Media Advisory for Planning Purposes

Contact: Susannah Pasquantonio | pasquantonios@nyassembly.gov | 718-246-4889 | 917-841-7871

April 30, 2018

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and Senator Betty Little

Announce Upcoming Vote on Bipartisan Gender Neutral Bill
to Update Antiquated Firefighter & Police Officer Language

Albany, NY— On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn) and Senator Betty
Little (R-Glens Falls) will announce the impending passage of gender neutral legislation (A8321/S6542) to
update antiquated and inaccurate language in state law relating to police officers and firefighters. This bill
would replace all instances of the words “fireman” or “policeman” with the words “firefighter” or “police
officer” in order to update language and promote participation in the professions regardless of gender.

Who: Senator Betty Little, Assemblymembers Jo Anne Simon, Patricia Fahy, Barbara
Lifton, Donna Lupardo, Christine Pellegrino, Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Nily Rozic,
Rebecca Seawright, Monica Wallace, Carrie Woerner, and more.

Firefighter Jackie-Michelle Martinez from the New York City Fire Department
(FDNY); Sarinya Srisakul, President of United Women Firefighters; Regina
Wilson, President of the Vulcan Society; and Nilda Irizarry Hoffmann, Chief of
Community Affairs, New York City Police Department (NYPD).

What: Assemblymember Simon and Senator Little will announce the impending
passage of gender neutral legislation for police officers and firefighters
(A8321/S6542). The bill recently passed the Senate and is scheduled for a
vote in the Assembly on May 1.

When: Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: LOB 130, LCA Press Room, Albany, NY 12248.