NEW YORK STATE ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION GOPHER DOCUMENT ------------------------------------------------------------- Creation Date: 1989 Date Added to Gopher: July 5, 1994 Source: Research Services ------------------------------------------------------------- Guide to the Records of the New York State Legislature INTRODUCTION This Guide to Records of the New York State Legislature in the State Archives and Records Administration describes selected records, dating from the colonial period to the 1980s, which are preserved and made available for research by the New York State Archives and Records Administration (SARA). SARA has produced this first descriptive guide to the Legislature's archival records in order to increase awareness and promote research use of these important records. The archival records of the State Senate and the State Assembly are a central resource for public policy and other research into the activities of the legislative branch, into bills that the Legislature has considered and laws they have passed, and into other aspects of State government. Because archival records of the Legislature also reflect important changes in society generally, they are a rich source for future historical research in many fields. Preservation of these records by the State Archives assures that documentation of New York's past is available for the benefit of present and future citizens. Legislative Records in the State Archives: Strengths and Gaps in Documentation Some of the most important records for understanding the history of our state and its national leadership are legislative records. As this Guide shows, the Archives holds legislative records from the colonial period to the present decade. These records document the development and passage of legislation, legislative intent, and special problems and issues of concern to the Legislature. This Guide also demonstrates that for major periods and for some important activities documentation of the contributions of the legislative branch is incomplete or nonexistent. Records of the Clerk of the Assembly, dating from the early twentieth century to the 1980s, provide one of the longest running and most consistent sets of legislative records in the State Archives. These records are a unique source of documentation of the legislative process, showing the formal progress of bills as they moved through standing committees to a vote on the floor of the Assembly. Researchers interested in recent legislative activity may also find useful the bill files and public hearing files of the Assembly Program and Counsel Staff and of some Assembly standing committees; these help to document the history and intent of the Legislature as it reviewed and enacted legislation. Although selected committee records have significant legal and other research value, most bill files from all but the most recent decades have been destroyed. The State Archives also holds important records of several legislative commissions and joint legislative committees which operated during the early twentieth century. Records of the Joint Legislative Committee on Industrial and Labor Conditions and of the Factory Investigation Commission, for example, provide a solid base for research into labor relations and industrial working conditions in New York during the first half of the century. Researchers also find records of the Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate Seditious Activities, the so-called "Lusk Committee," to be an invaluable source for studying the "Red Scare" of the post-World War I era. Legislative investigations often produce records which provide unique and detailed insights into the social problems and issues of the day. The 1911 State Capitol fire and, until recently, the absence of a strong records management program and a State Archives for New York State government, have taken their toll on the archival records of the Legislature. The Capitol fire destroyed many early legislative records which had been preserved up to 1911. Miraculously, some records of the colonial period survived as did a few records from the nineteenth century. Petitions to the State Legislature, 1786 - 1910, and surviving "Assembly Papers," compiled during the nineteenth century by the Secretary of State, are among the early legislative records preserved in the State Archives and described in this Guide. Since the Capitol fire many more important archival records of legislative activities have been lost or destroyed through neglect or through conscious decisions to dispose of records without prior consideration of their potential long range value. Often, decisions were made to destroy potentially valuable records because of lack of space or because there were no established procedures or advisory services for assessing the potential archival value of the records. As a consequence, there are significant gaps in the archival records of the State Legislature. The Archives holds no records for many legislative standing committees, commissions, leadership offices, and joint legislative committees, and very few records of the State Senate overall have been transmitted to the Archives for preservation. Researchers will find rich sources, especially from the Executive Branch, in the State Archives for understanding the way in which New York has addressed concerns of its citizens and, in many areas, has shown the way for the rest of the nation. However,research on the role, functions, and activities of the Legislature on many of these matters may be difficult or impossible because of gaps in documentation. The Legislative Archives Project Publication of this Guide is part of the Legislative Archives Project carried out by SARA in cooperation with the State Legislature. The Project, which began in the Fall of 1987, aims to develop formal, continuing, mutually advantageous working relationships between SARA and the Senate and Assembly on records and archival administration. During its first full year of operation, Project staff surveyed and evaluated records in thirteen committee, commission, central administrative, and leadership offices, and advised numerous offices on systematic procedures for maintenance, retention, storage, and final disposition of official records. Disposition includes destruction or eventual transfer to the State Archives. Before a decision is made on records disposition, an archivist analyzes the administrative, legal, fiscal, historical, and other research value of information contained in the records. The analysis of records requires an understanding of the functions, activities, and information needs of the offices and individuals who create and use records. It also requires an appraisal of the potential costs and benefits of preserving records for future use by government officials and other researchers. Frequently it is necessary to review related records created and maintained in a number of legislative offices and committees because interrelated functions and activities result in overlapping information systems and multiple copies of documents. One of the most important products of records analysis is a records retention and disposition schedule, which lists records in groups (called "series") and contains instructions on how, where, and how long records should be kept and their final disposition. Schedules include the identification of archival records, which usually represent a small percentage of the total volume of all records that are created. Since 1987, records analysis by the Project archivist has resulted in the immediate transfer of more than 600 cubic feet of valuable historical records to the State Archives. Proposed records retention and disposition schedules have been prepared which identify numerous other records for future transfer to the Archives when the records no longer need to remain in the custody of legislative offices. As a result of the Legislative Archives Project, SARA plans to update this Guide as it acquires significant additions of archival legislative records. Through the Legislative Archives Project, SARA hopes to remedy gaps in the documentary record of the Legislature and to help the Legislature develop more systematic management of legislative records, including identification of records suitable for archival preservation, and their transfer to the Archives on a regular basis. The Project also provides assistance to legislative officials and offices in managing their active files. The Project's initial activities findings and recommendations, and its future plans, are summarized in its 1988 Annual Progress Report to the Legislature. For further information about the Legislative Archives Project, contact: Robert McDonnell, Project Archivist Legislative Archives Project State Archives and Records Administration Room 9C71 Cultural Education Center Albany, NY 12230 Phone: (518) 474-6771 Using this Guide to Identify and Use Records in the State Archives The Guide contains a brief history of the Legislature followed by descriptions of its archival records in the State Archives. The descriptions are organized into seven sections: (1) Assembly Records, (2) Senate Records, (3) Records of Joint Legislative Committees, (4) Records of Legislative Commissions, (5) Pre-1911 Records of the State Legislature, (6) Colonial and Revolutionary War Era Legislative Records, and (7) Executive Branch Records Related to the Legislative Process. In each section, individual entries each describe a records series. A "series" refers to records filed together by a creating office in order to control information about a particular function or activity. For each series, the entry provides the originating office, title, inclusive dates, quantity in cubic feet (the equivalent of one-half a standard legal size file drawer,) and a summary of the contents of the records. To obtain more detailed information about the records described in this Guide and to actually use the records, a researcher can contact or visit the State Archives research room on the eleventh floor of the Cultural Education Center in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The research room is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except State legal holidays. Archival records are retrieved by SARA staff from the secure storage areas adjacent to the research room. The records may be used only in the research room and arrangements can be made to copy materials. For most of the records series described in this Guide, there are more detailed container lists, indexes, and other finding aids available in the research room. A staff archivist is always present to assist researchers in using the finding aids and otherwise identifying records that are needed. In addition to the legislative records described in this Guide, the State Archives holds extensive records (more than 45,000 cubic feet) from the executive and judicial branches, dating from the colonial period to the current gubernatorial administration. These records document the origin and development of government programs, and contain information on New York communities, institutions, groups, and individuals. Researchers interested in using the records described in this Guide or any other records held by the State Archives should contact SARA's Reference Services Unit, 11th Floor, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230; phone (518) 474-8955. The History and Mission of the State Archives and Records Administration The New York State Archives, part of the State Education Department, was established by law in 1971 to administer an archival program for records of all three branches of State government. In 1976, the fledgling State Archives was also assigned responsibility to supervise management and disposition of local government records, a function carried out by the State Education Department since 1911. New York was the last of the fifty states to establish a formal state government archives program. In 1978, the archival storage and research facility opened in the Cultural Education Center and resources were allocated for the first time to begin development of a comprehensive, modern archives program. Since 1978, the Archives holdings of State government records have grown to nearly 50,000 cubic feet and records continue to be acquired at an average annual rate of 3,500 cubic feet. New York is now the fifth largest and is among the fastest growing state archives measured by volume of records. In 1987, two new laws expanded and clarified the mission of the State Archives, which as a result was renamed the State Archives and Records Administration (SARA). First, responsibility for centralized records management programming in the Executive Branch of State government was transferred to SARA. The records management program includes authority to review and approve of agency requests to dispose of records; to provide records management education, training, and technical assistance services to agency staff; and to operate