Senate Resolution No. 1072

BY: Senator CLEARE

MOURNING the death of former New York State
Senator Bill Perkins, dedicated political leader and
strong advocate for the people of this great Empire
State

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of
indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless
accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for
others; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Bill Perkins, noting the
significance of the loss of a man whose altruistic spirit will be
greatly missed; and

WHEREAS, Bill Perkins, a true champion of his beloved lifelong
community of Harlem, New York, died on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the age
of 74; and

WHEREAS, Born April 18, 1949, Bill Perkins was raised by his mother
together with his two brothers and a cousin; while she did not have much
to give him financially, she fought to get him into good schools and
instilled him the importance of an education; and

WHEREAS, As a youth, Bill Perkins worked hard and was awarded a
scholarship to Collegiate Preparatory School in Manhattan and later a
scholarship to Brown University; and

WHEREAS, Upon earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science
from Brown University in 1972, Bill Perkins returned to New York and
dedicated himself to giving back to his community through public
service; and

WHEREAS, After beginning his illustrious political career as a
community activist and tenant leader, Bill Perkins represented Harlem as
an elected official for 25 years, first in the City Council from 1998 to
2005, before pivoting to representing the neighborhood in the State
Senate from 2007 to 2017, and returning to the Council for one more term
from 2017 to 2021; and

WHEREAS, As Deputy Majority Leader, Bill Perkins spearheaded the
successful fight to protect children from the deadly effects of lead in
their homes and his leadership resulted in the enactment of The
Childhood Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Act of 2004; thanks to his
efforts, New York has the strongest lead paint prevention law in the
country; and

WHEREAS, Elected to the New York State Senate in 2006, Bill Perkins
represented the 30th Senatorial District which is part of New York
County and encompasses Harlem, the great preponderance of East Harlem,
the Upper West Side and Washington Heights; in this capacity, he worked
tirelessly to make a real difference, fighting for reform, transparency

and accountability, to take on the status quo and the special interests,
and to be a voice for fairness, basic justice and the people of his
district; and

WHEREAS, A strong advocate of public education, Bill Perkins fought
to provide every child equal access to a quality education; he advocated
for and allocated funding for computer technology, public libraries, and
the rehabilitation of school playgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Bill Perkins helped fight for increased
funding for the City University of New York (CUNY) scholarships,
full-time staffing, and college preparatory courses; he was one of the
leading voices on maintaining the public university's mission of access
and excellence; and

WHEREAS, Bill Perkins, recognizing the importance of early cancer
detection, was successful in establishing early detection programs, and
increasing awareness of colon and other cancers in city hospitals; he
also helped safeguard the health of children and adults by fighting
against conditions which trigger asthma like pesticide use, diesel buses
and rats; and

WHEREAS, In response to a myriad of health concerns within his
community, Bill Perkins was the leader in the fight to combat the high
rates of infant and maternal mortality, and worked tirelessly on
essential issues such as the crusade to end HIV/AIDS, as well as the
fight to enact universal, single-payer healthcare in New York State,
forever putting "Patients Before Profits"; and

WHEREAS, A strong voice in the fight for civil rights and civil
liberties, Bill Perkins introduced the Patriot Act Resolution which
mandates anti-terrorism laws and policies be implemented in New York
City in a manner which does not infringe on the fundamental rights and
liberties of New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Renowned for his tenacious and unyielding commitment to
serving his community, this extraordinary man also opposed racial,
ethnic, and religious profiling, and sponsored landmark legislation to
protect the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender communities; he was
also instrumental in leading the fight to provide a minimum wage that
was also a living wage for all; and

WHEREAS, Bill Perkins is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Green
Perkins; and

WHEREAS, A true man of the people who never forgot where he came
from, Bill Perkins spent his lifetime fighting for fairness, justice,
equity, and improving the lives of those he represented; his legacy will
forever serve as a beacon of love for his family, friends, and all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; and

WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment Bill Perkins brought to his work as a legislator and
public policy-maker; a loyal friend and trusted advisor, he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former New York State Senator Bill Perkins, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Bill Perkins.