Friends of “CLEAN” adoption reform,
Happy holidays to all! The 2019 - 2020 New York State legislative session is set to begin in January. Our continued efforts for “clean” adoption reform remain in full swing. We continue to thank you for your ongoing support of our human and civil rights appeal, and growing petition. Including you, we count 6,500+ supporters and rising---please keep sharing!
CURRENT APPEAL / BILL STATUS:
1. The New York Assembly:
In November we were glad to meet with the primary sponsor, Assemblymember David Weprin, and the prime co-sponsor, Assemblymember Robert Carroll. We also submitted technical, editorial amendments to further clarify the language of the “clean” bill. These remain in review. As 2019 – 2020 will be a new session, new Assembly and Senate companion bill numbers (replacing A9959-B / S7631-B) will be shared upon introduction in both houses. We will of course keep you posted!
2. The New York Senate:
We have learned that Brooklyn Senator Velmanette Montgomery, a prior “clean” bill Senate sponsor, has agreed to return and sponsor again! We welcome Senator Montgomery back and look forward to the work ahead.
This month, we were glad to meet with senior counsel for Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the incoming Senate Majority Leader. We look forward to added dialogue!
3. Governor Cuomo:
As previously reported, we were glad to participate in continued discussions in both June and August. Just prior to this holiday break, we met again with senior counsel to discuss session preparations and the above noted progress.
A year ago, our collective voice helped make human and civil rights history when Governor Cuomo vetoed the regressive, expensive and unacceptable adoptee discrimination bill!
https://www.change.org/p/advance-clean-ny-bill-of-adoptee-rights/u/22182784
We’re just getting warmed up for adoptee rights in the Empire State!
We hope all remain safe and have a Happy New Year.
Stay tuned for upcoming updates and further calls to action!
Tim, Doris and Jennifer