior law to prevent license suspensions for those unable to pay tax debts, allowing people to work and eventually pay taxes owed. The measure requires documentation of inability to pay and particularly benefits upstate residents who depend on driver's licenses for employment.

Praised Sen. Cooney for bringing the bill forward and highlighted the importance of lowering taxation on medical marijuana and streamlining research collection to help patients make informed healthcare decisions about cannabis products.

As Finance Committee chair and bill sponsor, defended the budget's comprehensive approach to housing, climate, and infrastructure. Explained CREST discretionary capital fund allocation (split three ways between Governor, Assembly, and Senate), justified the $50 million NUMC allocation as part of broader restructuring effort, and noted that affordable housing typically involves multiple funding streams.

As sponsor, explained the bill's provisions including the $1.4 billion annual MTA payroll tax increase, lockbox mechanisms for capital funding, and various tax credit expansions. Defended the necessity of the revenue measures for MTA capital projects and infrastructure needs.

Argued the $10 million fund supplements existing Public Officers Law protections for investigations (not just prosecutions), covers situations where investigations may be politically motivated, and includes safeguards requiring repayment if individuals are convicted. Stated the fund addresses concerns about federal government targeting state officials.

Sponsor defended the budget as necessary, noting the MTA has identified $500-600 million in savings and efficiencies. Emphasized the MTA is in better shape than most transit systems and that the state must invest in public transportation as an economic engine for the region.

Defended pension enhancements for various law enforcement agencies as necessary for recruitment and retention. Noted that corrections officer pension expansion was proposed but rejected by the Executive. Provided data on National Guard deployment (3,115) and emergency response costs ($535 million).

Defended Part LL changes to Nassau University Medical Center governance, citing documented financial mismanagement and the need for state intervention to stabilize the hospital and protect critical services.

Sponsor indicated this is likely the final extender before budget bills are released, though a supplemental extender will be needed the next day. Staff has been working hard on the budget process.

Highlighted that the bill addresses sophisticated technology used to hide sales tax collection and evasion, costing the state $1.7 billion annually. Argued it is necessary to send a message against tax fraud and to ensure compliance among all businesses.

Clarified that the bill applies only to New York City Board of Election workers, not to counties statewide, and expressed support for the measure.

Sponsor explained the budget is at a conceptual agreement stage with three-way discussions ongoing on policy details. Emphasized the Legislature increased education aid compared to the Governor's proposal and that final language will be needed before bills are brought to the floor.

Defended the extender as necessary to provide appropriation authority while negotiations continue. Noted that staff are working on substantive budget discussions regarding housing, environmental issues, Foundation Aid, and healthcare, with concerns about potential federal cuts to education and healthcare funding under the Trump administration.

She supported the bill as addressing actual investigations into overcharges rather than routine rate increases, noting constituents struggle with utility affordability and risk losing electricity or heat. She argued the government has an obligation to ensure utilities follow rules and rates are set appropriately.

Supported the bill, citing stores that charge 3 percent surcharges for credit card use, which effectively forces consumers away from cash and increases costs. She argued this contradicts efforts to address affordability and rising costs.

Explained that the extender provides $3.8 billion in appropriation authority for payroll and payments to the Department of Health, Department of Labor, and Department of Veteran Affairs, and that extender spending reflects continuation of prior-year funding levels rather than new expenditures.

Sponsor of the extender bill. Explained that the $1.7 billion appropriation covers payroll costs and payments for Department of Health, Medical Assistance Administration, Department of Labor, Office of Mental Health, and Department of Veterans' Affairs, with approximately $1.1 billion allocated for Medicaid covering roughly one week of expenses.

The debt service bill is critical to assure all New Yorkers and creditors that the state will make timely payments on its $56.5 billion in outstanding debt. The additional $10 billion authorization provides necessary flexibility for potential capital budget borrowing without obligating actual spending beyond what is borrowed.

The bill makes New York consistent with most states and protects consumers and small businesses from being ripped off by those with larger assets. New York already restricted confessions of judgment for larger companies and out-of-state companies, and consumers deserve the same protections.

More people should be involved in democracy through poll work, and she noted that in New York City, poll workers do not know the constituents entering poll sites anyway. She supported expanding poll worker opportunities more broadly.

