Authorizes the establishment of permanent Covid-19 memorials and establishes a Covid-19 permanent memorial fund

• Democratic6

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jamaal Bailey says this is needed

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.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.