Since passage of the Weprin/Montgomery Bill less than three weeks ago, we’ve heard plenty of unfounded rumors and have lately had to deal with groups who still desire to derail our work and to pursue a different and inequitable agenda. It’s time to set a few things straight and to outline what we are working on as our efforts continue.
First, despite crazy conspiracy theories making their rounds, our bill is not going to be vetoed. We are confident in that. It had overwhelming legislative support, is fundamentally and legally sound, and has the support of Governor Cuomo’s administration. Right now, the legislature and the governor’s office is simply dealing with the logistics of New York legislation. Here’s what that currently looks like.
The New York Assembly and Senate passed at least 1,000 bills this past session. Of those, only a small fraction have been delivered to the Governor for signature. Nearly 90 percent of all bills passed by both chambers are still awaiting the next step: delivery to the governor. This is typically a coordinated effort where the logistics of choosing which bills to consider—and when to consider them—are worked out between the legislative and executive branches. Typically, bills are packaged and sent over in bulk for consideration, and we do not have concerns about our bill making it to the governor’s desk.
What We Are Doing
We are doing two things, and one will involve you. First, we are maintaining contact with key legislators and with the Cuomo administration. We want to know when the bill may be delivered and we also want to know anything else that can help get it signed quickly.
That said, there are things you can do, and we will be rolling out those efforts this week. Namely, contacting Governor Cuomo to express support and enactment of S3419, the Adoptee Rights Bill. You are free to do that now if you want, but we will also be coordinating a wave of support over the next several weeks. Basically, we don’t want a mass campaign with thousands of emails and calls going to the Governor’s office on one or two days, then nothing happening after that. We will also be targeting those emails and calls so that they can provide better context for you and for the Governor, such as telling Governor Cuomo that your representatives support the bill (if you are a New York resident) or that you are an adoptee in another state, a birthparent, or an adoptive parent. It’s key that we continue to highlight the broad and universal support behind enactment of S3419.
Know one thing: we did it. We did what was needed and we remain positive that our progress will continue. Now let’s pull together and get it done. Look for emails and posts from us as we work on the next phase of enacting equal rights legislation for New York’s adult adoptees. Thank you!
Thank you for update and May I once again say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work and perseverance ❤️
I’ve noticed some news reporting that Gov. Cuomo has started signing other bills into law. I assume S3419 is in the assortment of bills awaiting his signature. I’m keeping a watchful eye
My husband was adopted in NY 54 yrs ago and it has always bothered him he isn’t allowed to know where his belly button was connected to, as he puts it. When he heard this news he was over-joyed to say the least! Thank you, thank you for all your efforts getting this bill passed! He is looking forward to the very least finding out his mother’s name
Thank you for all you have and are doing. I live in Florida but was adopted through Louise Wise in NY. I have been searching for my birth parents who by now are in their mid 70’s. Now at 58, I have been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, so time is running out for me to find my biological family.
Do unsigned NY bills automatically become law at some point?
Thank you Annette for the update posted today. I guess we are all getting antsy, and your post will bring about patience, 🙂
I am a adoptee adoptions from the angel Guardian home in Brooklyn New York and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the passage of this bill! Thank you!
Thank you.
As much as I’m looking forward to see my original birth records, I’m weary if anything true was noted. Names could have been changed etc,,
I am supporting the Adoptee Rights Bill 100%. I thought it was a done deal, except for waiting until Jan. 2020 to apply for my original birth certificate. I hope & pray it states my birth father’s name, since I found my maternal family through Ancestry DNA.
very encouraging, thank you! This update helped renew my excitement and confidence that our bill will be signed into law. I had just seen another post elsewhere today, saying that in the past, some in the governors office said they would support the bill except that the cost to NYS to implement the change and process might be too much, so it was not a sure thing that Cuomo would sign. I was getting worried!
Thank you. Who or which groups are still trying to derail us. What type of sources are the negative rumors coming from?