Bill Text: NY J01821 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

New York Senate Resolution 1821 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Honoring former New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg for his tenacious advocacy for people with developmental disabilities

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 40-22)

Status: (Passed) 2019-06-12 - ADOPTED [J01821 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J01821-Introduced.html


Senate Resolution No. 1821

BY: Senator KAMINSKY

        HONORING  former New York State Assemblyman Harvey
        Weisenberg for his  tenacious  advocacy  for  people
        with  developmental  disabilities, for 25 years as a
        State Assemblyman, and for more  than  60  years  of
        public service on June 12, 2019

  WHEREAS,    This  Legislative Body is proud to observe milestones of
prominent public servants of indomitable faith and dedication whose life
and countless accomplishments will  forever  stand  as  a  paradigm  and
inspiration for others; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
former New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg  for  his  tenacious
advocacy  for  people with developmental disabilities, for 25 years as a
State Assemblyman, and for more than 60 years of public service on  June
12, 2019; and

  WHEREAS,  A  lifelong  resident  of  Long  Beach,  Harvey Weisenberg
graduated from Long Beach High School in 1952, before attending  Niagara
University  on  a  basketball  scholarship;  he  received  a Bachelor of
Science degree from New York University in 1958, and earned  his  Master
of  Science degree from Hofstra University; he also holds a professional
diploma in administration from C.W. Post University; and

  WHEREAS, A former police officer in the City of Long  Beach,  Harvey
Weisenberg  was  involved  in  the  field  of education for more than 20
years, first as a teacher, then as an administrator; today,  he  remains
an educator at heart; and

  WHEREAS,  In  1976,  Harvey Weisenberg was elected to the Long Beach
City Council and served as President of that body in both 1977 and 1980;
and

  WHEREAS, Elected to  the  Assembly  on  February  14,  1989,  Harvey
Weisenberg chaired the Assembly's Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
until  January of 2001, when he was appointed as Deputy Majority Whip of
the Assembly, and in  2003,  was  appointed  as  Assistant  Speaker  Pro
Tempore; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  illustrious  legislative  career,  Harvey
Weisenberg was a staunch advocate for people with disabilities;  he  was
successful  in  removing  barriers,  improving access, and enhancing the
quality of life for all with physical and  mental  challenges;  he  also
secured   significant  funds  which  benefitted  numerous  agencies  and
organizations within his district that worked with and provided services
to adults and children with physical and mental disabilities; and

  WHEREAS, Harvey Weisenberg has been a continual  advocate  for  laws
that protect children with disabilities; and

  WHEREAS,  Because  of  his  extraordinary  vision and determination,
Harvey Weisenberg was able  to  obtain  funding  to  build  housing  for

medically  fragile  children on Long Island; he was also instrumental in
making the innovative Surfers Healing program a huge success,  an  event
in  Long  Beach  where  children  with  autism,  accompanied  by trained
surfers, experience the thrill and freedom of riding the waves; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  renowned  career  as  a  prominent public
servant, Harvey Weisenberg has been the  proud  recipient  of  countless
awards  and  accolades  because of his ceaseless dedication to improving
the lives of others; and

  WHEREAS, Prior to representing  the  people  in  the  20th  Assembly
District, Harvey Weisenberg served on the Long Beach City Council for 13
years;  he  has also been a lifeguard, coach, police officer, restaurant
owner,  special  education  teacher  and  elementary  school   assistant
principal; and

  WHEREAS, Most recently, Harvey Weisenberg published a book about his
life  experiences titled, For the Love of a Child: My Life, My City & My
Mission, inspired by the memorable time he spent  with  his  late  wife,
Ellen, and their son, Ricky; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition  to Ellen and Ricky, with him throughout have
been his other four children, Vicki, Russell (Marilyn), Julie  (Donald),
and Gregg (Sogdianna), as well as his six grandchildren, Michael, Danny,
Jackie, Brock, Max, and Zac, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

  WHEREAS,  It  has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to  honor  and  support  those  individuals  who  have  displayed  their
commitment  to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this  tribute  to
Harvey  Weisenberg,  that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent  deeds,  and  the  respect  and
esteem in which he is held by their peers; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Harvey Weisenberg, the man, the father, the friend,  whose  spirit
of  service  to  others  has demonstrated an unparalleled devotion which
built bridges of hope for those who seek human dignity and a  productive
role in society; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Harvey Weisenberg.