the State Records Center for cost-effective, secure storage of inactive records prior to their final disposition by destruction or transfer to the Archives. Second, a new Local Government Records Law consolidated and clarified numerous outdated and often overlapping laws, some of which dated back to 1911. This law required the establishment of a Local Government Records Advisory Council to prepare a report to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Commissioner of Education by December 1987. The Council's report, The Quiet Revolution: Managing New York's Local Government Records in the Information Age, now guides SARA's program for regulating records disposition and assisting records and archives management programs in New York's 4,000 units of local government. In 1988, another new law established within SARA the Documentary Heritage Program to support regional advisory services to historical records repositories throughout the state and to grant funds for historical records projects. Funds were appropriated by the Legislature to begin development of this program in the second half of fiscal year 1988-89. For information about the services and publications of the State Archives and Records Administration for local governments, historical records repositories, or State agencies, call (518) 474-1195, or write to SARA, Room 10A46, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE In 1691, New York's colonial authorities authorized the formation of a popularly-elected legislative assembly. Since that time, citizens of New York have had a continuing legislative body to represent their interests. During the colonial period, the Assembly gradually increased its authority, especially over governmental appropriations and expenditures. However, when the Assembly refused to send delegates to the Second Continental Congress in 1775, it lost popular support. A Provincial Congress was convened which appointed the delegates and assumed legislative authority. That Provincial Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on behalf of New York and appointed a committee to prepare a State Constitution. The 1777 State Constitution vested "supreme legislative power" in a bicameral legislature. The lower house, the Assembly, was roughly modeled on the colonial Assembly. It consisted of seventy members representing fourteen districts who were to be elected annually by adult males meeting stipulated property requirements. The upper house, the Senate, included twenty-four members representing four districts. The Senate had power equal to that of the Assembly although property-holding requirements for electors were higher and senators were to have four-year terms in office. The Legislature was given broad governmental authority which has continued essentially unchanged to the present day. The 1777 Constitution specified that bills passed by the Legislature must be reviewed by a Council of Revision which had the power to "revise" or veto bills and return them to the Legislature. A Council of Appointment was designated to fill non-elective civil offices. Legislators were represented on both councils. Constitutional revision in 1822 eliminated the Councils of Revision and Appointment. The new Constitution gave the Governor veto power over legislation, although the veto could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of each house. The chief officers of the state, including the Secretary of State, Attorney General and Comptroller, were to be selected by the Legislature. Property holding qualifications for voting were retained for blacks, but virtual universal suffrage was established for white males. The number of Assembly members increased to one hundred twenty-eight while the number of senators was set at thirty-two. The new State Constitution of 1846 determined that senators and Assembly members were thereafter to represent single-member districts and that the term of office for senators was to be two years. The new Constitution reduced the Legislature's appointive powers by making the Secretary of State, Attorney General and Comptroller elective offices. The Constitution also increased the power of the Legislature in other areas, especially in regard to the operations of the State's municipal and county governments. In 1894, voters approved a new Constitution which consolidated amendments made since 1846. That Constitution, with additional amendments, is still in effect. During the 20th century, the powers of the Legislature have been modified by amendments originating either in the Legislature or in constitutional conventions. The Legislature has been given diminished responsibility over the State's annual budget while, on the other hand, it has gained authority in several other areas, including the power to loan funds to public corporations and to appropriate money for the payment of debts. The number of senators is set by law, with a constitutional requirement that there be at least fifty. Since 1982, there have been sixty-one senators, elected for two-year terms. The Assembly includes one hundred fifty members, also elected for two-year terms. Internal organization of the Legislature rests with each house. The Speaker of the Assembly and Senate Majority Leader provide political leadership, appoint committee chairmen, make committee assignments and supervise legislative staff. Much of the work of the Legislature is conducted by committees which study issues and formulate legislation. The Legislature creates select committees or task forces to deal with legislation in areas not covered by the jurisdiction of standing committees. Legislative commissions are also sometimes appointed to deal with particularly difficult or long-standing issues. ASSEMBLY RECORDS Speaker's Office L0017. Subject Files, 1977-1986. 23 cu. ft. This series contains correspondence and background files compiled by the staff of Speaker Stanley Fink. These files contain background information on legislative subject areas and correspondence between the Speaker and other legislators, interest groups, State agency officers, local officials, and private citizens concerning proposed legislation. There are memoranda prepared by staff members providing historical background and legislative options on important issues. Other types of documents in the files include: reports (published and unpublished, many by New York State agencies); copies of bills; press releases; press clippings; newsletters from legislators; petitions; and excerpts from the Assembly Journal. There are virtually no memoranda between the speaker and his top advisors, and virtually no notes from the frequent meetings at which policy decisions were made. The subjects of these files include: broad topics such as labor, veteran's affairs, or infrastructure; controversial topics such as abortion, Love Canal, and nuclear freeze; individual legislation (e.g. Bottle Bill); State agencies and commissioners and public and private institutions and organizations; geographic locations (e.g. New York City, Yonkers); and political or administrative topics such as delegate selection, Democratic National Committee, and interns. At the end of the series are correspondence surveys for the years 1977-1986. These provide a statistical breakdown of correspondence received by Speaker Fink by subject or issue, pro or con orientations of the writer, and whether the writer resided in Fink's home district. Clerk Of The Assembly L0051. Assembly Committee Reports, 1908-1962. 204 cu. ft. (345 volumes) This series provides a record of the activity of each Assembly committee and the action taken on each bill referred to it. The records give the following information about each bill: introducer; date introduced; printing and introductory numbers; title of bill; date considered by committee; roll call vote in committee; date of committee report (ie., action); and committee action (i.e., defeated, favorable, favorable with amendments, referred to another committee). L0052. Registers of Bills Referred to the Assembly Committee on Rules, 1938-1958. 2 cu. ft. (18 volumes) This series contains registers of bills referred to the Committee on Rules by Senate and Assembly committees during legislative sessions. For each bill referred, the register contains the following information: standing committee action (i.e., approved, killed, referred); introductory and print numbers; reprints of bill; introducer; bill number of companion bill in the Senate or Assembly; and data bill sent to Committee on Rules. L0053. Assembly Introductory Books, 1911-1963. 12 cu. ft. (52 volumes) This series contains a record of the introduction and subsequent progress of every bill introduced in the Assembly during a legislative session. The volumes contain the following information for each bill: date of introduction; by whom introduced; numbers: introductory, printers, Senate reprint number of Assembly bill; title; first reference (name of committee); second reading; when ordered to second reading; third reading; when ordered to third reading; Rules report date; amend and recommit (date); amend on second reading or third reading (date); amended; Senate amendments concurred; when returned from Senate; dates sent to City Clerk and returned by Mayor (1911-1923 only); when delivered to Governor; when recalled; when returned to Governor; stricken Senate bill substituted reception number; chapter number; and remarks (e.g., died in Assembly, returned from Senate dead, became Chapter #____). L0054. Assembly Members' Books, 1911-1978. 39 cu. ft. (76 volumes) This series contains a record of the introduction and subsequent progress of every bill introduced in the Assembly during a legislative session. The volumes contain the following information for each bill: date of introduction; by whom introduced; numbers: introductory, printers, and Senate reprint number of Assembly bill; title; first reference (name of committee); second reading; when ordered to second reading; third reading; when ordered to third reading; Rules report date; amend and recommit; amend on second reading or third reading (date); when passed; delivered to Senate; when returned to Senate amended; Senate amendments concurred; when returned from Senate; dates sent to City Clerk and returned by Mayor (1911-1923 only); when delivered to Governor; when recalled; when returned to Governor; stricken Senate bill substituted reception number; chapter number; and remarks (e.g., died in Assembly, return from Senate dead, became Chapter # ). This series provides easy access to a record of the bills introduced by each member. The series is valuable as a record of the number and subjects of bills introduced by each member and of how successful each member was in getting a bill enacted into law. L0056. Log of Senate Bills Received in the Assembly, 1911- 1980. 9 cu. ft. (56 volumes) This series contains a record of the receipt in the Assembly of bills passed by the Senate and their subsequent progress in the Legislature. The information in the logs is arranged by year and there order by name of senate sponsor. The logs are known colloquially as "Assembly Senators Books." The following information is given for each Senate bill received: date of reception; introduction by; numbers: reception, printers, and Assembly reprint Senate bill; first reference (committee); title; second reading; when ordered to second reading; third reading; when ordered to third reading; Rules report date; amend and recommit; amend on second reading or third reading; when passed; substituted for Assembly bill introductory number; when returned to Senate amended; when returned from Senate for journal entry; when delivered to Senate; recalled from Governor; returned from Governor; chapter #; and remarks (e.g., became Chapter # , vetoed, died in Assembly, recalled by Senate). This series is the primary record of the receipt and subsequent progress of bills passed in the Senate and sent to the Assembly. It provides the same information for bills initiated in the Senate as the Assembly Introductory Books (L0053) do for bills initiated in the Assembly. Program and Counsel Staff L0007. Selected Committee Bill Files, 1975-1983. 19 cu. ft. This series contains approximately 3,000 bill files representing six Assembly standing committees: Aging, Child Care, Education, Environmental Conservation, Health, and Social Services. The bill files normally contain a copy of the printed bill and a memorandum summarizing the bill. The memorandum can take the form of either a Committee Bill Memoranda (prepared by the Program and Counsel Staff) or a Memorandum in Support of Legislation (prepared by the bill's sponsor). Occasionally both types of memoranda are included in the same file. The Committee Bill Memoranda contains the following information: standing committee name; bill number; sponsor; Senate companion bill; origin of bill; sections of law affected; subject and purpose; summary and description of provisions; effective date; legislative history; arguments in support; arguments in opposition; technical deficiencies and fiscal implications. The Memorandum in Support of Legislation contains the following: title of bill; subject and purpose; summary of provisions;statement of support; prior legislative history; fiscal implications; effective date; and name of sponsor. A small number of the files also contain background material relating to a bill including reports, newspaper clippings, and correspondence in support or opposition of a bill from organizations, State and local government agencies, and individuals. L0002. Hearing Files and Transcripts, 1969-1985. 