Martha, Billy's Mom, and I were the ones who started working on the Stephen Komninos Law before it even had a name to it. After meeting with the primary sponsor of that bill which was Senator Beck, she asked Martha and me what name we want for the bill.  After Martha and I discussed it, we decided to name it after Tom Komninos' deceased son.  Tom agreed and joined forces with us. Billy and Stephen were roommates at Bancroft and that’s how Martha and Tom met years earlier.

The 3 of us worked our tails off for the Stephen Komninos Law.  I personally gave up many of my vacation and personal days and got docked many times because my lobbying for it was more important than my paycheck. Tom, Martha, and I went to Trenton, met with legislators, DHS, as well as former Governor Christie’s office countless times.  

I poured my heart and soul into it, as well as Tom, and Martha. It was a 7-year uphill battle. There were times when I had to call out from work, after having been in Trenton the day before, because I was so exhausted.

Families played a big role in that legislation with their testimonies. It was the 3 of us that were the frontline warriors, and we were determined to lobby for it regardless of how long it took!  We were unstoppable! Now, we're working hard for Billy Cray's Law to be passed and we're very hopeful.

Aileen Rivera