[00:00:24]
SESSION NUMBER SEVEN OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE.
[ ROLL CALL]
LEGISLATOR GREEN, LARIGO, MILLS, TODARO, BARGNAZI, DUPREE, GILMORE, KISHORIAN, MYERS, ST.PLEASE RISE FOR THE INVOCATION.
IT WILL BE LED BY LEGISLATOR BARGNAZI.
PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE WE LED BY LEGISLATOR ST.
[ PUBLIC COMMENT]
I WILL OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.PLEASE, WE ASK ALL SPEAKERS TO KEEP THEIR COMMENTS.
RELATED TO ANY MATTERS INVOLVING ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE RELATIVE TO TODAY'S AGENDA, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL SPEAKERS ARE REQUIRED TO LIMIT THEIR REMARKS TO THREE MINUTES.
THE CLERK WILL RING THE BELL WHEN THERE ARE 30 SECONDS LEFT.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE WE START THE PUBLIC COMMENT? OKAY, WITH THAT, THE FIRST SPEAKER I'M GOING TO RECOGNIZE IS THE CLERK OF THE LEGISLATURE WHO HAS AN EMAIL.
OF COURSE, I SHOULD LET YOU IN.
I HAVE ONE COMMENT FROM EMAIL.
IT'S FROM WHITNEY YAX, A 14214 RESIDENT.
NEW YORK FOR ALL IS A COMMON SENSE PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT WOULD COUNTERACT THE DISTURBING AND INHUMANE TACTICS OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOM ENFORCEMENT AND CUSTOMS AND BORDER CONTROL.
AT THIS POINT, THE LAWLESSNESS OF THESE AGENCIES IS WELL DOCUMENTED WITH NO END IN SIGHT.
JUST RECENTLY IN ERIE COUNTY, THE INHUMANITY OF CPV OFFICERS CONTRIBUTED TO THE NEEDLESS DEATH OF AN EARLY BLIND REFUGEE, NAREEL AMIN SHAH ALAM.
OUR ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATORS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THEIR NEIGHBORS FROM THESE AGENCIES WITH EVERY TOOL AVAILABLE.
I URGE YOU TO PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
OKAY, I WILL START WITH WHAT SOME SPEAKERS, WE HAVE MANY SPEAKERS, WHEN YOUR NAME IS CALLED.
PLEASE FOLLOW MR. EVE IN THE BACK.
HE WILL BRING YOU UP TO WHERE YOU CAN SPEAK.
MAKE SURE YOU HIT THE BUTTON FOR THE MICROPHONE.
OKAY, WITH THAT BEING SAID, OUR FIRST SPEAKER IS VICTORIA ROSS.
I'M THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND LONGTIME ASSOCIATE WITH WESTERN NEW YORK CITY CENTER.
AND FIRST I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR HOLDING THIS MEETING, TO TAKE THE CHANCE AND TO BE HARD FOR HOLDING THIS AND FOR SUGGESTING THAT WE HAVE THIS HEARING.
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO PASS THIS LEGISLATION AND FOR THIS BODY TO DO SOMETHING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE STATE, WHATEVER HAPPENS AT THE STATE LEVEL, THAT WE HERE IN ERIE COUNTY ARE DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.
AND WHAT WE'VE SEEN IS OUR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN COLLUDING WITH ICE IN WAYS THAT, AND HOMELAND SECURITY, BORDER PATROL, IN WAYS THAT ARE JUST...
SO DEB-SE-MATCHEL, DEB-ESTATE ME, REALLY.
IT'S A MATTER OF LEGALITY, MORALITY, AND JUST GOOD SENSE.
I'VE BEEN VERY CLOSE WITH THE NOUROUL SHAH ALAM'S FAMILY.
WE JUST DID A RADIO SHOW WITH THEM.
I WAS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE WITH THEM.
AND WHAT THEY'VE GONE THROUGH IS JUST HORRENDOUS.
AND IT WAS CAUSED EXACTLY BY THIS, BY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.
CALLING AND CALLING IN ICE, HE NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN ARRESTED IN THE FIRST PLACE, I THINK THAT WE'VE HEARD THE WHOLE STORY.
BUT CERTAINLY, THE FACT THAT HE WAS...
[00:05:01]
WITHOUT HIS FAMILY BEING NOTIFIED.THERE WAS JUST, HE DIED FROM NEGLECT.
AND I WANT TO QUOTE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT PREVIOUS EXAMPLES FOR COMING OUT OF ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.
THAT WOULD SHOCK THE CONSCIENCE.
SO ONE SIMPLE THING IS TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR SO THAT THOSE EMPLOYEES, THOSE DEPUTIES...
NO, THEY ARE NOT TO BE COLLUDING WITH ICE WHEN THERE'S CIVIL MATTERS OR OTHER KINDS OF QUESTIONS.
THERE'S NO REASON TO BE CALLING THEM, DEALING WITH THEM AT ALL.
AND THEY SHOULD HAVE THAT MADE VERY CLEAR FOR THEM BECAUSE THE SHERIFF OBVIOUSLY IS NOT DOING THAT.
WE JUST THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HOLDING THIS, AND I'M JUST EAGER TO HEAR WHAT EVERYONE ELSE HAS TO SAY.
BECAUSE IT'S SO OBVIOUS AND WE HOPE THAT YOU ALL CAN JUST HELP US.
OKAY, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS ANNA PORTER.
I AM THE SENIOR MANAGER OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT THE NEW YORK IMMIGRATION COALITION, A COALITION OF MORE THAN 200 IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE ORGANIZATIONS ADVANCING ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE.
I AM TESTIFYING TODAY ON BEHALF OF THE NYC IN STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE LEGISLATORS' REVOLUTION 7-2 THAT SUPPORTS THE PASSAGE OF THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT.
BY THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL.
WE URGE THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO JOIN THE CHORUS OF VOICES ACROSS NEW YORK STATE AND ACROSS THE NEIGHBORHOODS RIGHT HERE IN ERIE COUNTY TO DEMAND THAT OUR STATE LEADERS TAKE DECISIVE STEPS TO PROTECT IMMIGRANTS, UPHOLD DUE PROCESS, AND RESTORE PUBLIC SAFETY BY PASSING THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT IMMEDIATELY.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT HAS ESCALATED DRAMATICALLY.