Sponsor emphasized the bill has 100 memos in support and no opposition. Noted that gas-powered lawn equipment in New York produced 1.4 million tons of climate pollution in 2020, equivalent to 300,000 cars annually, and causes respiratory health issues including asthma and cardiovascular disease. Explained NYSERDA has funding flexibility through RGGI and other sources to implement the program.

Sponsor argued the bill applies established polluter-pays principles similar to federal Superfund and GE PCB cleanup, noting companies knew since the 1970s of climate damage. Emphasized the assessment is relatively small for major corporations and economic models show companies will not pass costs to consumers due to competitive pressures.

The bill addresses a critical privacy gap by requiring opt-in consent for health data sharing. She illustrated the problem with an example of telehealth erectile dysfunction medication purchases, where companies can freely sell customer information to third parties without consent, and argued all New Yorkers deserve protection of sensitive personal health information.

Argued that New York's abortion rights law is meaningless without adequate access to trained providers. Stated that reproductive healthcare deserts exist statewide and that the bill would create community training centers to train family physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants in abortion and pregnancy-related care.

Argued the bill modernizes DFS authority to oversee unlicensed financial entities in banking, insurance, and cryptocurrency sectors. Emphasized that consumers are losing money to unregulated businesses that DFS currently cannot pursue, and the bill provides necessary oversight mechanisms and civil penalty authority.

Supported the bill and clarified it does not interfere with New York City's short-term rental policies or preempt the city's authority to change its registration system through local law or future regulations.

The bill is critically important to address technology-enabled harassment, including texts, emails, stolen identities, and fraudulent images. It increases penalties for aggravated harassment in the second degree and clarifies legal authority to prosecute these abuses, particularly protecting young people from stalking and non-consensual image sharing.

The bill protects tropical rainforests by requiring state contractors to verify they are not sourcing tropical hardwoods or products from deforested areas. The revised version addresses prior gubernatorial concerns through a 2027 effective date, OGS regulatory assistance, supply chain transparency programs, and a 10 percent bidding preference for New York small businesses, making compliance achievable and affordable while boosting demand for New York forestry products.

She characterized the proposal as a win-win that uses federal money the state cannot otherwise access, reduces reliance on expensive emergency care, improves public health by providing preventive care, and carries no financial risk to the state if the federal waiver is not granted.

Sponsor argued that major fossil fuel companies knowingly caused climate pollution between 2000-2018 when alternatives were available and science was established. The assessment is justified because New Yorkers now face enormous costs for climate remediation, and companies should bear some responsibility similar to the federal Superfund model for land pollution.

The bill sponsor reflected on her decade-long work on maternal depression, noting that many women suffering from perinatal depression are undiagnosed despite available treatments. Highlighted that pediatricians identified maternal depression as the number-one problem for patients in their first year of life, affecting child development and family outcomes.

Sponsor defended the $2.4 billion allocation as necessary humanitarian assistance, noting the state's constitutional obligation to provide shelter and services. Emphasized that migrants become productive taxpayers, detailed the breakdown of funding across shelter, healthcare, legal services, and National Guard support, and argued that New York has historically benefited from immigration.

Defended the timeline, stating negotiations were nearly complete and all six remaining budget bills would be ready by the next day. Explained that revenues exceeded initial projections, no significant tax increases were included, and the cannabis tax changes were necessary adjustments to a flawed system.

Defended the delay as necessary to achieve better outcomes for schools and communities than the Governor's original budget proposal. Expressed confidence that negotiations are nearing completion and that the final budget will provide more education funding than originally proposed.

Sponsor explained the extender covers payroll for specific state programs including WIC, Indian Health, Department of Labor UIB benefits, and Homeless Veterans Housing Program. Acknowledged frustration with the process but argued constituents want a good budget and that government must continue operating and paying bills.

Sen. Krueger remembered her deceased uncle Stuart Krueger, a Korean War veteran, and thanked all veterans for their service.

Argued the bill is critical to maintain New York's debt payment obligations and bond market confidence. Stated the $8 billion in anticipated borrowing authority provides necessary flexibility and that debt service bills are traditionally the first budget bills passed each year.

Cited data showing prisoners who maintain family relationships have better outcomes and lower recidivism rates, and stated she was unaware of any public safety incidents resulting from family notification after transfers.

