Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter

May is Military Appreciation Month in the State of New York. As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, please take time to remember all who made sacrifices in service to this country. To better serve our veterans, I am also pursuing legislation to properly track veteran suicides so that we may have better informed services to prevent it. Another veteran bill will open our courts to those who have been exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in the Middle East. I have previously passed similar legislation relating to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War and it only makes sense that our veterans from more recent conflicts have parity for the hazards that they faced. I'm working to have both of these measures passed by June 10th.

It was incredible to join advocates and hear their stories about the abuses of qualified immunity. Qualified immunity must be repealed in order to ensure proper justice. Our constitutionally protected rights should be protected by police, not violated by them and victims of violations should have recourse in our courts.

Congratulations to the 2021 Exceptional Women Honorees! My Exceptional Women of Central New York Awards are a way to thank and recognize the inspirational women around us who have shaped our lives, built our communities and make the world a better place! Click the link below to see this years winners!... https://conta.cc/3wjNE9F

Thank you to Southside Academy Charter School for having me today, it was great to be back in person to visit! I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Quinones' 3rd Grade Class and today we read "Sophia Valdez, Future Prez" by Andrea Beaty. The children spoke to me about things they could do in our community to make it a better place and gave such great ideas. I look forward to coming back soon!

The American Red Cross will celebrate its 140th anniversary on May 21,2020. To honor the anniversary, the Red Cross will host six blood drives around New York. Please help spread the word about the drives in our area below; Syracuse, NY at Howlett Hill Fire Department: 12pm to 6pm Albany, NY at Albany Capital Center: 9am to 6pm... Call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a appointment ! Thank you to the American Red Cross and Congratulations on 140 years of helping our communities!

I would like to announce I have accepted the leadership position of Chair of the Majority Conference. I would like to thank Speaker Heastie for his confidence and I look forward to working with my Majority Conference colleagues in the role. We will face many challenges in the days ahead as the 2021 Legislative Session begins and as Chair I will work with the Conference to find the best way forward for all New Yorkers.

It's been a great start to the new year with the Driver's License Suspension Reform Act finally signed into law late last night! I would like to thank Senator Timothy Kennedy for being an excellent Senate sponsor and working so many hours with me in the midst of the holidays to ensure this bill got enacted. I would also like to thank the Fines and Fees Justice Center, The Bronx Defenders, the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, the African American Health Equity Task Force and the many other organizations that advocated in support of this legislation.

The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 (A.11181) gives New Yorkers the peace of mind that they will not lose their homes during the pandemic by temporarily staying evictions and foreclosures until May 1, 2021, and halting all eviction court proceedings. It also protects small landlords by ensuring their properties won’t be foreclosed on. The devastating job and income loss our families have experienced over these past months have made it absol...utely critical for us to act immediately. We’re also facing the coldest months of the year and no one should be forced out onto the street because of circumstances outside of their control. This legislation will go a long way in providing tenants some much-needed relief for the time being, but this is by no means a final solution. The Assembly and Senate passed this legislation last night and the Governor signed it into law without delay. This video is from my speech during yesterday's session in Albany: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Pamela-J-Hunter/video/

Starting next week, additional COVID-19 testing sites will be open for those who may be asymptomatic. Pre-registration is required. https://www.urbancny.com/county-executive-mcmahon-reminds-/

At 12:30 I will be participating in a virtual press conference in support of my bill, The Driver's License Suspension Reform Act. The bill must be signed or vetoed by the end of the year.