WITH AGENTS EMPLOYING MILITARIZED TACTICS THAT TERRORIZE FAMILIES, TRAUMATIZE CHILDREN, DESTABILIZE ENTIRE COMMUNITIES, AND THAT HAVE USED DEADLY FORCE.
ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ACROSS AMERICAN CITIES AND RESULTING MURDERS IN MINNEAPOLIS SERVE AS A STARK WARNING OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNCHECKED FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE, INCLUDING HERE IN NEW YORK.
THE BUFFALO COMMUNITY HAS BEEN MOURNING THE LOSS OF MR. NEWELL ON MEET AND SHOUT ALONE.
A BUFFALO RESIDENT AND BLIND ROHINGYA REFUGEE WHO WAS DETAINED AT THE ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER FOR A YEAR AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, WHO EVENTUALLY LEFT MR. ALAM TO DIE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES.
MR. ALAM'S DEATH HAS BEEN RULED A HOMICIDE, AND IT SPARKED OUTRAGE AND CALLS FOR JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE COUNTRY.
MAKE NO MISTAKE, IF NEW YORK FOR ALL WAS IN PLACE, MR. ALAM'S FAMILY AND THE WIDER BUFFALO COMMUNITY PEACE.
WOULD NOT HAVE TO MOURN SUCH A CRUEL AND INHUMANE TRAGEDY.
THE NYC GRIEVES FOR MR. ALAM, AND WE UPLIFT HIS FAMILY'S CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND JUSTICE.
WE KNOW THAT UNFORTUNATELY, MR. ALAM'S FAMILY IS NOT ALONE IN SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES OF COLLUSION IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.
FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF CHICKALAGA POLICE COLLUDING WITH IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS, TURNING INDIVIDUALS OVER TO IMMIGRATION AGENTS FOR LOW-LEVEL INFRACTIONS SUCH AS SHOPLIFTING.
ICE ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES DISPROPORTIONATELY TARGET BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES AND UNDERMINE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DIGNITY AND DUE PROCESS FOR ALL RESIDENTS, REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS.
POLICIES THAT ENTANGLE STATE AND LOCAL INSTITUTIONS AND CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ERODE PUBLIC TRUST, DISCOURAGE COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND ULTIMATELY MAKE COMMUNITIES LESS SAFE.
NEW YORK MUST REJECT APPROACHES THAT CRIMINALIZE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES.
AND INSTEAD ADVANCE PROVEN PUBLIC SAFETY POLICIES THAT PROMOTE TRUST, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CLEAR LIMITS ON GOVERNMENT POWER.
WE URGE THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO PASS THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING NEW YORK FOR ALL IN ITS ENTIRETY.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY.
OKAY, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MARK WALLY.
[00:10:12]
GOOD MORNING.I AM FROM THE VILLAGE OF HAMBURG.
I'M A LAWYER, BUT THAT'S NOT WHY I'M HERE.
FOR ME, THIS IS A HUMANITARIAN ISSUE.
FRANKLY, IT'S ALSO FOR ME A SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE.
I THINK THIS WHOLE ISSUE INVOLVES ISSUES THAT ARE GROUNDED IN THE THEOLOGY OF EVERY RELIGION I'M FAMILIAR WITH.
THE CURRENT IMMIGRATION POLICY OF THIS COUNTRY IS TO DEPORT.
LARGE NUMBERS OF LAW-ABIDING, WORKING IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE HELPING OUR ECONOMY AND ARE WORKING IN SOME PARTS OF THE ECONOMY LIKE AGRICULTURE AND EVEN NURSING HOMES WHERE MOST AMERICAN CITIZENS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN WORKING.
AS I SAID, FROM A HUMANITARIAN PERSPECTIVE, LAW-ABIDING PERSONS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THEY ENGAGE IN EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES LIKE GOING TO SCHOOL OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACES.
HEY, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MIKE HOGAN.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.
I'M HERE TO ADVOCATE MY SUPPORT.
OUR SUPPORT FOR THIS RESOLUTION IS SUPPORTING NEW YORK FOR ALL.
I'M THE BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAYNEERS AND ALLIED TRADES.
WE REPRESENT HALF OF NEW YORK STATE, 33 COUNTIES.
AND BESIDES MY TRADE DISCUSSIONS WHO ARE TALKING ABOUT THE DEMANDING OF WHAT FACING THE EHS IS DOING, I PARTICULARLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPACT ON WORKERS.
AND THE WORKERS THAT I REPRESENT AND THE WORKERS I DON'T REPRESENT AND HOW THIS VICE IS INDISCRIMINATELY TARGETING PEOPLE BASED ON THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN.
THEY LAST MONTH PICKED UP FIVE UNION WORKERS THAT HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE BILLS STADIUM.
THEY WEREN'T PICKED UP FROM THE STADIUM.
THEY WERE ROUNDED UP AT A HOTEL AND A HARDWARE STORE.
BUT THEY WERE TARGETED BASED ON THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN.
IN THIS COUNTRY, UNION MEMBERS, WORKING PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM WHY I WOULD ADVOCATE FOR THIS RESOLUTION OF THE STATE'S PENCIL LAW, BECAUSE ICE IS NOT FOLLOWING THE LAW.
I WOULD NEVER USUALLY ADVOCATE FOR STATE AND COUNTY MUNICIPAL AGENCIES TO NOT WORK WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, BUT WHEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS KIDNAPPING PEOPLE, NOT GIVING THEM DUE PROCESS.
PUTTING THEM IN FACILITIES THAT YOU WOULDN'T HOUSE ANIMALS IN AND DEPORTING THEM WITHOUT DUE PROCESS.
I THINK WE HAVE TO SAY YOU CAN'T IN GOOD CONSCIENCE WORK WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS WELL.
SO I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION TO SEND A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY, HOPEFULLY TO PUSH THE STATE TO GET THIS PASSED.
AND I THINK NEW YORK STATE HAS TO STAND STRONG AGAINST THE...
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON THIS.
OKAY, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS DALLIN MCCARTNEY.
I SERVE AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TOOL LIBRARY HERE IN BUFFALO.
