Senate Resolution No. 2682

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CELEBRATING former Senator Neil D. Breslin upon
the occasion of his designation as the recipient of
the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority
Leader's Legislative Legacy Award

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of outstanding purpose whose lives have been
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
reflect upon those extraordinary individuals who have made everlasting
contributions on behalf of their fellow men and women and have left
their mark on this great Empire State; Senator Neil D. Breslin is one
such individual; he truly devoted his life to serving his government
with integrity and commitment for the sole purpose of serving the needs
of others; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin was first elected to the New York
State Senate in 1996 and was re-elected for an impressive 13 consecutive
terms following his initial years of service; in this esteemed position,
he was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp
of human problems in his official acts; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin represented District 46 which
includes parts of Albany County, parts of Schenectady County, and
Montgomery County; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin served as a long-time Co-Chair of
the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission and served on the
Conference Leadership team for over a decade; in 2019, he was appointed
Vice President Pro Tempore; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin served as the former and
longest-serving President of the National Conference of Insurance
Legislators (NCOIL) and former Chair of NCOIL's Special Committee on
Race in Insurance Underwriting; and

WHEREAS, As a State leader, Senator Neil D. Breslin was well-known
for his effective leadership and steadfast commitment to his
constituents; during his career, he worked tirelessly as an advocate
providing leadership and meaningful initiatives that protect our most
vulnerable: our children, seniors, and the disadvantaged through
homelessness prevention programs, expanding access to health insurance,
supplemental nutrition, and safe, affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, His passion for advocacy and action has brought both light
and aid to countless individuals and families who have fallen victim to
poverty, systemic inequality, addiction, or domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, During his distinguished tenure in this Legislative Body,
Senator Neil D. Breslin sponsored numerous bills that were enacted into

law and have made deep and lasting changes to better the lives of the
residents of New York State; among these important accomplishments are
laws to limit prescription drug formulary changes during a contract year
(Chapter 780 of the Laws of 2021), provide for pharmacy benefit
management and the procurement of prescription drugs at a negotiated
rate for dispensation (Chapter 828 of the Laws of 2021), and authorizing
payments to non-participating or non-preferred providers of ambulance
services licensed under article 30 of the public health law (Chapter 649
of the Laws of 2023); and

WHEREAS, As the Chair of the New York State Senate Standing
Committee on Insurance, Senator Neil D. Breslin was dedicated to
protecting patients and healthcare consumers in New York; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of his longtime commitment to New York's
public colleges and universities, Senator Neil D. Breslin was the
recipient of numerous awards, including the auspicious UAlbany Medallion
Award; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin was not only known for his success
as a legislator, but for his passion for mentoring new legislators,
staff, and others, leaving a lasting impression on the next generation
of leaders and lawmakers; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his service in public office, Senator Neil D.
Breslin was a practicing attorney at a practice he formed with his two
brothers, Michael and Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin obtained a BS Degree in Political
Science on Academic Scholarship from Fordham College; and

WHEREAS, Senator Neil D. Breslin attended law school at the
University of Toledo, and while he was there, was named the
editor-in-chief of the Law Review; and

WHEREAS, In light of his many accomplishments and historic impact on
the State Legislature and the Empire State itself, the President Pro
Tempore and Senate Majority Leader has bestowed the Legislative Legacy
Award to honor his legacy on this State and his beloved community on the
occasion of his retirement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate former Senator Neil D. Breslin upon the occasion of his
designation as the recipient of the President Pro Tempore and Senate
Majority Leader's Legislative Legacy Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Neil D. Breslin.