The sponsor explained the bill addresses young people illegally racing ATVs and off-highway motorcycles on Manhattan streets, sometimes in groups of 50-75, involved in robberies and traffic violations. She argued that while the vehicles are already illegal to operate in the city, allowing their sale makes no sense, and restricting sales will make them harder to obtain and reduce the problem.

Stated the science is clear that the proposed method would be killing people and destroying land and agriculture. Noted the insurance industry refused to insure land where fracking occurs due to toxicity concerns.

The bill eliminates wasteful spending on gas pipes ($200 million annually) that ratepayers fund but will become illegal under existing climate laws. It does not ban natural gas for existing customers or prevent new gas connections if approved by the PSC; it simply removes the mandate. The state is investing $315+ million in worker retraining, and renewable energy costs are declining while gas costs rise.

Emphasized research showing pesticide exposure in yards, schools, and playgrounds poses significant neurodevelopmental risks to children, and stated the priority should be preventing exposure rather than assigning blame for non-compliance.

Modernizing laws is the Legislature's core function; democracy is not stagnant. The bill does not eliminate the right to form villages but updates the rules, similar to how the Legislature regularly updates laws to reflect changing circumstances and community needs.

Supported the bill as necessary to prevent landlords from fraudulently driving up rents beyond legal limits. She argued the legislation protects the limited stock of affordable rent-regulated housing and ensures compliance with rent laws.

Corrected false statements about which crimes would be sealed, noting that serious violent crimes mentioned by opponents are not eligible, and argued the bill serves public safety by giving people fair chances.

Described the bill as likely the first in the country to establish privacy rights for healthcare-related activity and limit corporate tracking based on medical care, appointments, or health indicators. Emphasized the importance of protecting health privacy as technology expands and corporate data collection becomes ubiquitous.

Transparency requirements are standard for most New York businesses; the LLC loophole allowing entities to hide from government and tenants is unjustifiable and long overdue for closure.

The legislation addresses a serious problem in the MTA region where recertification requires travel to approved physician locations. Manhattan has no such offices, forcing disabled individuals who already qualify for services to travel multiple boroughs for renewal.

She highlighted New York City's experience with 20,000 apartments removed from the rental market and supported the bill as recognizing different communities have different needs while providing information for local decision-making.

Argued the bill benefits all New Yorkers from a public health perspective, as uninsured people spread disease. Noted that federal funds would strengthen local hospital systems and that undocumented workers pay taxes and deserve healthcare access.

Argued that the bill addresses mental health trauma caused by excessive drills and that other developed countries do not face this problem because they have stricter gun regulations.

She praised Sen. Hoylman-Sigal's persistence in bringing the modified bill back and criticized the antiquated model of basing wrongful death compensation on economic value rather than the inherent worth of human life, noting this approach is not used elsewhere in the country.

The bill is consistent with existing climate laws and gives the PSC discretion to approve new gas lines when necessary. It will save ratepayers $200 million annually and avoid $150 billion in future gas system repairs while protecting low- and moderate-income households with a 6 percent utility cost cap.

Described lithium-ion battery fires as a crucial health and safety issue that burn so hot and fast firefighters cannot extinguish them, causing deaths and severe burns. Clarified the bill targets only smaller products like e-bikes and electric mopeds, not larger industrial battery uses.

Argued that homeless youth suffer disproportionate problems and need extended services to prevent human trafficking and provide critical support. Praised programs in her district doing amazing work protecting vulnerable young people.

The bill prevents for-profit hospices from expanding in New York, avoiding the fraud and service failures documented in other states. New York should protect its residents by maintaining its policy against for-profit healthcare while expanding nonprofit hospice and palliative care programs.

Medical debt is the largest debt burden for Americans and can destroy lives. The bill protects consumers from aggressive collection practices and preserves credit records, though broader action is needed to address the high prevalence of medical debt in New York despite widespread health insurance coverage.

She highlighted the historical context of New York's human trafficking laws and emphasized the bill's importance given that women, children, and young people continue to be trafficked into sexual exploitation, with New York having one of the highest trafficking rates in the nation.

Argued that individuals with substance abuse or alcoholism should have the right to access treatment programs without religious components, as denying secular alternatives violates constitutional religious freedom protections.

Expressed support for the bill and stated she did not understand the reasoning of those voting against it.

Krueger recounted her jury experience with a non-English speaking defendant who had no translator, emphasizing the bill ensures fair treatment and could save trial costs by preventing cases where defendants cannot understand proceedings.

