Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Paul Clark of West Seneca as he is presented with the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award by the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce at Kloc's Grove. Paul has proven a recognized leader in his community through his extensive public service.

Paul has worked as a certified public accountant for over four decades. He belongs to the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a partner at the firm Clark & Nihill. As a member of the Construction Exchange of the New York Board of Governors, he has trained local contractors in accounting and finance.

As a leader, mentor, and engaged neighbor, Paul has been a Cub Scout Den Leader, coach of St. John Vianney's Boys Basketball, and sponsor of West Seneca Girls Softball. He has belonged to the local Rotary Chapter for over thirty years, serving in every position.

Initiatives Paul has been involved with have improved quality of life in Western New York, and include bringing the Koessler Center to Canisius College, and assisting in the chartering and organization of the board of the Burchfield Nature and Art Center. As a member of the YMCA Capital Board he advised members to create Ismailia Shrine Temple and to bring the Y to the Southtowns.

Paul's volunteer efforts reflect his commitment to history, economic development, education, healthcare and an appreciation for an iconic American automobile. The Pan-Am Exposition Society, West Seneca Development Corp., Bennett High School, Mercy Flight, and the Western New York Mustang Car Club have benefitted from his good and generous works.

Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Mr. Paul Clark as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Citizen of the Year. His dedication to our community is commendable, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the West Seneca Youth Theatre, as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce names the group 2018 Community Service Organization of the Year during their annual Community Awards ceremony at Kloc's Grove.

The West Seneca Youth Theatre was founded in 2005 to give children ages 10 to 17 an opportunity to perform in a theatrical setting. Since its creation, the theatre has presented numerous productions of professional caliber, teaching children the value of hard work, friendship, and giving back to others.

In addition to performing at local schools, the West Seneca Youth Theatre has entertained at the Kiwanis Club's annual Christmas and Easter celebrations for adults with disabilities, and has visited and performed at assisted living and long-term-care facilities including the Garden Gate Health Care facility and Father Baker Manor.

A fixture in the community, the West Seneca Youth Theatre presents Christmas carols at the Southgate Plaza annually, and has frequently been invited to perform at Town of West Seneca-sponsored programs.

Outside of bringing entertainment and joy to many, the theatre troupe consistently gives back to the community. Following extensive flood damage in 2014 to the Lexington Green neighborhood, children in the theatre raised more than $9,000 for those affected. Each year, students and directors volunteer their time and expertise to West Middle School productions, as well as loaning out set pieces and costumes to various school productions in the area.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the West Seneca Youth Theatre. I congratulate the West Seneca Youth Theatre as the recipient of the 2018 Community Service Organization of the Year award and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Wendy Piasecki as she is presented with the 2018 Educator of the Year award by the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce at Kloc's Grove. Mrs. Pasiecki exemplifies dedication as an educator, and West Seneca is fortunate to benefit from her talents.

Forty years ago, Mrs. Piasecki began her career by earning her Master of Music degree in composition theory. At age 40, Mrs. Piasecki boldly decided to go back to school and attain a teaching certificate.

Mrs. Piasecki devoted her career to music education in and outside of schools. In her two decades plus in the West Seneca Central School District, Mrs. Piasecki has taught music education and theater at nearly every grade level and at every school. She has tutored students outside of school in music theory and piano. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Pasiecki has helped students in extracurricular activities, such as preparing for the Erie County Music Educators Association Music Festival, chaperoning students' trips to the Young People's concert at Fantasy Island, directing musicals, and even presenting student performers at the Junior Musical Theater Celebration at Shea's Theater, one of Buffalo's finest performance venues.

Educators like Mrs. Piasecki, who invest themselves in the children and our community, are part of what makes Western New York such a special place. Because of her dedication, parents can rest assured that their kids will be attending school in a supportive environment that allows them to explore their creative sides while receiving a first- rate education.

Mr. Speaker, once again I want to honor Mrs. Wendy Piasecki as she receives the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Educator of the Year award. Her personal devotion to teaching serves as a model for future educators and an inspiration to all of us who believe in public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Al- Ross Screen Printing & Embroidery as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's choice for the 2018 Business of the Year Award on Thursday, February 15th at Kloc's Grove.

