Albany, NY – The Co-Chairs of NYS Legislative Aviation Caucus, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator John Brooks, announced passage of legislation to benefit New York’s chapter of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP); the NY Wing. The Assembly and Senate recently passed A1414A-Lupardo/S4719A-Brooks, ensuring that public employees, who are members of the NY Wing, are entitled to paid leave for emergency services during a declared state of emergency. There are similar provisions in state law for members of the Red Cross.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “This legislation acknowledges the important role members of the NY Wing play during states of emergency. It also helps highlight the many other critically important activities they are involved in. I am very pleased the Legislature unanimously agreed to support the efforts of these dedicated volunteers and I’m looking forward to the Governor signing the bill into law.”

Senator John Brooks said, “For almost 80 years, the great New Yorkers in our state's Civil Air Patrol have provided immeasurable support to us all in times of need. The passage of this legislation is a necessary step towards making sure New York supports these heroes, and I am proud we were able to get it done in a bipartisan manner. I am thankful to the Civil Air Patrol members for the work they do and look forward to the enactment of this important piece of legislation."

Colonel John Jones, New York Wing Commander, said, “Civil Air Patrol members volunteer their time to respond in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies in New York State, providing critical support to local and state agencies. This important legislation will allow many of our members to continue to respond without the stress of having to worry about taking leave from work. New York Wing thanks Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Senator John Brooks for their critical support of this bill. We also thank the entire Legislature for passing this bill, and we encourage Governor Cuomo to sign it into Law.”

Last week, Assemblywoman Lupardo and Senator Brooks also passed a joint Legislative Resolution commemorating the CAP’s 80^th anniversary which will take place on December 1, 2021. The Civil Air Patrol was created in 1941, shortly before the US entered World War II. They are an all-volunteer, congressionally charted organization that serves as the United States Air Force’s official civilian auxiliary.

Its core mission includes providing emergency services, aerospace education, and youth development. They have responded to many natural disasters, providing services such as aerial photography, damage assessment, and ground support. The CAP also donated thousands of hours of service during the COVID-19 pandemic at vaccination and food distribution sites.

Lupardo and Brooks are also members of the NY Wing’s Legislative Squadron which advocates for the NY Wing. State Legislators are granted the honorary grade of Major and are welcome to participate in all missions of the Civil Air Patrol. Assemblywoman Lupardo was recently promoted to Commander of the Squadron.