Senate Resolution No. 1285

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

HONORING the hard work, dedication, and commitment
of the members of the New York State Legislative
Messenger Service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
individuals who have faithfully served the people and the government of
the State of New York with dedication and conscientious service; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Legislative Messenger Service was
founded in 1973 as an avenue to provide job training and opportunities
to individuals with a disability; emphasis is placed on understanding
and amplifying an individual's strengths while providing support,
training and structure to lessen any barriers created by their
disability; and

WHEREAS, This outstanding service plays a very important role in
expediting the work of the New York State Legislature; and

WHEREAS, There are currently 24 employees of the Legislative
Messenger Service, as well as one participant in the Apprenticeship
Program which was implemented in 2012, and targets individuals with a
disability who are transitioning from a school to work setting; the
staff take great pride in their work, are eager to learn, and are
extremely dedicated; and

WHEREAS, The Legislative Messenger Service provides a communication
network throughout the Empire State Plaza and neighboring buildings for
New York State Senate and Assembly offices; currently delivering to over
350 offices, on a busy day, more than 300 delivers can be common and
Messengers often walk several miles a day; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, most deliveries are completed in under 30
minutes with all packages being tracked for accuracy; and

WHEREAS, In addition to delivering packages, these vital employees
of the Legislative Messenger Service answer phones, coordinate the
delivery of packages, provide quality control, and act as ambassadors to
both the Senate and Assembly; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the hard
work, dedication and commitment of the members of the New York State
Legislative Messenger Service; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, the New York State Legislative Messenger
Service, located in the Legislative Office Building, has provided
steadfast and unwavering support for countless offices throughout the
Empire State Plaza and neighboring state buildings for Senate and
Assembly legislators and their staffs; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated members of the New York State Legislative
Messenger Service can always be relied on to provide swift and
dependable service; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Kevin Kather, Director, and
Beth Bonesteel, Assistant Director, the members of the New York State
Legislative Messenger Service, whom we see hurrying about their rounds,
include: Brian Abreu, Greta Amodeo, Edward Blackman IV, Marquez Burns,
Michael Cohen, William Crowe, Michelle Daly, Adam Denenberg, Sharon
Forkeutis, Marcus Gagnon, Katherine Griffin, Tiek Hardy, Kimberly Lapp,
Kathy O'Brien, Patrick O'Hara, Kadija Oliver, Kathleen Schleich, Mollie
Shook, Kellsey Wickham, and Valerie Zeh, as well as Apprentice, Noah
McDonald; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to recognize and pay just
tribute to the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger
Service, individuals who embody the true American spirit, demonstrating
personal determination and significantly contributing to the workings of
the New York State Legislature; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the hard work, dedication and commitment of the members of the New
York State Legislative Messenger Service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the New York State Legislative Messenger
Service, and the aforementioned apprentice.