WE'RE A VOLUNTEER-POWERED NONPROFIT THAT HELPS NEIGHBORS SHARE TOOLS, REPAIR THINGS, AND TAKE CARE OF THE PLACES WE LIVE TOGETHER.
[00:15:01]
I'M HERE TO REACH YOU TO PASS THE NEW YORK FOR ALL SUPPORT RESOLUTION AND STAND BEHIND THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT.AT THE TOOL LIBRARY WE SEE EVERY DAY HOW STRONG COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT THROUGH TRUST, MUTUAL AID, AND PEOPLE SHOWING UP FOR ONE ANOTHER.
THAT ONLY WORKS WHEN EVERYONE FEELS SAFE PARTICIPATING, WHETHER THAT'S BORROWING A TOOL, LEARNING A NEW SKILL, OR HELPING A NEIGHBOR.
WHEN MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY ARE AFRAID THAT EVERYDAY INTERACTIONS COULD EXPOSE THEM TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, THAT TRUST BEGINS TO ERODE.
PEOPLE BECOME LESS LIKELY TO REPORT IN SAFE CONDITIONS, LESS LIKELY TO SEEK HELP, AND LESS ABLE TO FULLY CONTRIBUTE TO A VIBRANT CIVIC LIFE THAT MAKES BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY GREAT.
THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT PROVIDES CLEAR, CONSISTENT GUIDANCE THAT KEEPS LOCAL RESOURCES FOCUSED WHERE THEY BELONG ON SERVING RESIDENTS, STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SAFETY, AND PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS.
AND IMPORTANTLY, IT HELPS RESTORE AND PRESERVE TRUST.
TRUST THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR A THRIVING, RESILIENT COMMUNITY.
WE ALSO CAN'T IGNORE THE REAL HUMAN CONSEQUENCES OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM.
THE TRAGIC AND COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE DEATH OF ONE OF OUR NEIGHBORS IS A STARK REMINDER THAT GAPS IN ACCOUNTABILITY AND COORDINATION CAN HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
PASSING THIS RESOLUTION IS A MEANINGFUL STEP YOU CAN TAKE TO AFFIRM THAT ERIE COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO SAFETY, DIGNITY, AND FAIRNESS FOR ALL RESIDENTS.
AT THE TOOL LIBRARY, WE BELIEVE IN BUILDING A FUTURE WHERE EVERYONE HAS WHAT THEY NEED TO THRIVE AND WHERE WE TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER.
THIS LEGISLATION HELPS TAKE CONCRETE STEPS NEEDED TO REALIZE THAT FUTURE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, YOUR LEADERSHIP, AND YOUR CONSIDERATION.
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS JENNIFER CONNER.
I'M JENNIFER CONNOR, I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR JUSTICE FOR MIGRANT FAMILIES.
I AM HERE SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE RESOLUTION.
I HAVE THREE MAIN POINTS THAT I'M GOING TO ELIMINATE ON.
FIRST, THAT ANY POLICE COLLUSION IS GOING TO LEAD TO A VIOLATION OF DUE PROCESS AND CIVIL RIGHTS, COLLUSION WITH FEDERAL AUTHORITIES.
IT IS A MISUSE OF RESOURCES AND SIMPLY NOT THE PURPOSE.
SECONDLY, THAT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT CURRENTLY AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY IS CHARACTERIZED BY CRUELTY AND FEAR.
YOU CAN SEE THAT IN THE MEDIA.
AND THIRD, THAT THE INTERESTS OF OUR COMMUNITY, WHICH LIE IN YOUR HANDS TODAY, ARE BEST REPRESENTED BY PASSING THIS RESOLUTION.
AND BY NOT COLLUDING WITH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES AND WITH PREVENTING, THESE ARE PREVENTABLE LOSSES THAT WE ARE SEEING TO THE PEOPLE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
WE ARE HERE ALSO IN THE MEMORY OF NURUL AMIN IN SOLIDARITY WITH HIS FAMILY.
AS AN ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS WITH PEOPLE GETTING RELEASED FROM DETENTION, THAT HAS SEEN A LOT OF COLLUSION, I CAN SAY THIS WAS NOT AN ANOMALY.
THIS IS A TYPICAL PATTERN AND I HAVE LOOKED FOR PEOPLE BEING RELEASED MANY TIMES AND THEY HAVE DISAPPEARED MANY TIMES AND THANKFULLY IT HAS NOT ALWAYS LED TO DEATH.
AND ADDITIONALLY, THE TREATMENT OF IMMIGRANTS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE OVERALL RACIAL PROFILING ASPECT IS TYPICAL.
ERIE COUNTY RELIES ON ITS WORKERS.
IT'S THE PEOPLE WHO PUT ROOFS ON OUR HOUSES AND GROW OUR FOOD.
SO IF YOU HAVE A ROOF ON YOUR HOUSE OR EAT FOOD, IF YOU LIKE HAVING FOOD ON YOUR TABLE, YOU HAVE AN INTEREST HERE TODAY.
THE NUMBER ONE PROFILE OF PEOPLE BEING TARGETED BY IMMIGRATION IS WORKERS.
THAT IS WHO THEY ARE LOOKING FOR IN ARRESTING.
AND THOSE WORKERS ARE OFTEN PARENTS, OFTEN FATHERS.
THIS WEEK I HAD TO TALK TO MANY FAMILIES, TO MANY MOTHERS WHO ARE GOING TO TELL THEIR KIDS.
WHEN THEY CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL, YOUR DAD IS NOT GOING TO BE HERE.
HE IS NOT GOING TO BE HERE FOR A LONG TIME, AND WE DON'T KNOW WHEN WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN.
IS THAT THE END OR I HAVE 30 SECONDS? 30 SECONDS.
SO I WANT TO THINK ABOUT WHAT FUTURE WE HAVE.
ADDITIONALLY, WITH ROOFERS IN PARTICULAR, HOW MANY TIMES DOES AN IMMIGRATION ORGANIZATION GET CALLS FROM THE ROOFING BOSSES AND REAL ESTATE MANAGERS? THE SOUTH BUFFALO ROOFING BOSS IS CALLING SAYING, HEY, WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO ABOUT THIS? THIS IS FOR YOU ERIE COUNTY, THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT THIS.
PUT SOME PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR OUR WORKERS.
