BILL NUMBER: S5269
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:
To authorize localities within New York State to designate and establish
a permanent Covid-19 memorial.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 authorizes New York State and any municipality therein to
designate and establish a permanent Covid-19 memorial within its juris-
diction, in collaboration with municipal parks departments and under the
guidance of the office of parks, recreation, and historic preservation.
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 more than 80,000 New Yorkers, leaving some 18,000
children across the state without a parent or legal caregiver. These
are not just numbers and statistics, but family members, relatives,
friends, and loved ones. During the height of the pandemic, many were
unable to be at their loved one's side and 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 their grief. Despite being the first U.S.
epicenter of the pandemic, New York State still does not have a perma-
nent Covid-19 memorial.
Covid-19 memorials have been built across the nation, and legislation
has been introduced to honor those lost to Covid-19 and recognize the
sacrifices of healthcare professionals, first responders, and essential
workers 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. In New York City, the DSNY
Forever Strongest memorial and TWU Local 100 Union Hall memorial honor
essential workers lost to Covid-19. Considering the impact of the
pandemic on New York State, it would be fitting to have dedicated memo-
rials in municipalities all over the state.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S8483 - Passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.