Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Scarcella-Spanton spoke from personal experience, noting Staten Island faces disproportionately high overdose rates and that she has lost numerous friends to overdoses. She read the names of individuals lost to the crisis and expressed gratitude for Sen. Fernandez's work on the issue.

The bill extends the Affordable Homeownership Development Program to veterans with service-related injuries, providing stable housing that supports their transition to civilian life and honors their service. She credited Sen. Kavanagh for collaborating on the bill's drafting.

As chair of the Veterans Committee, emphasized the Medal of Honor as the nation's highest military award and the importance of telling the stories of recipients. Shared personal connection through her husband's service alongside Medal of Honor recipient Captain Flo Groberg.

Praised the bill for modernizing benefits and specifically covering stillbirths, citing constituent stories including families affected by stillbirth tragedy.

Commended the bill as a model for the nation, noting her own children are at the age where iPad use is becoming concerning, and expressed gratitude for protections that will allow safe usage.

Sponsor explained that Varvaro, a former MLB player turned Port Authority cop, was killed at age 37 on his way to work during a 9/11 event and was unable to receive his death benefit due to unique circumstances. The bill would award the accidental death benefit to his wife Kerry and four children, honoring his legacy and supporting his family.

Emphasized the critical need to address veteran suicide, noting that approximately 6,000 veterans die by suicide annually and 22 each day. She argued the commemoration reduces stigma, calls attention to struggling veterans, and obligates legislators to ensure veterans receive proper mental health care and support.

Praised protections for retail workers, hate crime enhancements, and provisions for NYPD First Grade officers. Highlighted removal of discriminatory language from Waterfront Commission.

The resolution sponsor thanked Korean War veterans for their courage and bravery, noting the 71st anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement and emphasizing that despite being called 'the forgotten war,' Korean War veterans' service had a profound impact and deserves recognition and gratitude.

The bill extends homeownership assistance to service-disabled veterans, providing stable housing that supports their transition to civilian life and helps them achieve the dream of homeownership while honoring their sacrifices.

She noted Staten Island has been disproportionately hard hit by overdose deaths and personally lost over 10 friends to the crisis. She stated that the designation will serve as a reminder of lives lost and reaffirm the state's commitment to overdose awareness and prevention.

The bill corrects an oversight by extending emergency vehicle exemptions to first responder vessels on waterways, matching existing exemptions in the Vehicle and Traffic Law. First responders need efficient access to emergencies, and protecting those commanding fire and law enforcement vessels should be a priority.

Emphasized the importance of providing 100 percent property tax deductions to 100 percent service-disabled veterans to keep them in New York and match New Jersey's benefits. Noted that New York City already offers tiered exemptions for veterans at different disability levels.

The bill requires collaboration between the Division of Veterans Affairs and SUNY and CUNY to develop a Veteran Career Assistance Program, helping translate military skills into civilian careers. She highlighted her personal ties to CUNY and the veteran community.

The bill provides necessary protections for call center workers facing displacement due to contract terminations. It requires new contractors to hire existing workers and protects collective bargaining agreements, offering a reasonable and fair solution to vulnerabilities highlighted by the Staten Island E-ZPass Center closure.

The bill provides much-needed support for veterans with service-related disabilities by offering affordable homeownership opportunities, helping them achieve stability, independence, and community belonging during their transition to civilian life.

Explained that the bill creates a resource database for veterans and families, addressing the difficulty in finding existing state support services. Drew on personal experience relocating from Fort Carson to illustrate the need for centralized information on housing, career, and mental health resources.

The bill updates stalking law to address technology-enabled tracking methods like Apple tags and Find My iPhone, protecting victims who have had no legal recourse against location-based harassment and providing clarity that tech-assisted stalking causes equal harm to victims' mental and emotional well-being.

Expressed strong support as a member of a military family, noting the bill allows friends and close family to express burial preferences for veterans. Emphasized the timing ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The bill creates an insurance liaison to help disaster victims understand their benefits and rights. She cited Hurricanes Sandy and Ida as examples of disasters where people were unaware of available assistance.

Emphasized the urgency of addressing veteran suicide, noting that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide daily in the U.S. and that younger veterans face higher suicide rates. She stated the bill will raise awareness, reduce stigma, and honor veterans while supporting at-risk populations.

Highlighted Staten Island's disproportionately high overdose death rate and shared personal loss, including nine friends from her middle school class. She commemorated her friend Joey Fellini and emphasized the need for decisive action to prevent further loss.

The bill pays tribute to brave servicemen and women who were POWs or MIAs and acknowledges the impact on their families. Renaming the expressway creates a lasting memorial that educates future generations about military sacrifice.

The sponsor emphasized that victims of crime deserve to have their rights explained to them without having to seek out the information themselves, as they are already overwhelmed by their experience.

The bill corrects a long-standing oversight by providing first responder vessels with exemptions already available to emergency vehicles under Vehicle and Traffic Law, enabling faster emergency response on navigable waters.

Referenced a tragic case in her district where a mother with postpartum mental breakdown drowned her three children. Stated the bill will save countless mothers by providing support, insight, and clarity to those experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression.

Scarcella-Spanton referenced a recent suicide of a 20-year-old on Staten Island bullied for his sexual preference and highlighted lack of LGBTQ acceptance in her community, calling the situation unacceptable.

Stated the bill recognizes the sacrifices of veteran families and allows them to make the most of their benefits even if veterans choose not to pursue higher education themselves.

Emphasized the need to protect people against harassment through electronic communication and close the loophole allowing perpetrators to weaponize technology. Cited that 96 percent of domestic violence survivors reported being harassed via text and stressed the bill protects victims experiencing coercive control through technology.

Commended the legislation as important for veteran families and noted that New Jersey's 100 percent tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans should be matched in New York to retain and attract veteran families. Acknowledged the value of New York City's existing staggered system based on disability ratings.

She shared her experience working on stillbirth-related legislation since 2009 and cited a specific case where a mother had to use saved vacation days after her stillborn son's loss. She noted approximately 900 stillbirths annually in New York City alone.

As the new chair of the Veterans committee and a CUNY graduate married to an Army veteran, she expressed pride in this first veterans-centered bill passed under her leadership, highlighting how career assistance resources will help veterans transitioning to civilian life and higher education.

The bill is an important step toward maternal health and will streamline access to doula services for Medicaid patients. Doulas provide emotional support distinct from medical professionals like midwives and doctors.

The bill is common-sense legislation that supports small business recovery by allowing the sale of premixed drinks and reducing regulatory burden on local establishments.

Praised the decade-long effort by her predecessor Sen. Savino and constituent Marty Wimmer to pass Caroline's Law, which criminalizes the posting of victim photos by first responders. The bill honors Caroline's memory and ensures victims of crime are treated with dignity and respect.

The sponsor explained the bill expands required safety equipment in limousines following deadly crashes in New York State. She credited a task force including victims' families and expressed pride in passing her first piece of legislation with colleagues' support.