AND JUST TO CLOSE, ERIE COUNTY HAS MADE A REPEATED INVESTMENT IN OUR PEOPLE HERE,
[00:20:02]
THAT INCLUDES IMMIGRANTS.SO IN ORDER TO SEE THE FUTURE OF WHAT THAT MEANS, THE INVESTMENT OF GOODWILL, OF BUILDING COMMUNITY, WE NEED TO LOOK 20 YEARS OUT IN THE FUTURE.
AND BASED ON WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY, THAT IS NOT LOOKING GOOD.
WE NEED TO PUT PROTECTIONS IN PLACE.
I AM A CIVIC EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGER AT PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC GOOD.
WE ARE A THINK TANK ORGANIZATION.
AND I'M HERE TODAY TO URGE OUR IRIKANIS LEGISLATORS TO PASS THIS NEW RESOLUTION ALONG WITH MANY OF OUR PARTNERS THAT ARE HERE TODAY.
AS WE ALL KNOW, IRIKANIS ARE A GROWING AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY.
IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THAT ROLE, AND WE HAVE SEEN IT IN BUFFALO, AFTER SEVEN YEARS, THE POPULATION INCREASED AND ALL OF THAT IS BECAUSE OF REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT ARRIVING HERE.
AND TODAY, IMMIGRANTS MAKE UP OVER 7% OF THE ERIE COUNTY POPULATION AND THEY CONTRIBUTE A LOT IN MANY WAYS.
THEY CONTRIBUTE IN STRENGTHENING OUR WORKFORCE, PAYING A MILLION DOLLARS FOR STATE AND MILITARY.
LOCAL TAXPAYERS, THEY HELP STABILIZE OUR HOUSING MARKET BY PURCHASING NEW HOMES AND RENOVATING THOSE VACANT HOMES.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF IMMIGRANTS ENTREPRENEURS THAT ARE INCREASING OUR REVENUE HERE IN BUFFALO, CREATING BUSINESSES, CREATING JOBS, AND ALSO INCREASING REVENUE.
SUPPORTING NEW YORK FOR ALL THE SOLUTIONS.
IT IS NOT ONLY SUPPORTING REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS, BUT IT IS A HUMAN RIGHT.
WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS THROUGHOUT THIS ADMINISTRATION AND I THINK IT IS THE JOB FOR EVERY COUNTY LEGISLATOR TO REALLY PROTECT OUR NEIGHBORS.
IT IS ABOUT WE NEED TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS.
AS WE ARE IN OUR OWN COUNTY, WE HAVE ACCEPTED A LOT OF REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES FOR SO MANY YEARS.
AND ALL OF YOU COULD AGREE WITH ME THAT EVEN WITH THE CONVERSATION ABOUT REFUGEE IMMIGRANTS ARE COMMITTING A LOT OF CRIMES, YOU ALL KNOW THAT THAT'S A SMALL PERCENTAGE AND WE HAVE A LOT OF REFUGEE IMMIGRANTS THAT ARE DOING AMAZING WORK AND CALLING THIS PLACE A HOME.
SO I WILL URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION TO REALLY SUPPORT FAMILIES WE PUT TOGETHER.
I DON'T THINK ANY OF US WOULD REALLY WANT TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILD, OH, YOUR FATHER WAS TAKEN AWAY, YOUR MOTHER WAS KIDNAPPED.
THAT IS ONE OF THE HARDEST CONVERSATIONS ANY PARENT WANTS TO HAVE WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS QUINN MATANEZ.
HI EVERYONE, MY NAME IS FINN MARTHA.
I'M A LIFELONG ERIE COUNTY RESIDENT AND I'M TESTIFYING ON BEHALF OF THE NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION TODAY.
AS MANY HAVE SHARED, PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS WASTED NO TIME FOLLOWING THROUGH ON HIS PROMISE TO CARRY OUT AN UNIMAGINABLY CRUEL MASS DEPORTATION AGENDA AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN IMMUNE TO ITS IMPACTS HERE IN WESTERN NEW YORK.
AS THE CITY OF GOOD NEIGHBORS, IN COMMUNITIES THAT BENEFIT FROM THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE NEIGHBORS, THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE SHOULD WANT NO PART IN THIS ADMINISTRATION'S DEPORTATION CAMPAIGN.
OUR CITY HAS STOOD UP AND PUT FORTH OUR OWN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROTECT NEIGHBORS FROM LOCAL COLLUSION WITH US.
AND NOW WE ARE ASKING EACH ONE OF YOU TO STAND WITH US TO SEE THIS THROUGH AT THE STATE LEVEL AND PASS NEW YORK FOR ALL.
NEW YORK HAS NO COMPREHENSIVE LAW RESTRICTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT ACTORS FROM COLLUDING WITH IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES.
LOCAL CHANGES ARE HOPEFUL, BUT OUR NEIGHBORS LIVE AND WORK.
[00:25:02]
FALLS, SEE GRIFFITH SCULPTURE PARK, GO TO THE ORIGINAL BARBELL, A PERSONAL FAVORITE OF MINE, BRING THEIR KIDS TO THE ERIE COUNTY FAIR OR CANAL FEST, AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR COMMUNITY LIKE EACH ONE OF US CAN.A PATCHWORK SYSTEM OF LOCAL LAWS AND POLICIES SENDS CONFUSING MESSAGES TO IMMIGRANT NEW YORKERS AND KEEPS THEM IN FEAR.
COLLABORATION BETWEEN ICE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAS DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES.
AND WE'VE SEEN THIS IN REAL TIME WITH PARENTS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BEING ABDUCTED AT SCHOOL PICKUP TIME, OUR NEIGHBORS BEING DROPPED OFF AT A LOCAL TIM HORTONS IN THE DEAD OF WINTER, AND FAMILY MEMBERS BEING WRONGFULLY DETAINED FOR MONTHS ON END WITH NO CONTACT WITH THEIR LOVED ONES.
WE HAVE EVERY REASON WE NEED TO SUPPORT NEW YORK FOR ALL.
AND WHEN PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IS WORKING HAND-IN-HAND WITH IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES, IT DIVIDES COMMUNITIES.
ERODES TRUST IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIONS LIKE THIS ONE AND MAKES EVERYONE FEEL LESS SAFE.
ICE DOES NOT OPERATE THIS SYSTEM ALONE.
