New York Senate adopts resolution honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

The New York State Senate on the floor day adopted a privileged resolution commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in New York. Majority Leader Stewart Cousins introduced the resolution at the desk and members delivered remarks before the chamber adopted it by voice vote.

The resolution (Resolution 14 71) was read in full and framed Dr. King's life and accomplishments, noting his roles in the Montgomery bus boycott, the Birmingham campaign, the 1963 March on Washington and subsequent civil-rights legislation. Majority Leader Stewart Cousins said the start of the year is “always a big reset,” urging colleagues to let King’s moral compass guide the legislature’s work.

Senators from across the chamber spoke in support. Senator Bailey recalled King’s charge to ask “what are you doing for us?” and tied the question to ongoing demands for economic and racial justice. Senator Sanders emphasized King’s Poor People’s Campaign and its focus on health care and jobs; Senator Comrie and others highlighted local civil-rights leaders who carried King’s work forward in New York communities. Senator Brisport and several other senators connected King’s legacy to recent civic movements and urged solidarity with contemporary struggles.

The resolution was adopted on the floor and then opened for cosponsorship; members were asked to notify the desk if they did not wish to be listed as cosponsors. The chamber recorded the adoption and proceeded to calendar business.

The resolution text as read memorialized King’s life and service and called for a transmission of the engrossed resolution to legislative caucuses representing Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian members.