For 45 years, Al-Ross has provided embroiders and screen print clothing and apparel for the Western New York area. Through their talented work, Al-Ross allows people and organizations of all sorts a sense of identity, professionalism and an unforgettable local brand.

Along with Al-Ross's strong business sense comes an equally strong sense of community and giving back. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Al-Ross raised and donated more than $20,000. Locally, the business founded and supported the Athlete of the Month Club in West Seneca schools, giving students athletes t-shirts promoting their achievements. Al-Ross consistently donates to basket raffles and fundraisers for schools, clubs, churches, benefits, and charities.

Embodying community spirit, when the Buffalo Bills made the NFL playoffs for the first time in seventeen years, Al-Ross rose to the challenge and quickly created customized shirts for fans. The Seneca Street fixture saw lines out the door as excited Western New Yorkers rushed to support their team and their business.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to honor Al-Ross Screen Printing & Embroidery as they receive the 2018 Business of the Year Award from the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce. The contributions to our community made by this business are commendable, and I wish them much continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Shell Fab & Design as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Chamber Member of the Year. For over a quarter of a century, Shell Fab & Design has characterized what it means to be a successful small business and active member of the community, donating to various important causes and charities while maintaining over forty full-time employees.

Shell Fab & Design has specialized in providing customers in the Western New York area with high quality residential and commercial surfacing work, cabinetry, and kitchen countertops. Because of its renowned service, Shell Fab & Design has gained a well-deserved reputation in the community as a leader in the stone countertop industry.

Along with consistently providing excellence in the custom and manufacturing aspects of the countertop business, Shell Fab & Design has kept ahead of the curve through innovation. It is this ability to keep up with the ever-changing nature of the economy while providing an exceptional level of quality that has allowed the business to thrive and expand.

Shell Fab & Design is as generous as it is successful. The business contributes to Queen of Heaven Parish, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the West Seneca Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and breast cancer research. Frequently, they donate cutting board sets to school fundraisers, sports fundraisers, and other charitable causes.

Mr. Speaker, I wish again to recognize an exceptional business, Shell Fab & Design, and all that their employees do for West Seneca and the greater Western New York region. I congratulate Shell Fab & Design on their selection as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Chamber Member of the Year and wish the business and its employees success in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize four exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Malik Turner, J.O. Spence, Mike Henry, and Rey Jordan. As members of the Buffalo State men's basketball team, these students are known as dedicated athletes and scholars. Their leadership and hard work has stood out among their peers and in our community. I commend these young men for their academic and athletic dedication and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers.

Malik Turner played for Buffalo State as a forward and majored in Sociology. Malik comes from New York, New York where he attended NIA Prep High School.

J.O. Spence comes to Buffalo State from his hometown of Limon, Costa Rica. A graduate of Bayard Rustin High School, J.O. played guard for the Buffalo State Bengals. He will be earning his degree in Health and Wellness.

Coming from Syracuse, New York, Mike Henry is a graduate of West Genesee High School. At Buffalo State he played the positions of forward and guard. He will earn his degree in individualized studies.

Rey Jordan is a Buffalo native who graduated from McKinley High School. He majored in Economics while succeeding as a guard on the Buffalo State Bengals.

Handling the responsibilities of being a student athlete is an incredible challenge, and all four of these students handled this challenge exceptionally. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Mariah Rosario and Caleh McLean. As members of the Buffalo State women's basketball team, these students are known as gifted athletes and scholars. I commend these young women for their academic and athletic dedication and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers.

Mariah Rosario played for Buffalo State as a forward and majored in Criminal Justice. Mariah comes from Flushing, New York where she attended Robert F. Kennedy High School.

Caleh McLean comes to Buffalo State from her hometown of New Rochelle, New York. A graduate of New Rochelle High School, Caleh played guard for the Buffalo State Bengals. She will be earning her degree in Economics and Finance.