IT DEPENDS ON THE INSTITUTIONALIZED ASSISTANCE OF STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO SHARE SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND USES OUR LOCAL RESOURCES TO ABDUCT OUR NEIGHBORS.
THE NEW YORKER ALL ACT FOLLOWS THE LEAD OF OTHER STATES BY DRAWING SENSIBLE LIMITS BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.
THE BILL WOULD PROHIBIT THE USE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, RESTRICT THE SHARING OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION TO ICE AND BORDER PATROL, PROHIBIT 287G AGREEMENTS, AND BE CLEAR THAT ICE CANNOT ACCESS NON-PUBLIC AREAS WITHOUT A JUDICIAL WARRANT.
ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT RELY ON PUBLIC TRUST AND CREDIBILITY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY.
WHEN LARGE SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION FEEL UNSAFE INTERACTING WITH THEIR GOVERNMENT, THE CORE MISSIONS OF THOSE AGENCIES ARE UNDERMINED.
WE'RE ASKING YOU TODAY TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR HOCHUL WITH US.
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS ADAM BOJACK.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING US TODAY.
I'M HERE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF HIS RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF THE PASSAGE OF THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT.
WE SAW THE GOVERNOR PUT FORTH HER OWN PROPOSAL, BUT AS I'M SURE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM KNOW, HER PROPOSAL WOULD NOT HAVE PREVENTED WHAT HAPPENED TO MR. TRUMP.
AND SO THAT IS WHY THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT.
IT'S THE FLOOR RATHER THAN THE CEILING.
I TALK TO AND I WORK WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE AROUND THIS AREA.
THE YEM COMMUNITY IN BLACK YON, THE PUERTO RICAN LATINO COMMUNITY IN THE LOWER WEST SIDE, SOMALI BANTU IN THE UPPER WEST SIDE, BURMESE COMMUNITY IN RIVERSIDE, AND THESE PEOPLE ARE TERRIFIED.
AND TO BE CLEAR, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE PEOPLE ARE DOCUMENTED, BUT THEY ARE TERRIFIED.
THEY DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THEIR HOMES, THEY DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, AND THAT IS INHUMANE AND UNACCEPTABLE.
SO WHILE THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE CANNOT END THESE PRACTICES, IT IS INCUMBENT ON US TO PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
THIS IS A STATEMENT OF OUR VALUES AND A STATEMENT OF OUR HUMANITY, AND SO I ASK YOU TO DO THAT.
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS CATHERINE ROBERTS.
OKAY, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS BARBARA GUNDERSON.
I'M JUST A NEW CITIZEN OF BUFFALO AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE...
PROUD OF MY CITY AND THINK THAT IT'S GOVERNMENT.
[00:30:02]
ERIE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT ALL PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEIR LIVES ARE GOOD AND THEIR LIVES ARE THREATENED.OKAY, OUR LAST SPEAKER IS THOMAS GRIFFIN.
GOOD MORNING TO THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AND TO ALL OF MY FELLOW ERIE COUNTY RESIDENTS AND BUFFALOIANS THAT ARE WITH US TODAY.
AS WAS INTRODUCED, MY NAME IS TOM GRIFFIN, AND I HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF WEST CONNECTICUT SINCE 2001.
OUR GREATER BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY REGION IS RICH WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE IN HISTORY, SHOP AT LOCALLY OWNED STORES, EXPERIENCE NATURAL AND MAN-MADE WONDERS, AND CONNECT AMONGST OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF NEIGHBORS.
IN THIS MOMENT OF TARGETED IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS, HOWEVER, MANY IN OUR COUNTY ARE TERRIFIED OF THE RISKS OF EVEN TAKING A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE, LET ALONE SEEING THE SCIENCE MUSEUM WITH THEIR KIDS.
THE GREATER BUFFALO REGION HAS SEEN ONE OF THE SHARPEST INCREASES IN THE COUNTRY.
WITH REFERENCE TO ICE ARRESTS, WITH ALMOST 02,000 ARRESTS MADE THIS YEAR ALONE, WE ARE NOT ONLY IN THE SAME BOAT AS THE REST OF THE UNITED STATES, WE'VE BEEN SINGLED OUT BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE OF OUR THRIVING IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY.
TRUMP AND HIS PEOPLE STRIVE TO MAKE US FEEL THAT WE HAVE NO ABILITY TO STOP THEIR RELENTLESS CAMPAIGN AGAINST US.
BUT THIS IS A THIN VENEER, FAILING TO OBSCURE OUR OWN POWER AND INFLUENCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS.
THOUGH NOT A CURE-ALL, THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT AND THE STATE LEGISLATURE PLUGS A SIGNIFICANT HOLE IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPARATUS.
IF AND WHEN THIS LAW IS PASSED, IT WILL BLOCK ICE AND OTHER FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AGENCIES FROM ACCESSING THE LOCAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES THAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY CO-OPTING FOR CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND IMPACTFUL POLICY CHANGE THAT WOULD PROVIDE GREATER PROTECTIONS TO ERIE COUNTY RESIDENTS, BEGIN RESTORING TRUST IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND SEND A MESSAGE THAT OUR COUNTY AND OUR STATE IS HERE TO SERVE ALL OF US, NOT JUST THOSE WITH A CERTAIN CITIZENSHIP STATUS.
AS MANY ARE FAMILIAR WITH, THE CITY OF BUFFALO HAS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BARRING COLLUSION BETWEEN THE CITY AND IMMIGRATION AGENCIES.
AND THIS IS A GREAT STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
BUT MY PRESENCE AT THIS MEETING AS A WEST SENECA RESIDENT IS ONE OF MANY INDICATORS THAT ERIE COUNTY RESIDENTS DON'T LIVE THEIR LIVES IN ONE SPOT ALONE.
IT IS UNREASONABLE THAT SOMEONE TAKING A TRIP TO ENJOY A SPRING AFTERNOON IN EAST AURORA MUST CHECK THE COLLUSION POLICIES OF EACH MUNICIPALITY ALONG THE WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY AND THEIR FAMILY ARE SAFE, ESPECIALLY WITH ICE CONTINUING TO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY.