87 cu. ft. This series consists of hearing files and transcripts produced by standing and special committees of the Assembly and filed with the Hearing Coordinator in the Assembly Program and Committee Staff Office. The hearing files contain lists of witnesses, public hearing registration cards for each speaker at a hearing, written statements submitted in lieu of appearance at a hearing, supporting printed material, notice of hearing with reply form for person wishing to testify, rough notes on the hearing kept by Assembly staff, an "Activity Report" summarizing the proceedings at the hearing, and related correspondence. The hearing transcripts were made by commercial reporting services. The series is incomplete because some hearing transcripts never reach the Assembly Program and Committee Staff Office (this is particularly true of hearings held outside Albany). Public Information Office L0016. Transcripts of Assembly Floor Debates, 1974-1977. 26 cu. ft. This series consists of a verbatim transcript of debates in the Assembly during the l974-1977 legislative sessions. The records are typescript copies from notes taken by the Assembly Stenographer. The debates contain the names of speakers and a complete record of what was said on the floor of the Assembly. Debates from 1978 to the present are available from the Assembly Public Information Office. Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis L0015. Investigation Subject Files, ca. 1969-1978. 7 cu. ft. The series contains material produced or received by the Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis during its investigations assisting the Assembly Speaker and several Assembly committees. The majority of records date from l976 to l978. They include correspondence, memoranda, draft and published reports, numerous clippings from newspapers, a small amount of hearing testimony, and press releases. A substantial amount of the correspondence is between the Office and individuals giving testimony before various Assembly committees. The records document the contact the Office had with a wide range of individuals, principally Assembly Speaker Steingut, various members of the Assembly, other State government agencies, and members of the New York State Congressional delegation. The records relate to critical public policy issues being examined by the Assembly and the Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis. The largest portions of the records relate to the following topics: o New York State Police activities in gathering a huge body of information about people who had committed no crime and were not even suspected of committing a crime. The records include reports on a number of aspects of the State Police investigations and correspondence and memoranda between the Office and the State Police, the FBI, and members of the Assembly, especially Mark Siegel; o the New York City fiscal crisis, especially the downturn in the city's municipal bond rating in the mid-l970's; o a l978 Assembly bill aimed at protecting newsrooms from unannounced police searchers (mostly hearing testimony); o corporate corruption and tax loopholes; o the operation and safety of the Long Island Railroad; o the New York City Housing and Development Administration, especially a program to encourage affordable middle income housing; o other issues such as health care, nursing homes, Medicaid administration, the State's lottery, mortgage lending by banks, and a windfall profit scandal in day care center construction. L0136. Generic Drug Investigation Files, 1963-1979. 13 cu. ft. A New York State law took effect on April l, l978 allowing a consumer, with the consent of a physician, to substitute a less expensive generic drug for a brand name drug originally prescribed. This drug substitution law (Laws of l977, Chapter 776) came about after years of complaints by consumers about the high cost of brand name drugs and the desire to have the advantages of lower priced generic substitutions. The law was passed over the opposition of a highly organized pharmaceutical industry lobby. It has been credited with saving millions of dollars for New Yorkers since l978. The series includes correspondence, memoranda, hearing testimony, conference proceedings, newspaper and journal article clippings, lists of drug prices, copies of legislation from other States, examples of drug company advertising, and various reports on the drug industry and on the safety and effectiveness of generic drugs. The evidence in the records was provided by an extremely broad range of individuals and groups involved in the manufacture, sale, and use of drugs. These include: physicians; pharmacists; pharmaceutical manufacturers; medical organizations; local, State, and Federal government officials; consumer groups; medical school faculty; and pharmaceutical laboratories. L0137. Arab Boycott Investigation Files, 1975-1977. 3 cu. ft. The series contains records produced or collected by the Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis in its investigation of the Arab boycott of businesses dealing with the State of Israel from l975 to l977. These records include: o individual files on approximately fifty companies doing business in New York; o lists with names of companies who completed the Department of Commerce's report on compliance with the Arab boycott; o transcripts of conversations and notes of "off the record" conversations between Office investigators and businessmen regarding their involvement in the Arab boycott and its effect on New York; o clippings from newspapers and journals on the Arab boycott and U.S. foreign trade; o correspondence and memoranda relating to the Office's investigation; o surveys of major banks regarding compliance with the Arab boycott and reports from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the effects of the boycott; o a copy of "The Arab Boycott: Alive and Flourishing in New York," a special report to Assemblyman Lisa prepared by the Office. L0138. Investigation Files Relating to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 1973-1979. 2 cu. ft. The Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis assisted the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions in investigating waste and extravagance in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Authority was formed in 1924 and has responsibility for operating transportation and trade facilities in the New York City area including airports, bridges and tunnels, a commuter rail system, bus terminals, shipping terminals, and the World Trade Center. The bulk of the records in the series is from 1977. Approximately half of these records consist of Authority helicopter logs from 1975 to 1977 that include date of trip, destination, and names of passengers. The majority of the remaining records include hearing testimony given by Authority personnel, clippings, Authority expense and travel records, Authority annual reports (1973 to 1976), and a 1978 State Comptroller audit of Authority procurement procedures in the construction and operation of the World Trade Center. Office of Research and Analysis L0145. Subject Files on Children's Television, ca. 1975- 1978. 4 cu. ft. During the l970's, there was a growing awareness in the country that many Americans did not receive a nutritionally balanced diet. This was caused not by lack of food but rather from an overabundance of food and the inability or unwillingness to choose a nutritious diet. A major part of this so called "malnutrition of affluence" was the extremely high intake of sugared and processed foods, especially among children. Many experts were blaming television advertising for influencing the food choices of young children. Federal and State governments were beginning to take steps to gain more control of the content of television advertising as a response to this growing public health problem. The Office had contact with a wide range of individuals and groups interested in health, nutrition and advertising. These include State legislators and agency officials in New York and other states, Federal officials including staff from the Federal Communications Commission, nutrition researchers, food companies especially those producing cereals and candy, television and advertising industry representatives, and consumer and public interest groups. The series includes material either produced or collected by the Office including hearing and symposium testimony, published and unpublished reports, correspondence, clippings, draft legislation and memorandum in support of legislation, handwritten notes, and press releases. The material gathered from advertisers includes transcripts and story boards of television commercials and several small reels of l6 mm film containing examples of commercials for children's food products. Assembly Committees L0127. Standing Committee Agenda and Bill Files, 1974-1978. 32 cu. ft. The series contains records relating to regular meetings of Assembly Standing Committees. Most but not all committees are represented for each year. Copies of these materials were sent to each committee member prior to meetings and for use at meetings. The records are as follows: 1) meeting agenda containing the name of committee and committee chairman, date of meeting, and a list of bills to be discussed with title of bill, sponsor, and print number; 2) copies of each bill to be discussed; and 3) sponsor memorandum of support for each bill. This memorandum may take several forms but typically includes title of bill, sponsor, subject and purpose, summary of provisions, statement of support, prior legislative history, fiscal implications, and the effective date of the legislation. The records contain no information on committee discussions or voting. Ways and Means Committee L0135. Chairperson's Correspondence and Subject Files, 1935-1952. 31 cu. ft. The series consists of correspondence and subject files from the office of the Chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The records pertain to Committee activity during the chairmanships of Abbot Low Moffat (1936 to 1943) and D. Mallory Stephens (1943 to 1952). Overall the records reflect the role of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee in approving all State government expenditures. Approximately 80% of the material is correspondence between the Chairman and legislators, State departments (particularly the Division of the Budget), and constituents. The records pertain principally to agency requests for allocations in the annual State budget and to legislative bills requiring State appropriations. The records contain extensive justifications for increased allocations for programs in nearly all State departments, especially as they pertain to the numerous institutions, authorities, and commissions operating within State government. There is a large amount of correspondence and memoranda to the Committee from legislators, State agencies and constituents on bills being considered by the Committee. In addition to these records relating to the Ways and Means Committee, the series also contains several folders pertaining to Stephen's constituents in Putnam County and to his work on other Assembly committees (especially Banking). L0150. Appropriation Requests Submitted by State Departments to the Division of the Budget, 1943- 1944. 2 cu. ft. This series consists of the Ways and Means Committee copy of appropriation requests submitted to the Division of Budget by 12 State agencies. The records contain detailed requests for agency appropriations for the 1943-1944 fiscal year, as well as documenting agency expenditures during the 1941-1942 and 1942-1943 fiscal years. Within agencies, the requests are broken down by division. Requests from the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene include figures from individual hospitals and institutions. The requests are divided into personnel services and maintenance and operation. Information on agency personnel includes the title of each position, the name of the person presently in the position, the salary, an explanation of requests for additional staff, and a summary of personnel appropriations for the previous two years. Requests for appropriations for the maintenance and operation of agencies include such areas as travel expenses, office equipment and supplies, printing and communication expenses, buildings and utilities, etc. L0157. Approvals of Requests for Expenditures for Acquisition and Improvement of Land by the Conservation Department's Division of Parks, 1926-1928. 