Handling the responsibilities of being a student athlete is an incredible challenge, and both of these students handled this challenge exceptionally. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni .

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colleen C. DiPirro, a visionary pioneer who began her career 35 years ago as a single staff person and is now retiring as the President and CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce having overseen the explosive growth of membership from less than 200 members to more than 3,000, representing more than 1,300 businesses.

She grew its annual budget from $24,000 when she started to more than $1.9 million with a full-time professional staff offering 50 plus annual events, business services, advocacy, economic development strategies and an Emerging Business Leaders forum.

Colleen's career is filled with firsts. She was the first President of the WNY Chamber Alliance, an organization for Chamber Executives spanning an eight county region; the first woman honored as the Executive of the Year by the Buffalo Sales and Marketing Executives, and in 2009, the first woman named the Buffalo Bills Citizen of the Year, the second recipient behind Ralph Wilson.

Colleen is a builder. Her tools were not brick and mortar, but a consummate ability to build a business advocacy organization with teamwork, tenacity, compromise and consensus and at times, leading with only the courage of her convictions. Recognized for her hard work, heart, humanity and humor, she was identified as one of the top 100 most influential people in Western New York by Business First several times. In 2016, she was listed in the Top Ten Most Influential Women and named Citizen of the Year by Daemen College.

A leader, a legend and a true friend, Ms. DiPirro's legacy will be her tireless dedicated service to her community and beyond its borders. I can attest to that as my first interaction with Colleen as a Congressman was in 2005 when we took up the fight with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). As a first year minority member of Congress, we had few allies in this battle. And then a call came from Colleen DiPirro who in her role as President of the WNY Chamber Alliance invited me to speak to the Alliance Leaders about why I was fighting NYPA for the Buffalo waterfront. After our roundtable discussion, Colleen asked if I would be willing to debate a NYPA representative before the invited membership of the Alliance at WNED studios. That November afternoon debate made possible by Colleen's outreach to provide a neutral forum to promote understanding of the issue helped further galvanize our community to stand up and fight for itself and contributed to our ultimate victory of a $300 million settlement that continues to fuel the redevelopment of the Buffalo waterfront. I didn't represent Amherst at that time but that didn't matter to her as she understood what was good for Buffalo's waterfront was good for all of Western New York.

Others have certainly shared my appreciation and respect for her abilities as she received the Governor's Award for Excellence in

Business and served on the Board of Directors of New York State Chamber of Commerce Executives in 1999. Colleen serves as event and sponsorship coordinator and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Buffalo Bills Alumni and was selected by Ralph Wilson, the late owner of the Buffalo Bills, to serve on the Project 21 initiative. Her engagement in developing public policy positions was duly noted on both sides of the aisle as she served on the Transition Team for several Erie County Executives. Governor Pataki selected Colleen as a Commissioner on the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority and to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Governor Cuomo appointed Colleen to the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, a position she has held since it was created to develop a regional strategic plan and ensure its coordinated implementation. He also appointed her in 2016 to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Board of Directors. Colleen currently is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Independent Health and was appointed to the Erie County Industrial Development Agency Policy Committee by County Executive Poloncarz.

Her extensive professional and community involvement extends beyond her duties as President and CEO as she served on a variety of committees, boards and associations in leadership and active roles including the WNY Autism Foundation, Hospice Playhouse Project, Executive Women International, Buffalo Prep, Unyts, Williamsville Sweet Home Junior Football Association and Shea's Performing Arts. Additionally, she served as the first Chairman of the University of Buffalo Leadership Development Program.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Colleen C. DiPirro as the Amherst Chamber of Commerce including staff, board members, family and friends gathers on Thursday, February 1st to celebrate the work and wisdom of this most influential woman. She is most deserving of these heartfelt acknowledgements that reflect her career of almost 40 years of helping businesses, countless individuals and a growing community reach their full potential. We extend all best wishes for continued good health and happiness to Colleen and her sons, Kevin and Keith, and her four grandchildren, Joey and Kaylee, Drew and Luke, as a new chapter begins for her and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce.