TO ENSURE THAT ALL ERIE COUNTY AND ALL NEW YORK STATE RESIDENTS CAN REST ASSURED THAT THEIR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WILL ONLY WORK ON LOCAL CONCERNS, I AM ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF NEW YORK FOR ALL BY PASSING THIS RESOLUTION.
ERIE COUNTY RUNS BECAUSE OF ALL OF US, AND THE COUNTY MUST SERVE ALL OF US ACCORDINGLY.
OKAY, IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD? YES MA'AM, COME UP.
OKAY, BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER, OUR RULES SAY THAT WE CAN ONLY VOTE 30 MINUTES IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
WE'LL TAKE A MAJORITY VOTE TO...
I'D LIKE FOR THE SPEAKER TO HAVE A MOTION TO EXPAND THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY, FIRST BY LEGISLATOR LEVINE, AND A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR CHENEY.
DO YOU REGARD THE QUESTION? ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? OKAY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE PERMISSION.
I'M A RESIDENT OF KENMORE, NEW YORK.
I JUST HAVE A FEW QUICK COMMENTS ABOUT THE NEW YORK FOR ALL RESOLUTION.
I'M SURE LIKE MANY PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM.
I WAS RAISED TO BELIEVE THAT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IS HERE TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES, AND WE ARE ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
IT IS REALLY HORRIFIC TO SEE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLUDING WITH AGENCIES WHO ARE TRYING TO TEAR OUR COMMUNITIES APART AND TAKE OUR NEIGHBORS AWAY FROM US.
SO PLEASE DO PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
YOUR COUNTY NEEDS TO BE SAFE, AND IF OUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN HELP US WITH THAT, IT WOULD MAKE ALL LITTLE KIDS' DREAMS COME TRUE, I THINK.
OKAY, WE'LL NOW CLOSE THIS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
[00:35:01]
TO OUR AGENDA, TABLE ITEMS ARE NONE.ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION, THERE ARE NONE.
[ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Meeting No. 6]
MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING, MAJORITY VOTE.OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL BY THE MAJORITY VOTER.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY SENATOR VINAL.
OTHER QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? I'LL HAVE A MISHEAR.
[ MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS:]
PUBLIC HEARINGS, THERE ARE NONE.MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ON PAGE ONE.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO CONSIDER BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR VIDAL ON THE QUESTION.
THE MISLABELED RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE MAJORITY LEADER.
MOVE TO AMEND TO INCLUDE THAT WHOLE SPONSORSHIP.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO INCLUDE THAT ALL.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY LEGISLATOR ST.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED BY THE MAJORITY.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY SENATOR VIDAL ON THE QUESTION.
ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? SO MOVED.
THE MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS ARE NOW APPROVED AS AMENDED.
WE WILL NOW PAUSE FOR A PRESENTATION LED BY SENATOR DUPREE.
THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE TODAY.
I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO HONOR SOMEBODY THAT IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
AND CATHERINE, ONE OF THE THINGS SHE DOES IN THE CITY IS SHE IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN NEW YORK RESEARCH COUNCIL.
AND I'M SO PROUD OF THE THINGS YOU DO.
I LIVE IN THAT AREA, BY THE PRAIRIE OF NEW YORK AREA, AND I APPRECIATE ALL SHE DOES.
AND WE'RE UP HERE TODAY BECAUSE, JUST BECAUSE WE'RE THE HISTORY MONTH THAT'S OVER DOESN'T MEAN WE STOP HONORING THESE GREAT WOMEN IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND I WANT TO DO THIS BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME TO HAVE YOU UP HERE IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY TO JUST TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS THAT YOU DO.
FROM YOUR FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FROM ASSISTANCE PREP.
YOU'RE CHAIR OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR LEADERSHIP BUFFALO.
VICE CHAIR OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER BUFFALO.
JUST SO MANY THINGS THAT YOU DO.
AND I'M JUST SO PROUD THAT I GET TO WORK WITH YOU.
AND OUR COMMUNITY IS BETTER BECAUSE YOU'RE IN THERE.
YOU ARE WHAT WE CONSIDER A CHANGE MAKER WITH WHAT YOU DO IN THE COMMUNITY, AND I'M JUST SO PROUD TO BE UP HERE WITH YOU.
TO JUST DO THIS FOR YOU, IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY IN THE LEGISLATURE.
AND SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR THE COMMUNITY, FOR BEING A VOICE, FOR BEING A MENTOR, FOR DOING SO MANY THINGS.
ANYTHING THAT I GO INTO THE COMMUNITY THAT'S IMPORTANT, YOU'RE THERE.
AND YOU'RE BEING TALKED ABOUT, YOU'RE ALWAYS SO HELPFUL.
SO I JUST APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO FOR EVERYTHING.
AND I'M SO HAPPY YOU CAME HERE TO BE RECOGNIZED AS YOU SHOULD BE.
DO YOU WANT TO SAY A COUPLE OF WORDS? THANK YOU SO MUCH.
GOOD MORNING TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ERITANI LEGISLATURE AND GUESTS.
I'M DEEPLY HONORED TO STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY TO ACCEPT THIS PROCLAMATION.
I WANT TO SINCERELY THANK LEGISLATURE DUPREE AND THIS GOVERNING BODY FOR RECOGNIZING ME AS A WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP.
IT IS A PRIVILEGE I DO NOT TAKE LIGHTLY.
WHEN I REFLECT ON OUR JOURNEY AT THE RESOURCE COUNCIL OF WESTERN NEW YORK, LOCATED AT 347 EAST FERRY STREET, I'M REMINDED THAT THIS WORK HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT ONE PERSON.
IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE, FAMILIES, CHILDREN, AND SENIORS WHO WALK THROUGH OUR DOORS EVERY DAY SEEKING CONNECTION, SUPPORT, AND OPPORTUNITY.
WHAT WE'VE BUILT IS MORE THAN A CENTER.
IT'S A TRUE COMMUNITY HUB, A NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS POINT FOR SUPPORT, OFFERING ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS. SERVICES AND MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS.
AND WHILE MANY OF OUR NEIGHBORS COME FROM THE EAST SIDE OF BUFFALO, WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE RESIDENTS FROM MANY OF YOUR DISTRICTS AS WELL.
I WALKED INTO THE RESOURCE COUNCIL OF WESTERN NEW YORK IN JUNE OF 2021 AS A TEAM OF ONE.