2 cu. ft. (16 volumes) This series consists of copies of approvals and related documentation allowing the Conservation Department's Division of Parks to acquire new land or make improvements on existing park land. These projects needed the approval of the governor, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. These records are the Ways and Means Committee's copy. Records pertaining to specific parks are bound together. These include a copy of the approval, description of the project, estimates of costs, and blueprints of improvements. L0158. Departmental Estimates for Capital Projects, 1939. 1 cu. ft. This series consists of the Ways and Means Committee's copy of expenditures estimates for capital projects planned by State departments during fiscal year 1940-1941. The projects cover land acquisition, construction, and equipment purchase principally at State prisons and training schools, normal schools and colleges, hospitals and laboratories, and State parks. The three-page estimates briefly describe the project, provide justification for the project, and detail projected expenditures for the fiscal year. In many cases, several capital projects were planned for a single facility during the year. Separate estimates are included for each project. L0161. Summaries of Requests for Allocations to Design State and Municipal Public Works Projects, 1946. 1 cu. ft. One of the functions of the New York State Postwar Public Works Planning Commission was to provide money to assist municipalities and State agencies and authorities in designing public works projects. The Chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee was a member of the Commission. Municipal projects usually consisted of constructing schools, libraries, sewage systems and treatment plants, streets, etc. Projects for State government typically involved construction projects at colleges, institutions, and in parks and other recreation sites. The series contains information on several hundred projects for which the Commission allocated funds for design work. The records consists of summaries of these projects prepared to assist the Commission in its allocation decisions. The summaries are grouped together by the monthly meeting of the Commission for April - December 1946. The summaries provide general information about each project including: title, location, estimated construction costs, costs for design, recommended design allocation from the Commission, and a one paragraph project description. For projects by State agencies and authorities, the records also contain correspondence between the Commission, the Department of Public Works, and the agency/authority outlining the need for the projects and the costs involved. L0164. State Budget Hearing Files, 1941-1947. 1 cu. ft. This series contains records received by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and pertain to public hearings held to discuss proposed State budgets from 1941 to 1947. The records include correspondence, hearing testimony, telegrams, lists of hearing speakers, and supplemental printed material. Individuals corresponding with the Committee or speaking at the hearings included representatives of educational and parent groups, labor unions, business associations, chambers of commerce, local governments, and civic and taxpayer groups. The records are grouped together in folders relating to individual hearings. At least 50% of the material pertains to the need for increased State aid to education, especially in the areas of child care, kindergartens, and teachers salaries. Other topics discussed in these records include maintenance and improvement of the State's highways, tax reduction and economy in government, aid to localities, and increased salaries for State employees. Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection L0014. Subject Files, 1974-1978. 1 cu. ft. The series contains records produced or collected by the Committee while examining ways to lower costs of prescription medicine in New York State. The Committee's investigation was in response to complaints of high costs of brand-name drugs and the desire to have the option of purchasing generic drugs when filling prescriptions. The Committee focused its study on the cost of prescription medicines and on the safety and effectiveness of generic substitutions. Approximately half of the material consists of testimony from hearings relating to generic drugs conducted by Assembly or Senate committees or by Congressional committees. Testimony is included from physicians, pharmacists, representatives from pharmaceutical companies, health and business associations, State and local government officials, labor union leaders, and other interested individuals. The remainder of the series contains wholesalers' cost manuals showing prices of medicines, minutes and exhibits from the Executive Session of the Committee on August l, l978, and several reports and lists of drug prices. Committee on Education L0129. Incoming Correspondence Relating to Proposed Legislation, 1969. 2 cu. ft. Correspondence received by the Assembly Education Committee during 1969 reflects public and professional opinion on proposed legislation. The correspondence was sent by a broad range of individuals and groups including: teachers and teachers' unions; school district administrators; members of local boards of education; parents and parent associations; physicians, engineers, and other professionals; concerned taxpayers; and associations and organizations involved with educational issues. More than half of the correspondence relates to proposed reductions in State aid to education; the majority of opinion expressed was opposed to such cuts. The remaining correspondence relates to more than 30 other issues including: decentralization of New York City schools; increased State aid for handicapped education; implementation of a new health education curriculum with a controversial sex education component; increased teachers' retirement benefits; and freezing operating costs in hospitals and nursing homes. L0130. Memoranda Relating to Proposed Legislation, 1968. 1 cu. ft. The series contains memoranda from Assembly sponsors or State agencies describing legislation considered by the Assembly Standing Committee on Education from January to March, 1968. The memoranda include information on the purpose of the bill, a summary of provisions, content of existing legislation, and a statement of why the bill should be passed or defeated. In addition to these memoranda, the records contain a copy of the proposed legislation, and a standard request form from the bill's sponsor asking for a favorable report from the Committee. Occasionally there also are letters from individuals or organizations in support of legislation. Committee on Environmental Conservation L0131. Hearing Files and Transcripts, 1975-1977. .5 cu. ft. The series contains records relating to public hearings held throughout the State by the Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation. The majority of the records consist of testimony given by concerned individuals and organizations on topics being studied by the Committee. Most of the testimony relates to the following: the Adirondack Park Agency; resource management in the Catskill region; taxation of forest lands; resource recovery and recycling; and solid waste management. In addition to the testimony, the records include lists of witnesses registered to provide testimony, related reports and printed materials, and memoranda of support from interested organizations. Committee on Governmental Operations L0011. Subject Files, 1970-1982. 2 cu. ft. The series contains information on approximately a dozen issues investigated by the Assembly Standing Committee on Governmental Operations during the years from 1975 to 1982. One cubic foot of the records pertains to the issue of legalizing casino gambling in the State. Other issues represented include open meetings legislation, Indian affairs, and the effect of the State's Freedom of Information Law. The records include hearing testimony, correspondence and memoranda in support or opposition of legislation, copies of proposed legislation, and printed reports and newsclippings. Included in the records are the opinions of State and local government officials, business, special interest groups, and individuals. Committee on Governmental Operations. Subcommittee on Casino Gambling L0019. Subject and Hearing Files, 1976-1986. 6 cu. ft. The records in this series were produced or received by the Subcommittee investigating the possibility of new legislation legalizing casino and other forms of gambling in New York. The records include hearing testimony and supporting statements, published and unpublished reports, correspondence, memoranda, press releases, clippings, gambling legislation from other States, and promotional material from the gaming industry. The series also contains a 30-minute videotape (3/4" format) of a l98l debate on legalized gambling between the Subcommittee chairperson Assemblywoman Gerdi Lipschutz and Bruce Detlefson. The majority of the records provide evidence supporting new gambling legislation. Hearing testimony and reports illustrate the economic benefits of gambling to the State in the form of new jobs, increased revenues, and increased tourist business. The records include many references to the benefits of gambling to the states of Nevada and New Jersey. The testimony and clippings in the records also provide ample evidence of the negative aspects associated with the gambling industry particularly pointing up the certain and dramatic increase in criminal activity likely to occur with the establishment of the casino gambling industry. Committee on Governmental Operations. Subcommittee on Affirmative Action L0103. Statistical Data, Testimony Transcripts, and Correspondence Relating to Workplace Composition and Affirmative Action in State and Local Government, 1983 - 1985. 5 cu. ft. This series contains records from the Subcommittee's examination of the effectiveness of New York government affirmative action programs. This examination was in response to continuing complaints of the ineffectiveness of these programs (especially in the area of employment of Latinos) and the perceived need for changes in legislation to improve them. The study was partly in response to the realization that the Reagan Administration was working to dismantle many of the Federal affirmative action programs. As a result, the Subcommittee felt that New York would have to strengthen its own programs to lessen the negative impact of weakened Federal guidelines. As part of its study, the Subcommittee gathered information on the employment of women, minorities, Vietnam Era veterans, and the disabled in New York State and local government. The majority of the information consists of employment statistics from the period l983 to l985. Approximately 90% of the information pertains to employment in State agencies and institutions. The remaining l0% pertains to employment in New York City and in county government. The records primarily consist of statistical profiles, reports, hearing testimony, and completed questionnaires on the composition of the government work force in the State. The records include plans and procedures of State government agencies for implementing comprehensive affirmative action programs. A June l986 report, Affirmative Action: The Crisis, summarized the Subcommittee's work and contains nearly all the important statistics gathered during the investigation. Committee on Housing L0148. Hearing Transcripts, 1975-1979. .5 cu. ft. The Assembly Standing Committee on Housing deals with the myriad of issues affecting where and how New Yorkers live. This series consists principally of public hearing testimony gathered by the Committee from l975 to l979. In addition to the testimony, the records include draft legislation, reports, clippings, and press releases. The testimony was provided by officials of local government housing agencies, representatives of lending institutions, real estate and developer associations, tenant and homeowner associations, civic, religious and community groups, and senior citizen groups. Nearly all the records relate to the New York City area and about 80% pertain in particular to the issue of neighborhood preservation. In addition to testimony on neighborhood preservation, the records include testimony on rent control and stabilization providing examples of the need for continued rent control of many apartments in the city. The records also include information on the financing of low-income and other multiple dwellings and on the role of State and local government in developing needed housing. Committee on the Judiciary L0010. Bill Files, 1973-1974. 