Get Ready for CVA Lobby Day in Albany Next Week

Get Ready for CVA Lobby Day in Albany Next Week 

Dear Friends:

I’m expecting people from all across New York State in Albany on May 3 and May 4 to speak to their elected state officials about the Child Victims Act and the importance of reforming New York State’s antiquated statute of limitations (SOL) for child sex abuse crimes. 

There will be Legislative Roundtable programs on each day, but the primary purpose of these CVA Lobby Days is to convince legislators to support bills that will reform current law. Right now survivors of abuse are victimized a second time by existing laws that protect predators and those who hide them. 

Two bills in the Legislature sponsored by me and Senator Brad Hoylman will change all that. A2872A/S63A and A8567/S6436 will completely remove the civil and criminal statute of limitations for child sex abuse crimes in the future and will also create a one-year civil “window” so older victims can get justice for offenses done against them in the past.

SET UP APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR: If you are able to come to Albany, you can meet with your own personal legislator, Call and request an appointment to see them on May 3rd or May 4th to ask them to support CVA and tell them the reasons why. 

To identify your local Assemblymember go to this site and type in your address

http://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

To identify your local State Senator, go to this site and hit the “Find Your Senator” button – https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator 

Priority Senators for CVA Lobby Days May 3-4 (updated 4-12-16)  – Even though CVA has passed the Assembly four times over the years, it has never been brought to the floor of the State Senate. Attached is contact information for key members of the Senate and Senate Leaders. Reach out, particularly, to members of the Senate Codes Committee who are identified, since that is the committee that must bring CVA to the floor for a vote.  Ask for an appointment and tell them why you believe the Senate needs to act this year to vote on the Child Victims Act.

[Background Info for CVA Lobbyist] about the Child Victims Act to use in preparing for your meetings. You are welcome to visit my office in Room 714 of the Legislative Office Building to pick up copies of materials and connect with other advocates who have come to Albany.

ROUNDTABLE PROGRAMS IN ALBANY: A reminder about our two Roundtable programs you will not want to miss:

— 3:00 pm, Tuesday, May 3rd, Roundtable on child sexual abuse in sports, school, youth and family settings.

— 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 4th, Roundtable on themes from the Academy Award-winning film “Spotlight” about the Boston priest scandal and hidden abuse in the Catholic Church.

I am deeply grateful to the many survivors and advocates who have worked so hard over many years to battle with me for SOL reform. I look forward to seeing you in Albany next week.

Sincerely, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey

Background Info for CVA Lobbyist