Madam Speaker, 2017 was a year marked with division and distraction, a disservice to Americans seeking solutions to real challenges facing our Nation.

My hope is that the new year provides an opportunity to move away from divisive discourse and toward constructive dialogue and real outcomes. This year, we can take real steps to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, as well as ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Americans.

This year, we can promote job growth and success for all Americans by making smart, targeted investments in education and scientific research, as well as preparing our workforce for the 21st century.

This year, we can commit ourselves to building a foundation for a stronger America by making investments in our Nation's roads, waterways, infrastructure, and communities.

Madam Speaker, as we consider the State of the Union, this Congress has two choices: build walls or build bridges. Bridges lead to better healthcare, to better jobs, to a better economy to make America great again, and again, and again.

Mr. Speaker, a continuing resolution to extend Federal spending for 1 month may not pass because the President tweeted that he does not support funding for healthcare for 9 million American kids.

This is a terrible indictment on a congressional leadership that is again cowering to a petulant, uninformed, and impulsive President, a President who is making a mockery of Congress as a coequal branch of the Federal Government; and that the congressional Republican leadership is complicit is a national embarrassment. I say Congress should roll the President and force him to veto children's healthcare.

Mr. President, a continuing resolution is a failure to act; it is a failure to decide; it is a failure to lead; and it represents gross negligence as it relates to the basic duty of the institution of the United States Congress.

This is a sad day. Once again, Congress capitulates to a petulant and pouting President.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Dr. Jim Melius, who passed away on January 1.

Possessed of a technical expertise and a fierce sense of justice, Dr. Melius was a tireless advocate for people who, due to no fault of their own, were exposed to toxic and deadly substances in the workplace. He was a powerful force in our efforts in helping thousands of western New Yorkers get long overdue relief for suffering caused by their unknowing exposure to uranium at long-shuttered plants like Linde Ceramics, Hooker Chemical, Carborundum, and Bethlehem Steel, where, today, over $300 million in compensation and medical bills have been paid out to former employees. With a calm and steady demeanor, he gave instant credibility to any fight. He was a tremendous resource and he was a good man.

While our fight to provide full and fair relief for all of these citizens continues, we will never forget this fighter for all the Cold War warriors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the West Seneca West varsity football team for their remarkable achievement of winning the 2017 New York State Public High Schools Athletic Association Class A Championship with a 14-6 victory over the Section I Champions, Yorktown High School, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on November 24, 2017.

The West Seneca West football team earned the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in large schools by the Buffalo News. Head Coach Mike Vastola was selected Coach of the Year and senior quarterback Matt Myers was selected Player of the Year and Connolly Cup Winner, an award given to one outstanding varsity football player from Western New York each year.

Myers accounted for 264 of West's 290 yards in total offense. The defense performed well under pressure to lay a strong foundation for the biggest victory in the history of West Seneca West football. This incredible season comes on the heels of a 12-year playoff drought, which displays the dedication of these players and coaches to building a championship team.

I'd like to thank former coach and current president of the West Seneca Teacher's Association, Joseph Cantafio, for inviting me here today to recognize the young men and the football organization that has brought this community together, inspiring a great sense of pride for West Seneca's accomplishments both on and off the field. The team's spirit of hard work, camaraderie and incredible sportsmanship has moved this community to believe that anything is possible when you come together as a team.

Every player on the roster deserves to be recognized for the efforts, from freshmen to seniors. The efforts of Liam Scheuer, Josh Clifton, Juston Johnson, Mike Velasquez, Josh Karmazyn, Bryan Ball, Mitch Bednarz, David Beard, Jacob Wagner, Dillon Weir, Nick Knowles, Luke Wilhelm, Kyle Bauer, Kyle Haettich, Jordan Mackiewicz, Jake Cooper, Nicolai Lowman, Dylan Kasic, John Speyer, Cody Chambers, Jake Wood, Corey Snyder, Jebadiah Braunscheidel, John Cantafio, Josh Wilson, Bradley Claycomb, Nick Fazzio, Jeremy Cuthbert, Daniel Cantafio, Robin Block, Nick Cooper, George Newcomb, Tremar Brice, Chris Ignasiak, Tavian Brooks, Dustin White-Wagner, Mike Glinski, and Trevor Stoddard earned West Seneca West the state championship, led by Captains Jesse Broad, Matt Myers, Vinny Draper, Coach Mike Vastola, Assistant Coaches Dave Recor, Matt Marinaro,

Rob Lares, Joe Cantafio, Neil Raddu, and Rich Sanders, and Athletic Director Vincent Dell'Oso.