2 cu. ft. This series contains records pertaining to bills referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on the Judiciary for consideration and reporting. For each bill, the files usually include: copy of the bill; Speaker's Research Staff Report (with summary of present law, summary of proposed law, legislative history, recommendation for passage, and fiscal implications); sponsor's memorandum with a summary of the bill and reasons for passage; and memoranda in support or opposition sent by State agencies, organizations or individuals. Assembly Task Forces Task Force on School Finance and Real Property Taxation L0146. Hearing Transcripts, ca. 1979-1980. 1 cu. ft. This series contains typed transcripts and statements from five public hearings conducted jointly by the Senate Finance Committee and the Assembly Task Force on School Finance and Real Property Taxation. The hearings were held from November 29, l979 to April l7, l980 to gather public opinion on legislative options for establishing new real property tax systems in New York State. The testimony provides a broad range of information on New York's property tax system. Among issues discussed in detail include: l) how the existing system of property taxation puts an unfair burden on commercial interests; 2) how the adoption of the l975 court ruling would have a devastating effect on the State's homeowners; 3) how a shift of tax burden from commercial property to residential property might adversely affect the State's economy; 4) what are the options for creating a classification system that provides needed relief from tax burdens for homeowners and other classes of taxpayers; and 5) whether this classification system would be uniform throughout the State or if local governments would be able to adopt systems seen appropriate to local conditions. Task Force on Toxic Substances L0132. Copies of Federal Government Documents Relating to Toxic Contamination in the Niagara Falls Region, ca. 1940-1980. 33 cu. ft. This series contains copies of documents gathered by investigators for the Task Force in its investigation of alleged dumping of contaminated wastes into the Love Canal by the United States Army and its contractors. The majority of the documents date from l944-l959 and pertain to the production, storing, and disposal of these wastes and to the subsequent transfer of government facilities to private ownership. Most of the records were created by the Army, the Atomic Energy Commission, or the Department of Energy. Many declassified documents were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act requests. The majority of records relate to production and storage of radioactive materials at four major facilities: Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, Lewiston; Electromettallurgical Co., Niagara Falls; Hooker Chemical and Plastics Corporation, Niagara Falls; and Linde Air Products Co., Tonawanda. L0133. Interviews and Hearing Files Pertaining to Alleged Army Toxic Dumping, 1978-1980. 1 cu. ft. The series consists of evidence gathered during the Task Force investigation of alleged Army dumping of radioactive materials into the Love Canal. The evidence was given in public hearings held by the Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, in interviews conducted by Task Force investigators, and in interviews conducted by the Army during its own l978 investigation into these allegations. Providing the evidence were present or former residents of the Niagara Falls area giving eyewitness accounts of Army dumping and contamination in the Love Canal. Also providing evidence were present or former members of the Army or civilian employees of Army contractors detailing procedures on production, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials at government facilities. L0134. Reports File, 1978-1981. 1 cu. ft. The series contains approximately a dozen reports of various sizes either produced by or used by the Task Force in its investigation. The most significant of these reports include: o the Task Force's preliminary report to Assembly Speaker Stanley Fink, May 29, 1980; o the Task Force's interim report, The Federal Connection: A History of U.S. Military Involvement in the Toxic Contamination of Love Canal and the Niagara Frontier Region (May 29, 1980). Both draft and published versions are included; this was the final report produced by the Task Force; o Interagency Task Force on Hazardous Wastes, "Draft Report on Hazardous Waste Disposal in Erie and Niagara Counties, New York." (March 1979); and o David W. Parry's draft "History of the Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, 1940 -1980." (July 1979). In addition to these and other reports, the records include a very small amount of correspondence and background files on the Task Force investigation. There are also a small number of newspaper clippings pertaining to hazardous wastes in the Niagara Falls area. SENATE RECORDS Member Offices Senator James H. Donovan L0013. Hearing and Bill Files, 1974-1977. 2 cu. ft. The series contains testimony given at public hearings conducted by Senator James H. Donovan as chairman of two Senate committees. The series also contains pertinent printed materials and copies of legislation. Three groups of public hearings are represented in the records. 1) Hearings held by the Senate Education Committee, l974- l977, on children with handicapping conditions. The testimony was given by teachers, administrators, Board of Education members, and others relating to State programs and proposed legislation in this area. 2) Hearings held by the Senate Select Committee on Mental and Physical Handicaps, l976-l977. Testimony was provided by State agency officials, directors of State and private mental health facilities, university faculty, and mental health advocates. Most of the testimony pertains to proposed mental health legislation and current activities of the Department of Mental Health, with special attention to de- institutionalization policies. Included in the records is testimony contained on four reels of l/4" audio tape. 3) Hearings held jointly by the Senate Standing Committee on Education and the Senate Health Committee, l977. These hearings gathered testimony on proposed legislative changes that would allow the sale of generic drug substitutions by pharmacists. The testimony included evidence provided by physicians, pharmacists, health organizations, drug manufacturers, and consumer groups pertaining to questions of product liability, cost savings, and medical benefits of generic drugs. The records also include an undated videotape (l/2" VHS) from the New York State Petroleum Council. Senator Earl W. Brydges L0104. Correspondence and Subject Files, ca. 1948-1972. 15 cu. ft. This series contains records spanning the entire Senate career of Majority Leader Earl W. Brydges. Approximately one- half of the material consists of incoming and outgoing correspondence between Brydges and other legislators, State agency officials, local government officials, educators and other professionals, citizen groups, and individual constituents. The series also includes memoranda, copies of speeches, press releases, and pamphlets, reports, clippings and other printed items. Most of the material reflects Brydges' assignments on various committees and his interests in the areas of education (especially education of the handicapped), health, and mental retardation. There is a significant amount of material on local issues in Niagara County and City of Niagara Falls, particularly in the areas of transportation, education, and production of electrical power for the region. There is also approximately one cubic foot of material relating to Brydges work in the l967 Constitutional Convention, consisting largely of correspondence pertaining to individual issues being considered by the Convention. Senator Karen Burstein L0101. Subject Files on Women's Issues, 1973-1979. 1 cu. ft. The series contains correspondence, memoranda, reports, conference materials, clippings, and other materials created or collected by Senator Karen Burstein during her close involvement with major women's issues. The records provide unique information on the development of leadership strategies by women's movement advocates. The records contain material from State government agencies, advocacy organizations and individuals relating to topics including: abortion; child care; displaced homemakers; women in prisons; International Women's Year; and the National Women's Conference (1977). The largest segment of the records relates to the campaign to win passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in New York State and includes several folders of material representing both sides of the issue. Senate Committees L0128. Standing Committee Agenda and Bill Files, 1974-1978. 14 cu. ft. The series contains records relating to regular meetings of Senate standing committees. Most, but not all, committees are represented for each year. A copy of these materials was sent to each member of the committee prior to meetings and for use at meetings. The records include: meeting agenda containing the name of committee and committee chairman, date of meeting; a list of bills to be discussed with title of bill; and sponsor memorandum of support for each bill. This memorandum can take several forms but typically includes title of bill, sponsor, subject and purpose, summary of provisions, statement of support, prior legislative history, fiscal implications, and the effective date of the legislation. The records contain no information relating to committee discussions or voting. Civil Service Committee L0139. Appraisal Reports of Staffing at State Agencies and Institutions, 1914-1916. .5 cu. ft. The series consists of appraisal reports on approximately 100 State agencies and institutions prepared by Civil Service examiners for the Senate Civil Service Committee. These reports, ranging in size from approximately five to fifty pages, analyze and make recommendations for changes in staffing patterns at each agency, institution (prison, mental hospital, school, etc.), and special commission operated by New York State government. The majority of the reports date from 1916. In analyzing staffing, the reports necessarily include descriptions of the agency's function, organization, and activity and includes information on specific job titles (description of duties and salary), agency administration, supervision patterns, and distribution of work. The reports often make recommendations for sweeping changes in the organization of an agency or institution, suggesting the creation of new titles or the combining or abolishing of existing titles. Many of the reports have lists of agency job titles with current salaries. The series also includes a small amount of memoranda relating to requests for reclassification of specific titles or upgrading of individual State employees. These memoranda give information such as job description, salary, comparison to other Civil Service positions, and reasons for the classification change or upgrading. Finance Committee L0140. Testimony Relating to the Nomination of Milton E. Gibbs as State Hospital Commissioner, 1913. .2 cu. ft. In l9l3, Milton E. Gibbs was nominated by the Governor to become State Hospital Commissioner. There was substantial opposition to Gibbs, a Rochester attorney, especially from local Democratic Party committees. Among the opposition were individuals who charged Gibbs with financial wrongdoing in representing them in a Rochester legal case. Apparently the opposition forces were successful as Gibbs did not serve as State Hospital Commissioner. This series consists principally of testimony from the Rochester individuals who claimed Gibbs had withheld money due them from a legal case. This includes testimony given at a March l2, l9l3 hearing held by the Senate Finance Committee to investigate the qualifications of Gibbs for the commissioner position. The testimony is either typescript of oral testimony or affidavits used as exhibits in the hearings. The records also include a small amount of correspondence, clippings, and telegrams relating to the Gibbs nomination. RECORDS OF JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate Seditious Activities L0040. Administrative Files, 1918-1919. 1 cu. ft. The series primarily contains records relating to the operation of the Committee office. Included in the records are correspondence, memoranda, expense records, employment applications, and reports on the use of Committee investigators. L0039. Subject Files, 1918-1919. 1 cu. ft. The series consists of original and photostated records generated or collected by the Committee in its investigation. The series includes correspondence, pamphlets, leaflets, testimony, clippings and other records. Topics include anarchism, birth control, Negroes, the 1919 Steel Strike, and the investigation of Socialist Party members elected to the State Assembly. L0038. Investigation Files, 1918-1919. 