Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disaster Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate honors American Red Cross Month and spotlights volunteers, senators urge budget help for longer aid
Summary
On March 10 the New York State Senate recognized March as American Red Cross Month, heard testimony praising volunteer networks and disaster response, and several senators urged state budget support so the Red Cross can assist displaced families beyond the three nights of hotel aid currently provided.
The New York State Senate on March 10 recognized March 2026 as American Red Cross Month and used floor time to spotlight volunteer disaster responders and to press for expanded support.
Sponsor Senator Rivera (S6) opened by noting the central role volunteers play in disaster response and identifying three volunteers in the gallery — Bobby Krakowski, John Hatch and Mary Davis — for long service. "About 90% of the folks who are... working for the Red Cross are volunteers," Rivera said, and he described Krakowski’s leadership in training and covering 85% of duty officer shifts in Eastern New York.
Other senators gave floor statements backing the organization’s work and, in several cases, urged additional state support. Senator Murray (S11) cited Red Cross metrics: "they respond to around 65,000 disasters annually" and said the group trains "more than 5,000,000 people annually" in first aid and water safety. Senator Ramos (S14) pressed a budget point: "the American Red Cross is only able to provide victims of catastrophe with just 3 nights of stay in a hotel, and that's rarely enough for a family," and asked colleagues to consider augmenting aid in the state budget.
The presiding officer recognized guests from the Red Cross in the gallery and the Secretary noted the resolution had been adopted previously on Feb. 25. Multiple senators cast 'aye' votes on the resolution during the floor recognition. The discussion combined ceremonial recognition of volunteers with floor-level advocacy for additional resources to support longer-term emergency housing and recovery services.