The team's perfect record in 2017 is one that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Let me echo the words of Coach Mike Vastola who proclaimed it ``a great moment for fans, a great moment for the community and a great moment for all the guys that he was proud to coach.'' A moment every football player dreams of, winning the state championship after a hard-fought couple of years, is an accomplishment that this team should be very proud of.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the champion West Seneca West varsity football team. Their success reinforces timeless lessons learned by student athletes of the virtues of preparation, teamwork, and diligence. Congratulations to the West Seneca West varsity football players, coaches, staff and fans on this well-deserved, historic victory.

Madam Speaker, each year we are reminded of the day that Continental Flight 3407 crashed in western New York. This tragedy forever changed our community and stole the lives of husbands, wives, sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers.

In their grief, the families of Flight 3407 bravely turned their loss into a powerful force for change. With their leadership, Congress enacted strong and landmark aviation safety reform legislation. That reform exactly aligned with what the National Transportation Safety Board concluded: that the crash was avoidable, and that pilot error and failed training procedures were the causes.

We have new leadership at the Federal Aviation Administration, and I strongly urge him to swiftly enforce the flight safety law. We, the members of the western New York delegation and the families of Flight 3407, will be watching closely.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished history of the Town of Amherst, New York upon

the occasion of the town's Bicentennial in 2018. Throughout the next year, Amherst will reflect on and celebrate its 200th anniversary.

On April 10, 1818, the Town of Amherst was officially created from part of the town of Buffalo, later known as the City of Buffalo. As the largest town in Erie County, New York, Amherst has a total area of 53.28 square miles. Amherst encompasses municipalities such as the Village of Williamsville, and the hamlets of Eggertsville, Getzville, Snyder, Swormville and East Amherst.

In the nineteenth century Amherst was a prosperous farming community with seven grist mills, several saw mills, a tannery and boot and shoe factory and two forges with commercial activity centered in Williamsville. Amherst draws on its history in its modern development, with structures such as the Williamsville Water Mill complex finding new purpose today.

From its beginnings as a primarily farming community, Amherst transformed into an urban area in the twentieth century with the creation of new subdivisions. Landmarks such as the University of Buffalo Campus North Campus and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital made Amherst their home.

Today, Amherst is comprised of approximately 125,000 residents. Those who live in Amherst enjoy a four rink recreational facility that attracts national and international ice tournaments, a state of the art senior center, three libraries, and a State Park within its borders.

The Town of Amherst will proudly mark its 200th Anniversary with a series of events throughout its Bicentennial Year, beginning on January 1, 2018 with a 200th Birthday Party. The celebrations continue with a gigantic Parade, historic walking tours, slogan contest, Interclub Service Club Luncheon and gala Bicentennial Ball.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the Town of Amherst's rich history and enduring contributions as we celebrate its Bicentennial. Congratulations to the Town of Amherst and its residents on this exciting and noteworthy milestone.

Mr. Speaker, the rich and wealthy corporate winners of this Republican tax scam love company, and they just got the company of 14 United States Senators who will personally benefit from a new 20 percent deduction for wealthy

real estate investors with no employees to pass that benefit on to.

One Senator who voted against the bill, before he announced he was voting for it, stands to gain $7 million annually and personally. The Senator said he was unaware of the provision and that he did not read the bill.

Mr. Speaker, the conference committee, the reconciliation process, was to narrow the differences between these two bad bills, not add new provisions that benefit rich Senators. This bad bill just took a dramatic and potentially illegal turn that should be fully investigated before a vote is taken today.