3 cu. ft. The series contains correspondence, memoranda, and reports on individuals and organizations being investigated by the Committee. The records pertain to meetings, organizational activities, and educational programs of the Russian Soviet Bureau, the Socialist Party, the Bolsheviks, the Niagara Frontier Defense League, and other groups and organizations. L0025. Hearing Testimony on Sugar Prices, 1920. .5 cu. ft. This series consists mainly of testimony presented at Committee hearings from businessmen engaged in various aspects of the international sugar beet industry showing why there were consistently high consumer prices for sugar. The Committee had concluded that many people were being attracted to radical philosophies because they believed that capitalism raised prices of products. The Committee hoped to use the sugar industry as an example of why high prices were necessary and not the result of capitalistic motives. L0026. Hearing Testimony Relating to Violations of the Criminal Anarchy Law, 1919-1920. 1.5 cu. ft. The series consists of testimony given at hearings held by the Committee as part of its investigation of individuals and organizations suspected of violating the State's criminal anarchy law. The majority of the testimony relates to organizing activity and publications aimed at overthrowing the United States government and replacing it with a Socialist government. Most of the testimony centers on radical activity in the New York City area with some relating to activities in Buffalo, Rochester, and Utica. A large portion of the testimony was given by the State's Attorney General, who served as the Committee's counsel, or his staff. Other witnesses before the Committee included: agents of the Committee such as State and local police; local district attorneys; translators of foreign language documents; individuals familiar with conditions within Russia; and individuals working with immigrant agencies. L0027. Mass Meetings Investigation Reports, 1918-1920. 1 cu. ft. The series contains reports compiled by Committee investigators attending mass meetings of suspected radical groups in the New York City area. The reports cover meetings held from January 1918 to April 1920. The majority of the meetings were sponsored by local labor organizations or by local branches of the Socialist Party. Information in the reports include: date of meeting; time; sponsoring organization; number of people attending; ethnic makeup and political orientation of the audience; names of radical suspects in attendance; and a summary of the meeting's proceedings. The reports contain either summaries or verbatim transcripts of speeches, many given by well-known Socialist organizers. L0028. Rand School Seized Files, 1914-1919. 1 cu. ft. The series contains records seized by the Committee in raids made on the Rand School of Social Science in New York City in June 1919. While the School's stated philosophy was to promote the spread of Socialism by peaceful means, the Committee maintained that it advocated the overthrow of the American government. The Committee tried unsuccessfully to use these and other documents to revoke the charter of the American Socialist Society, under which the Rand School operated. The records consist primarily of correspondence, bulletins, and lists relating to home study courses, lectures, publications, and other activities of the school. The records also include material relating to political and organizational activities of the Socialist Party including minutes of several meetings of the Party's National Executive Committee and lists of local New York State organizers. L0029. Radical Organizations Seized Files, 1916-1919. 1.5 cu. ft. The series contains original and photostats of records seized by the Committee during raids on a number of suspected radical organizations including the Communist Party, the Rand School, the Socialist Party Left Wing Section, the Workers Defense Union, and others. The records include correspondence, meeting minutes, organization by-laws, membership lists, receipts, reports, pamphlets, and newspaper and journal articles. The records relate to the philosophy, organization, membership, publications, and activities of these organizations. The records pertain to both national organizations and their local branches in New York. L0030. Industrial Workers of the World Seized Files, 1918- 1919. 1 cu. ft. This series contains records seized by the Committee during a raid on the New York City headquarters of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). The records relate to the activities of the IWW in attempting to organize labor in New York City, New York State, and the nation. Records include applications for IWW membership, correspondence, minutes of district and national meetings, speeches, lists of IWW contributors, reports, and bulletins , circulars, and other printed items. The series includes reports, meeting minutes, and other records of the activities in particular of the Construction Workers Union, the Marine Transport Workers Union, and the Metal and Machinery Workers Union. L0031. National Civil Liberties Bureau Subpoenaed Records, 1917-1918. 6 cu. ft. As part of its investigation, the Committee issued a subpoena for records held by the National Civil Liberties Bureau (NCLB). The NCLB was very active in the legal defense of suspected radicals and in protecting of the rights of conscientious objectors. The series consists principally of photostated correspondence pertaining to these two main areas of NCLB work. The records include correspondence between the NCLB and numerous attorneys from all over the country involved in cases of interest to the NCLB, between the NCLB and various conscientious objectors, and between the NCLB and individuals regarding contributions to the organization. The records also include lists of individuals involved in conscientious objector groups and transcripts from several NCLB meetings. L0032. Russian Soviet Bureau Seized Files, 1918-1919. 1.5 cu. ft. The Russian Soviet Bureau was set up by the Bolshevik government to act as its representative in the United States. The Bureau had extensive contact with Socialist groups throughout the United States and Canada. These files, seized in raids by the Committee, contain extensive information on the activities of the Bureau. The records include extensive correspondence between Bureau Head Ludwig C.A.K. Martens and Bureau contacts, mailing lists of supporters and companies doing business with the Russian government, and transcripts of lectures given by Socialist supporters. L0033. Finnish Information Bureau Seized Files, 1918-1919. 1.5 cu. ft. The Finnish Information Bureau was set up by the exiled Red Government of Finland as a propaganda office in the United States. This series consists of records seized during raids by the Committee. The records include correspondence, texts of speeches, and articles from American and Finnish newspapers and journals. The majority of the records pertain to alleged atrocities committed by the White government in Finland and to events occurring in Russia during the period. L0034. Final Report File, 1919-1920. 3 cu. ft. This series consists of draft and final versions of the four-volume published report, Revolutionary Radicalism, submitted by the Committee to the New York State Senate in April 1920. The report is an exhaustive account of the Committee's investigations with extensive information on suspected radical organizations active in New York, the United States, and throughout the world. Many of the documents found in other record series of the Committee are published in the final report. L0035. Newspaper Clippings File, 1919. 14 cu. ft. This series consists principally of clippings of articles and editorials from New York City area newspapers. There are also clippings from newspapers from Baltimore, Syracuse, Albany, and several other cities. The subjects include the whole range of topics being investigated by the Committee such as labor, Socialism, radicalism, immigration, and unrest in the United States. L0036. Radical Pamphlet File, 1892-1919. 9 cu. ft. This is an extremely important series of records. As part of its investigation, the Committee collected a large number of publications published in Europe and the United States. Most are pamphlets published during the 1917-1919 period promoting the ideas of many individuals and organizations involved with labor, Socialism, Bolshevism, and other movements suspected of radical activities. Both English and foreign language publications are included in the series. The comprehensiveness of this group of pamphlets makes it one of the most important sources for studying radical movements of the early twentieth century. L0037. Legal Documents File, 1918-1919. 1 cu. ft. This series contains affidavits and orders, briefs, search warrants, notes of trials, correspondence, and other records produced or collected by the Committee. The records pertain to charges brought against the many individuals and organizations by the Committee. The majority relate to the Rand School, the Communist Party of America, and the Russian Soviet Bureau. Joint Legislative Committee on Good Roads L0144. Minutes of Meetings and Hearings, 1907. 1 cu. ft. (2 volumes) This series consists of hearing testimony gathered by the Committee in its investigation of highway conditions throughout the State. The testimony was given principally by county officials and relates to financing, construction, and maintenance of roads. A large portion of the testimony deals with State-local cooperation in maintaining the roads system and with continuing problems of finding qualified personnel to work on the roads. Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate the Public Service Commission L0141. Correspondence, Working Files, and Final Report, 1915-1917. 6 cu. ft. This series consists of records produced or gathered by the Committee during its two-year investigation of the Public Service Commission. A majority of the records pertain to the range of issues involved in constructing the New York City rapid transit system including designing, financing, letting contracts, supervising building, and auditing companies involved in projects. Most of the records relate to the Commission's regulation of transportation companies rather than utility companies. A substantial portion of the records focuses on complex methods of issuing stock and providing security for shareholders in financing large scale public projects. Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate Public Utilities L0142. Research files, 1934-1935. 1 folder. This series contains one folder of material from the Committee's investigation of the State's public utility companies. Most of the material relates to rate structures used by the companies and to the policies and procedures for issuing securities to help finance these utilities. The most important item is a preliminary report of February 12, 1935 that summarizes the scope of Committee activity and puts forth recommendations for improvement. In addition, the series contains copies of legislative resolutions relating to the Committee and a statement of Committee Chairman John K. Dunnigan used in transmitting the preliminary report. Joint Legislative Committee on Discrimination in Employment of the Middle Aged L0021. Subject and Survey Files, 1937-1940. 2 cu. ft. The series contains records gathered by the Committee from industries, labor unions, business organizations, and State and Federal government for its investigation of job discrimination against persons over 40 years of age. The series consists of correspondence, hearing testimony, interviews, surveys, reports, charts, and draft legislation relating to age discrimination and related topics such as workers' compensation, health and life insurance, and employee accidents. There are approximately 100 two-page survey forms from unidentified businesses relating to hiring and firing practices. The forms have such information as: number of employees and ages; preference of ages for employees; existence of maximum age limits for employees; and policies of retaining employees past the period of maximum usefulness. There is also a summary of a survey with information from approximately 100 labor unions on the nature and extent of age discrimination in the State. The survey information includes name of union, extent of and reasons for age discrimination, the industries with the best and worst records on age discrimination, and suggestions how age discrimination can be controlled. Joint Legislative Committee on Industrial and Labor Conditions L0065. Collective Bargaining Survey Files, 1938-1939. 