BILL NUMBER: S8483
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to authorizing the
establishment of permanent COVID-19 memorials and establishing a COVID-
19 permanent memorial fund
 
PURPOSE:
The bill would authorize localities within New York State, in collab-
oration with local parks departments and under the guidance of the New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, to
designate and establish a permanent Covid-19 memorial within its juris-
diction.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 2: Establishes the COVID-19 permanent memorial fund.
 
EXISTING LAW:
None.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 1.1 million
Americans, including over 82,021 New Yorkers and over 45,952 New York
City residents. More than 16,000 children in New York state alone have
lost a parent or caregiver to the pandemic. These are not just numbers
and statistics, but family members, relatives, friends, and loved ones
who meant the world to so many across the city and state. During the
height of the pandemic, many were unable to be at their loved ones' side
or provide them with the comfort and support they deserved in their
final moments. New Yorkers were unable to conduct traditional homegoing
or burial services due to health restrictions, adding to the burden of
their grief. Despite being the nationwide epicenter of the pandemic, New
York State still does not have a permanent Covid-19 memorial. Similar
memorials have already been built across the nation and legislation has
been introduced to honor those lost to Covid-19 and recognize the sacri-
fices of healthcare professionals, first responders, and essential work-
ers who served selflessly during the pandemic.
These include the nation's first Covid-19 permanent memorial at Allaire
Community Farm in Walltownship, New Jersey, the "United We Stand,
Divided We Fall," Covid-19 Memorial in Capitol Monument Park, Kentucky,
and the Yellow Heart memorial in Jefferson County, Missouri. Locally,
the DSNY Forever Strongest memorial and TWU Local 100 Union Hall memo-
rials in New York City honors essential workers lost to Covid-19. As one
of the epicenters nationwide, it would only be fitting that New York has
a dedicated memorial of its own.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.