BY THE END OF THAT YEAR, WE HAVE CONNECTED WITH JUST OVER 200 RESIDENTS.
FAST FORWARD TO 2025, AND THAT NUMBER HAS GROWN TO 13,505 RESIDENTS SERVED LAST YEAR ALONE.
EVERY NUMBER REPRESENTS A PERSON, A FAMILY, A MOMENT OF SUPPORT.
[00:40:01]
AND A COMMUNITY THAT CONTINUES TO STAND TALL IN SPITE OF WHAT WE'VE BEEN THROUGH.AND NONE OF THIS HAPPENS IN ISOLATION.
OUR WORK IS STRENGTHENED BY PARTNERSHIP.
WE ARE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL TO COLLABORATE WITH THE ERIE COUNTY OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE ERIE COUNTY OFFICE OF THE AGING, AND THE ERIE COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES DIVISION.
THEIR SUPPORT HAS HELPED US EXPAND OUR REACH AND DEEPEN OUR IMPACT AS WE CONTINUE TO SCALE OUR MISSION.
AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST BE HONEST ABOUT THE CONDITIONS FACING MANY FAMILIES ON THE EAST SIDE OF BUFFALO.
YEARS OF DISINVESTMENT HAVE TAKEN A TOLL, LEAVING COMMUNITIES WITH LIMITED RESOURCES AND SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES.
BUT EVEN IN THE FACE OF THAT REALITY, WHAT WE SEE EVERY DAY IS RESILIENCE.
IN OUR OWN SMALL BUT MEANINGFUL WAY.
THE RESOURCE COUNCIL OF WESTERN NEW YORK STRIVES TO BE A BEACON OF THAT HOPE, CREATING SPACES WHERE FAMILIES CAN GATHER, WHERE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE CAN DREAM, WHERE WE CAN SUPPORT HOUSEHOLDS WHO ARE FOOD INSECURE, AND WHERE HEALING AND ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY CAN TAKE ROOT.
WE ARE FIGHTING EVERY DAY FOR OUR EXISTENCE, FOR OUR JOY, AND FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO NOT JUST SURVIVE.
BECAUSE AS A CHILD WHO GREW UP IN THE 70S AND WHOSE ENTIRE FAMILY LIVED IN COLD SPRINGS, I KNOW AND I REMEMBER WHAT THIS BEAUTIFUL, FAMILY-ORIENTED, BUSTLING NEIGHBORHOOD AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY LOOKED LIKE.
A PLACE WHERE OPPORTUNITY STARTED FROM WITHIN.
AND I WANT TO SEE THAT AGAIN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE LEGISLATIVE DECREE.
WHO HAS TRULY EMBRACED THIS WORK.
HE IS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WHO HAS SHOWN UP, NOT JUST IN TITLE, BUT IN ACTION, GIVING IN TIME, HIS TALENTS, AND HIS RESOURCES.
HE IS A TRUE SERVANT LEADER, ALWAYS PRESENT, ALWAYS WILLING, AND ALWAYS READY TO SUPPORT WHERE NEEDED.
AND WE ARE HONORED TO CALL HIM NOT ONLY A LEGISLATOR, BUT A FRIEND AND AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR VILLAGE OF SUPPORT.
THANK YOU FOR SEEING THE WORK.
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND THANK YOU FOR THIS PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION.
[ LOCAL LAWS:]
THANK YOU, LEGISLATURE.CONTINUING ON WITH OUR AGENDA, LOCAL LAWS.
LOCAL LAW INTRO 1-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 4-1 AS INDICATED.
LOCAL LAW INTRO 5-1 WILL BE SENT TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
[ COMMITTEE REPORTS:]
UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.REPORT NUMBER 5 FROM THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
REPORT NUMBER FIVE FROM THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MOVE FOR RECONSIDERATION APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR MEETING, CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL BY LEGISLATOR VARNES, SECOND BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? THE REPORT IS APPROVED.
REPORT NUMBER FOUR FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE, MAJORITY LEADER.
MOVE FOR RECONSIDERATION APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR MEETING, CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, SECOND BY THE LEGISLATOR VARNES.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
REPORT NUMBER FOUR FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL BY LEGISLATOR DUPREE.
WE WERE SECOND BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-0.
[00:45:03]
REPORT NUMBER FOUR FROM THE FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.[ LEGISLATOR RESOLUTIONS:]
LEGISLATOR TASHONE.OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATURE TO SHOW THAT WE HAVE A SECOND BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? 11-2.
LEGISLATURE RESOLUTIONS, INTRO 7-1 FROM THE MINORITY LEADER, MAJORITY LEADER.
MOVE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY THE MINORITY LEADER.
ON THE QUESTION, ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES.
INTRO 7-2 FROM LEGISLATURE OF ST.
JEAN TIDE WILL BE SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UNDER MY AUTHORITY AS CHAIR.
I REFER TO THE LEGISLATURE FOR COMMENT.
FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THEIR BUSY SCHEDULES.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THE SPEAKERS WERE FROM ALL PARTS OF ERIE COUNTY.
WE'RE GOING TO SEND THIS TO GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TO HAVE A ROBUST CONVERSATION BY OFFICE.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT LEGISLATORS OF THIS BODY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS.
YOU HEARD A LOT OF TESTIMONIES TODAY.
AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF DISTRICT 2, I'VE BEEN RECEIVING SO MANY PHONE CALLS REGARDING THIS LEGISLATION.
THAT'S WHY I'M PUSHING FORWARD.
I'M PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING FURTHER CONVERSATIONS VERY SHORTLY.
THAT WILL BE IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WITH LEGISLATOR BARNAZY NEXT WEEK.
INTRO 7-3 FROM THE MINORITY CAUCUS WILL BE SENT TO FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
COMMUNICATIONS DISCHARGED FROM COMMITTEE THERE ARE NONE.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:]
OF THE RULES THERE ARE NONE.COMMUNICATIONS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS.
COMMUNICATION 7E-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 7E-16 AS INDICATED.
COMMUNICATION 7E-17, MAJORITY LEADER.
MOVE TO CONSIDER COMMUNICATION 7E-17 FROM CHAIR MEYER'S APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER APPEARING ON YOUR AUTHORITY.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO CONSIDER BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY THE MINORITY LEADER.
ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? I'M SORRY.
I JUST WANTED TO, I KNOW THAT IT'S USUAL THAT THE CHICAGO INSTITUTE SOMEONE SORT OF EITHER LAUGH OR LEAVE.
I THINK WHEN THE PEOPLE CAME AND SPOKE LAST TIME, THAT CANDIDATE, THEY WERE OFFERED ANSWERS, BUT THE CANDIDATE THAT WAS ENGINEERED SO WELL QUALIFIED AND WOULD BRING SO MUCH TO BEAR, THEY I THINK WE SHOULD.
CONSIDER HIM AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
THAT'S WHY THE VOTE MADE THIS.
BUT I THINK THAT HE'S JUST AS STRESSED WITH HIS EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING AND WATER BEING SO IMPORTANT AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE BEING SO IMPORTANT IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS THAN ALWAYS.
I THINK WE SHOULD CONSIDER THAT.
OKAY, SO WE'RE JUST TAKING A STEP BACK.
I WOULD JUST RESPOND TO THAT AND SAY IT'S ACTUALLY NOT QUALIFIED BY THE STATE LAW THAT IT'S REQUIRED.
WE ARE BOUND BY STATE LAW AND WATER AUTHORITY WHO IS QUALIFIED FOR THESE JOBS AND THERE ARE CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS THAT NEED TO BE DONE.
OKAY, SO WE'RE JUST GOING TO GO BACK TO THE MOTION THAT WAS ON THE FLOOR JUST AGAIN BECAUSE WE'VE GOT SOME.
OPPOSED? OKAY, AT THIS TIME I'LL OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATION FOR THE WATER AUTHORITY COMMISSIONER, MAJORITY MAYOR.
I NOMINATE PEGGY DEGREE FOR THE POSITION.
THE MINORITY CAUCUS IS TURNING THEIR PETITION TO ALERT THOSE SIGNED CALENDAR MEMBERS.
OKAY, ARE THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS? MAJORITY VOTE.
A CLOSED NOMINATION FOR THE MAJORITY LEADER.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY THE LEGISLATIVE LEADER, SENATOR GREEN. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
OPPOSED? NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
MAJORITY LEADER? MOVE TO APPROVE COMMUNICATION 780-780.98 TO A THREE-YEAR TERM AS COMMISSIONER OF THE U.K.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION BY THE MAJORITY LEADER.
MINORITY LEADER, SENATOR GREEN.
OPPOSED? THE ITEM IS APPROVED AND MISAGREE IS APPOINTED TO THE LARGER CONGRATULATION DEPARTMENT.
CONTINUING ON, COMMUNICATION 7E-18 AS INDICATED.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS: ]
COMMUNICATIONS, DISCHARGE, COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT.COMMUNICATIONS 7D-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 7D-4 AS INDICATED.
[ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES: ]
COMMUNICATIONS FOR PEOPLE AND OTHER AGENCIES.COMMUNICATIONS 7M-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 7M-9 AS INDICATED.
I WILL NOW OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR OUR SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ANY SPEAKERS KEEP THEIR COMMENTS RELATED TO ANY MATTERS INVOLVING ERIE COUNTY.
AGAIN, YOUR TIME LIMITS FOR SPEAKERS ARE THREE MINUTES.
CLERK WILL RING THE BELL WHEN YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS LEFT.
IS THERE ANYBODY WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THE SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD? ONE MORE TIME, IS THERE ANYBODY WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THE SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD? OKAY, AT THIS TIME I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
[ ANNOUNCEMENTS:]
[00:50:02]
THE LEGISLATURE WILL CONDUCT COMMITTEE MEETINGS NEXT THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD, AND THE SCHEDULE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.THE NEXT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE WILL BE THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING.
WE'RE JUST NOT DONE ON THE DATE OF THE LOCAL LAW, THE PUBLIC FUNDING LAW THAT'S PROPOSED FOR NEXT WEEK, WEDNESDAY, BUT I JUST HAVE TO CLARIFY THAT DATE, AND WE WILL HAVE AN ANSWER TODAY.
THE CLERK WILL FORWARD IT TO YOUR STAFF ON THE OTHER SIDE TO CONFIRM OR SWITCH THE DATE IF POSSIBLE, OKAY? ARE THERE ANY OTHER
[ MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS:]
ANNOUNCEMENTS? OKAY, PLEASE RISE FOR MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS.I WANT TO CLOSE IN MEMORY OF MARY GOODWIN, BARBARA ROBERTSON, AND...
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, LEGISLATOR.
I'D LIKE TO CLOSE IN THE MEMORY OF SUSIE COSTANZO.
I MOVE TO ADJOURN TO THE MEMORY OF JACK DOMAN.
HE WAS THE FOUNDER AND OPERATOR FOR ALDEN EVERGREEN NURSERY.
I ALSO MOVED TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF DAVID BONDROW, TRAGICALLY PASSING AWAY YESTERDAY. HE WAS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LANCASTER OPERA HOUSE. I ALSO MOVED TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF ANTHONY ROGACKI, A 35-YEAR ACTIVE MEMBER AND LIFE MEMBER OF THE DEPEW HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY, NUMBER ONE OF THE DEPEW FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND ALSO MOVED TO ADJOURN IN THE MEMORY OF MICHAEL GIANGRA, THE FORMER PAST CHAIRMAN OF MORELLO FIRE COMPANY. SORRY FOR THE LOSS.
OKAY, WE'RE GOING TO SILENCE THOSE WHO WANT TO ENTER THE FLOOR. I'M SORRY, LEGISLATIVE ITEM? I JUST WANTED TO THANK THE PEOPLE THAT WERE HERE AND JUST RECOGNIZE MY DAUGHTER'S THERE BY HELPING US DURING OUR FIELD DAY. SO THE NEW YORK CITY LIBRARY IS HERE TO DEFINITELY PAY THEIR RESPECTS. HI, SARAH. EVERYBODY SAY HI TO SARAH. OKAY. THANK YOU. WITH THAT, WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN BY THE MAJORITY LEADER AND THE SECRETARY OF LEGISLATURE TO AGREE. ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED? WE'LL STAND AND ADJOURN. THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.