2 cu. ft. The series contains information gathered by the Committee to determine current effectiveness and need for improvement in Federal and State labor relations laws. The series contains four-page survey forms from approximately 400 businesses and 250 labor unions in the State. Survey forms include information on name, address, date established, the numbers of members or employees. The 25 questions on the survey cover three main areas: the role of Federal and State government in guaranteeing rights of collective bargaining and the need for changes in present collective bargaining laws; the role of mediation and arbitration in settling labor disputes; and specific examples from unions and businesses in dealing with Federal and State labor relations boards. The series also contains correspondence from respondents, lists of businesses and unions receiving questionnaires, and statistics summarizing the responses. L0066. Labor Relations Education Survey Files, 1940-1942. 2.5 cu. ft. The series contains information gathered by the Committee to determine the nature and extent of course offerings at United States colleges and universities on labor relations and related topics (e.g. business administration, economics, government, and sociology). The series consists of correspondence, printed course descriptions, completed survey forms (name of institution, course, and instructor), and summaries of courses in labor relations with name of course and date the course was introduced into the curriculum. L0067. Textbook Draft Files, 1943. .5 cu. ft. The series consists of draft versions of the Committee's textbook, the American Story of Industrial and Labor Relations (1943), and copies of an extensive teacher's guide prepared by the Committee for assisting instruction of industrial and labor relations in secondary schools. The New York State Library holds several copies of the published textbook. L0068. Labor Union Survey Files, 1930-1941. .5 cu. ft. The series principally contains two groups of survey forms sent by the Committee in examining labor unions. The first group contains approximately 100 four-page survey forms from labor unions, including: name and address of union, number of members, union organization, affiliation with national union, grievance and negotiation procedures, challenges from other unions, and instances of employer violations of contract. The second group contains approximately 80 two-page survey forms from employers regarding experiences with independent unions. Survey forms contain employer opinions on the following: the effectiveness of the union in promoting good labor relations, differences in attitudes of workers since joining the independent union, reasons why employees join independent unions rather than local affiliates of national unions, and employer preferences for either independent or national unions. The series also contains correspondence relating to the survey, copies of contracts, and union constitutions and by-laws. The series also contains a file of several hundred 3 x 5 cards with name and address of labor leaders and labor unions in New York (presumably those that were sent copies of the union survey). L0069. Public Hearing Testimony Files, 1939-1945. 1 cu. ft. (5 volumes) The series consists of testimony given at several public hearings held by the Committee to gather information on issues relating to industrial and labor relations in the State. The testimony was given at the following hearings: 1) public hearing on industrial and labor relations held in Rochester, October 18, 1939--testimony from businessmen on a range of labor topics including wages, unemployment insurance, picketing and strikes, and the effectiveness of State and Federal labor relations boards; 2) public hearing on experience rating in unemployment insurance held in New York City, December 3, 1941; 3) public hearing on cross picketing held in New York City, December 5, 1941; and 4) public hearings on small business held in various cities, September 1945--Vol. 1: Albany (Sept. 24); Syracuse (Sept. 25); Rochester (Sept. 26); Vol. 2: Buffalo (Sept. 27) and Binghamton (Sept. 29)--testimony principally from owners of small retail businesses, minimum wage legislation, job training, unemployment insurance, and women and minors in the labor force. L0070. Workers' Compensation Subject Files, 1934-1944. 1.5 cu. ft. The series contains records relating to the Committee's investigation of the effectiveness of New York's compensation and unemployment insurance programs. It consists of correspondence, memoranda, and printed reports on these programs in New York, other states, and under Federal regulations. Approximately 500 5" x 8" cards (unarranged) contain summary information from the National Council on Compensation Insurance relating to workers' compensation losses and premiums in New York industries from 1934 to 1944. These cards provide: name of industry (e.g., furniture assembly, hotels and boarding houses, laundries, rubber tire manufacturing); year; payroll amount; losses and pure premiums. L0071. Postwar Planning Background Files, 1940-1944. 3 cu. ft. The series contains records gathered by the Committee in planning programs to foster economic expansion in the State after World War II. The records contain very little information, however, on programs that resulted from the Committee's activity. The records contain primarily information from Federal agencies, other States, and private industries and agencies. Records include correspondence, reports, and printed bulletins, pamphlets and journal articles on topics such as veteran's employment, training, public works programs, agricultural development, and expansion in the construction and manufacturing industries. Included is material relating to national organizations such as the National Resources Planning Board, Committee for Economic Development, and Council of State Governments. L0072. Business Migration Survey Files, 1930-1942. 8 cu. ft. The series consists of records compiled by the Committee in investigating the extent and causes of industrial migration to and from New York State during the period 1930 to 1942. In 1942, the Committee made a special report to the Legislature on industrial migration. With the assistance of local governments,Statewide business organizations, and others, the Committee surveyed thousands of businesses in the State. The series contains completed survey forms and summary cards compiled by the Committee from survey results. The records provide information on individual business, products manufactured, number of employees, and reasons for business migration. The series represents a unique source of information on economic activity in New York State during the Depression years of the 1930s. Joint Legislative Committee on the State Education System A3043. Original Maps for School District Atlas, 1943. 4 cu. ft. (77 maps) This series consists of county maps compiled by the Joint Legislative Committee on the State Education System showing school districts. The maps consist of sections of topographical maps glued to backing sheets. Each map is marked with school district boundaries and numbers as of July 1, 1943. Symbols on the maps indicate the type of school district (Common, Union Free, or Central); whether it contains high, elementary, or special schools; and if consolidated, partially consolidated, operating, closed, or contracting with another district. On each map is a certificate of accuracy signed by the district superintendents of schools in the county. The second roll of maps includes two introductory sheets. Joint Legislative Committee on Legislative Methods, Practices, Procedures, and Expenditures L0022. Administrative Files, 1957-1959. 1 cu. ft. This series consists of correspondence, minutes of meetings, public hearing testimony, and drafts of interim and final reports generated by the Committee in its study of the New York State legislative process. Problem areas studied included the enormous quantity of bills introduced each session, assignment of bills to inappropriate committees, late filing of bills, difficulties with handling local government bills, and the possibility of dividing the legislative year into split sessions. L0149. Reports and Research Files, 1944-1946. 5 cu. ft. This series consists of records gathered or generated by the Committee in its analysis and reporting of legislative procedure and expenditure in New York. The records consist principally of correspondence, memoranda, reports, and completed questionnaires. The principal topics relating to the Legislature include the following: o the growing volume of bills being introduced each year; o the concentration of legislative decisions toward the end of the session and the lack of adequate time for consideration of each bill; o the growing trend of late introduction of bills; o the role of Assembly and Senate Rules Committees; o the organization and operation of Standing Committees; o and the widespread use of joint legislative committees and temporary commissions to assist the Legislature in its deliberations. L0023. Questionnaires on Joint Legislative Committee Practices, 1958. .5 cu. ft. This series consists of four-page questionnaires completed by each joint legislative committee in existence in 1958. The questionnaire was used by the Committee in examining the operation, staffing, and effectiveness of joint legislative committees and their relation to the total legislative process. The questionnaires include information on committee members and employees, objectives, activities, and accomplishments. L0024. Information File on Joint Legislative Committees' Staff, 1958. .5 cu. ft. The series consists of a card file on approximately 200 employees of each joint legislative committee in existence in 1958. The card file gives: name; address; job title; and salary of each employee. It was used by the Committee in studying practices of joint legislative committees in hiring qualified staff. Joint Legislative Committee on Consumer Protection L0020. Public Hearing and Subject Files, 1965-1967. 1 cu. ft. This series contains information gathered by the Committee from individuals, consumer groups, government agencies, business associations, civic organizations, and others for its examination of consumer protection issues. The series consists principally of correspondence, public hearing testimony, and printed materials relating to packaging, nutrition, food prices, and trading stamp practices. There is also printed material from consumer protection agencies in other States including regulations and sample legislation. RECORDS OF LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONS Factory Investigating Commission Records of the Factory Investigating Commission are described in detail in the State Archives and Records Administration publication "Working Lives: A Guide to the Records of the New York State Factory Investigating Commission." Commission on Solid Waste L0102. Documentation of Solid Waste Management, 1985. 1 videocassette. The series consists of a 52-minute video documentary, The Mountain in the City, focusing on the problems of solid waste management in the State. The documentary discusses the problems associated with solid waste and the efforts of individuals, groups, and State and local government to solve these problems. Topics covered include resource recovery, materials recycling, and the environmental impact of waste and disposal. The documentary includes scenes of a number of landfills and waste disposal and recycling facilities throughout the State. The documentary is narrated by actor James Whitmore and includes music by singer Pete Seeger and others. Commission on Science and Technology L0110. Working Files, 1982-1984. 1 cu. ft. During the l970s and l980s, there was increased awareness that New York State's infrastructure was in trouble. Roads, bridges and other public works making up this infrastructure began to deteriorate at an alarming rate. State and local government began to examine ways to solve this crisis. On behalf of the New York State Legislature, its Commission on Science and Technology drafted legislation to finance and carry out a comprehensive program of regular maintenance and repair of these public works. This series includes correspondence, memoranda, handwritten notes, draft legislation, clippings, reprints of articles, public hearing testimony, copies of speeches, press releases, and information on programs in other states. Most of the material relates to Commission staff contacts with other legislators, State agency officials, engineers, businesses, and others. The material provides information on Commission strategies to get legislation passed and on how to finance and schedule a comprehensive infrastructure maintenance program. Commission on Economy and Efficiency in Government L0152. Project Files, 1979-1986. 