Explained that the bill addresses ageism in society and the specific problem of algorithmic screening that locks out older workers before they can be interviewed. Argued that preventing such discrimination benefits employers by allowing them access to talented, skilled older workers.

Defended the MTA funding as essential to New York's economic future and climate goals. Noted that the cost per mile of MTA service is lower than other public transportation systems and that the state's investment will increase service and decrease wait times. Emphasized that New York City subsidizes half the cost of Long Island Rail Road rides.

As the bill sponsor, Sen. Krueger acknowledged concerns about Judiciary accountability and transparency but explained that such language could not be negotiated into the final bill through three-way talks. She confirmed the $100 million increase in the Judiciary budget was attributable to increased judgeships, staffing levels, collective bargaining agreements, and 18B attorney hourly rates.

As sponsor, defended the budget as balanced and noted that while she personally prefers a three-day aging period, messages of necessity have been used historically by both parties. Explained the budget includes higher-than-expected tax revenues and reduced reserve fund allocations compared to the Governor's proposal.

The bill enforces an existing 30-year state standard against purchasing tropical hardwoods in state contracts, protecting rainforests and addressing climate change while providing vendors with clear expectations and alternative options.

Sponsor of the extender who defended the budget process, noting that government continues to function through extenders and that the three leaders and secretaries are making progress on negotiations. She explained that some policy items have fallen off the table and that the Governor's two-week late submission of the budget technically puts them on a more normal schedule.

Sponsor explained the extender ensures workers continue to be paid and contains no policy changes except for increased SED funding. Stated that neither the Senate Majority nor Minority controls extender timelines or amounts, which are exclusively the Governor's domain.

Sponsor explained the extender is a continuation of the previous week's funding with corrected technical language for OTDA. Stated no official budget agreements have been made and bills will be printed once agreements are finalized. Clarified that messages of necessity would likely be required for budget bills passed later in the week.

As sponsor, explained the extender was necessary to ensure state government operations and worker payroll through April 17. Defended the Governor's authority to determine extender timelines and noted progress in budget negotiations, though major policy issues including education funding and healthcare programs remain unresolved.

Argued the bill is essential to assure creditors the state will continue paying its obligations and prevent a financial crisis. Emphasized that defaulting on debt would be catastrophic, citing Arkansas's 1933 default which took 40 years to recover from, and warned that failure to pass the bill would be the worst vote any senator could take.

Noted that perinatal and postpartum depression screening has been required for years but the problem continues to grow. Emphasized that hormonally-related depression responds well to treatment when properly diagnosed, and lack of awareness and understanding prevents women from receiving needed care.

Urged colleagues to vote for the commonsense bill, calling it critical for people's lives in the modern age. Thanked Sen. Scarcella-Spanton for articulating the bill's importance.

Explained the amendment protects patients seeking reproductive healthcare in New York from legal consequences in their home states. She emphasized that New York will not assist other states in pursuing individuals who receive legal healthcare services within the state's scope of practice.

The amendment is necessary because the state constitution's current equal protection clause, last updated in 1938, is inadequate and only explicitly protects race and religion. The amendment would create robust protections against discrimination and ensure constitutional protections that cannot be overturned by courts or future legislatures, as demonstrated by the Dobbs decision.

Explained that New York City faces severe recruitment difficulties due to long hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and higher cost of living, justifying the fixed higher rate. Noted the bill allows counties outside NYC to set their own rates above the $300 base and expressed confidence that split-shift language could be clarified through chapter amendment or a revised bill, and committed to working with colleagues on budget appropriations to fund the changes.

The distribution of population to staff is radically different across counties for various critical services, yet all counties must still provide adequate staffing. The comparison to school districts illustrates that counties of vastly different sizes can maintain appropriate service levels with different staffing models.

Argued that the current 10-commissioner structure creates inefficiency, infighting, and inability to make timely decisions, citing decades of publicized scandals at the NYC Board of Elections. Contended that New York City should be treated as one municipality with one board, similar to how it operates one fire department, school system, and police force, and that the two-commissioner model used in other counties is the appropriate approach.

Argued that making voting easier for all voters regardless of party affiliation is a democratic obligation. Cited research showing that expanded voting access does not increase voter fraud and referenced New York City's experience with voting booths in residential building lobbies as evidence that non-traditional polling locations can be secure.