36 cu. ft. This series consists of files compiled during a number of projects carried out from l979 to l986 by the Legislative Commission on Economy and Efficiency in Government. The records document the Commission's research and proposed reforms for increasing the economy and efficiency in New York State government, particularly focusing on the State's financial management and reporting systems. Most of the Commission's projects centered on strengthening State agency programs in accounting and auditing, planning, budgeting, reporting, and performance measurement. The records include correspondence, memoranda, draft and published reports, draft legislation, hearing and conference transcripts, working papers, newspaper clippings, and published articles. Approximately 75% of the material relates to the organization, function, and financial management systems of New York State agencies, boards, and commissions. The remaining material consists principally of reports, articles, and legislation relating to financial management systems in the Federal government or in other States that were gathered by the Commission for background research. The majority of the records relate to several major topics that became large-scale Commission research projects. The following are descriptions of records relating to these topics: 1) financial management and accounting project; 2) internal accounting control project. The Commission was concerned with ways to control fraud, waste, abuse, and error in government receipt and expenditure of monies; 3) reorganization of State government. The Commission investigated the organization of State agencies to determine how State government can best fulfill its control, evaluation, and audit functions; 4) performance measurement and reporting. Closely tied to government organization is the question of how to objectively measure the productivity of State government programs; and 5) the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Commission examined New York's Office of Lieutenant Governor to determine how best this office could be strengthened to become more effective. PRE-1911 RECORDS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE Note: This section describes legislative records which were stored in the State Library in 1911 and survived the fire that year in the State Capitol where the Library was located. The extant pre-1911 legislative records are only a small percentage of the original volume of material. A0042. Transcripts of Reports Regarding Claims for Revolutionary War Service, 1783-1822. .3 cu. ft. These transcripts were prepared by the Clerk of the Assembly between 1819 and 1823 for reference by the Legislature. They document petitions of and compensation awarded to individuals for Revolutionary War service or for losses resulting from the war. Most records are reports to the Assembly by committees or commissions making decisions concerning petitions for bounty lands or for monetary compensation. The volume contains: transcripts of resolutions regarding distribution of bounty lands to Revolutionary War officers and troops, 1783; names, ranks, and commission dates of officers in four New York regiments; names and numbers of townships in the Military Tract; the "Balloting Book" maintained in the Office of the Secretary of State, listing for each New York regiment, each soldier's name (roughly alphabetical), rank, township name and lot number of the bounty land awarded, and acreage of the lot awarded, 1785-1790; alphabetical list of persons awarded bounty land and to whom they delivered patents to the land; reports of the Assembly and Senate Committees of Claims, comptroller, attorney general, or surveyor general, concerning petitions for land or money for Revolutionary War service; joint report of the treasurer, auditor, and Attorney General on claims for Revolutionary War service 1792; and reports of the Onondaga commissioners concerning settlement of disputed land titles in the Military Tract in Onondaga County, 1800-1802. Some original reports of the Assembly Committee of Claims and its predecessor committees are in series A1822, Reports on Petitions for Bounty Lands for Revolutionary War Service. Original comptroller's reports are in series A1821, Comptroller's Reports on Petitions to the State Legislature. Original attorney general's reports are in series A1819, Attorney General's Reports on Petitions to the State Legislature. Original surveyor general's reports are in series A1820, Surveyor General's Reports on Petitions to the State Legislature. Series A0476, Register of Military Bounty Land Grants, is an 1825 published edition of The Balloting Book, and Other Documents Relating to Military Bounty Lands, in the State of New York. A0204. Petitions to the Legislature, 1786-1910. 20 cu. ft. Petitions were submitted to the Legislature by localities, citizens, organizations, and businesses. They request legislative action on a variety of topics including: women's suffrage; liquor licensing and prohibition; division of counties; banking practices; and manufacturing duties. These records suffered burn damage in the 1911 State Capitol fire. A1816. Petitions, Correspondence, and Reports Relating to Forfeited Estates, 1778-1826. 1.3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) Assembly committees approved transactions relating to land confiscated from loyalists or suspected loyalists. The committees approved sale of the land, considered requests to restore land to its original owner, reviewed creditors' claims for payment, and considered compensation requests. Records reviewed by the committees include: petitions to purchase forfeited lands; petitions for deeds to forfeited lands purchased; returns of sales listing purchasers, forfeiture, and prices; inventories of personal property sold from confiscated estates; maps showing lots on forfeited estates; petitions from suspected loyalists and supporting depositions affirming their support for the American cause and requesting restoration of their forfeited estates; petitions from creditors of forfeitures requesting payment of debts; and opinions of committee members concerning compensation due to petitioners. A1817. Petitions, Correspondence, and Resolutions Relating to Estates of Deceased Persons, 1779-1831. 1.6 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) These are mostly petitions to the Legislature from heirs to estates and estate executors or administrators. The petitions generally concern: permission for legal representatives or widowed mothers of minor children to sell all or part of the estate in order to pay off the estate's debts; assistance in collecting debts owed to the estate; contested disposition of the estate, sometimes claiming that the intent of the will had not been carried out by the executors or heirs; confirmation of legal title to land left by the deceased; payment to creditors of debts owed by the estate; assistance in carrying out the intent of the deceased whose will was invalid or who died intestate; inheritance by heirs of persons whose estates had been confiscated (e.g. widow's dower right to one-third of her deceased husband's estate); bounty lands or other compensation for families of soldiers killed during the Revolution; and authorization to complete transactions, such as sale or purchase of land, begun by the deceased before his death. There are occasionally other records such as affidavits in support of petitions; briefs giving legal opinions on cases of contested wills; legislative resolutions concerning relief of indebted estates; correspondence concerning administration of an estate; and extracts from or summaries of wills. Even after the Court of Probate was established in 1788, citizens continued to petition the Legislature which often passed laws or resolutions in response. A1818. Correspondence and Legislative Action Files, 1794- 1827. 1.3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) This series contains incoming and outgoing correspondence of legislators with State officials, prominent individuals, officials of other States, and Federal officials, including letters from John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and John Quincy Adams. Records of legislative action include annual and special messages of governors of New York to the Legislature; legislative resolutions; proposed legislation; and reports, petitions, and other documents forwarded to the Legislature by the Governor. The records concern amendments to the U.S. Constitution proposed by legislatures of other States; filling of vacancies of official positions; defending the State's frontiers; occurrence of and measures taken to prevent the spread of epidemics; relations with Indians, including printed treaties; military stores, fortifications, and organization of the militia; survey, sale, and mapping of State lands; land rights, claims, and disputes; perceived success of the State and Federal government and prosperity of the country; establishment and growth of State prison system; State boundary lines; the court system, criminal law, and stays of execution for persons convicted of capital crimes; education and the establishment of a system of common schools; tensions with Great Britain leading to the U.S. declaration of war in 1812, and progress of the war; commendations of officers for war service; economy; taxes; agriculture; commerce; roads and canals; relief of the poor and other dependents; and revision of laws. A1819. Attorney General's Reports on Petitions to the State Legislature, 1787-1829. .6 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) The Legislature referred some petitions it received to the attorney general for comment. His reports summarize petition arguments, give legal opinions supporting or rejecting arguments, and occasionally suggest an alternative course of action. The series also contains related documents such as original petitions, supporting affidavits, and reports of the surveyor general and the comptroller. The records concern claims of heirs to estates of deceased persons, including widows of persons whose estates had been confiscated; dower rights (widow's right to one-third of estate); land conveyances, claims, and disputes, often related to forfeited estates; rights of aliens or newly naturalized citizens to inherit or own real property; leasing of State or private land; compensation for land lost to Vermont in the boundary dispute; dissolution of marriage contracts and alimony; proposed legal provisions against cruelty to slaves; and compensation for damage to boats on the Erie Canal. A1820. Surveyor General's Reports on Petitions to the State Legislature, 1795-1829. .6 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) The Legislature referred most petitions relating to land transactions to the surveyor general, who prepared these reports in response. The reports concern value of land; land claims and title disputes; errors in previous surveys and results of new surveys; requests for grants of unappropriated State land; surveys and sales of State land; grants of land to persons whose grants in the military tract could not be cultivated or contained fewer acres than they were supposed to; and requests for title to unappropriated lands which the petitioner(s) had settled and improved. There are also supporting records interfiled with the reports including survey maps; minutes and resolutions of the Commissioners of the Land Office regarding orders to or receipt of reports from the surveyor general; original petitions on which the surveyor general reported; and affidavits supporting petitions. Transcripts of a few surveyor general's reports, including one from this series (p. 295 of "Assembly Papers" volume 38), are in series A0042, Transcripts of Reports Regarding Claims for Revolutionary War Service (see especially p. 877ff). A1821. Comptroller's Reports on Petitions to the State Legislature, 1793-1829. .3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) The Legislature referred some petitions it received to the comptroller for comment. His reports summarize petition arguments and give opinions regarding payments claimed or due. The series also contains related documents including the original petitions, supporting affidavits, and legislation for the assessment and collection of taxes and for the payment of claims. The records concern grants of bounty lands or other compensation for Revolutionary War service; land grants, patents, and claims; relief for widows of soldiers killed in the Revolution; widow's dower rights to confiscated estate of deceased husband; settlement of debts owed by confiscated estates; requests for return of or compensation for confiscated estates; compensation for depreciation of continental currency and certificates issued by the government during the Revolution; salaries of State officials; payments claimed for supplies or services; assumption of the State's debt by the Federal government; payment of land rents due; assessment and collection of taxes; sale or lease of Indian lands by the state; minutes and resolutions of the Land Office, of which the comptroller was an ex officio member; and raising of revenues through lotteries. Transcripts of some reports are included in series A0042, Transcripts of Reports Regarding Claims for Revolutionary War Service, especially pages 352-381. A1823. Petitions, Correspondence, and Reports Relating to Indians, 1783-1831. .6 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) The Legislature had final authority over all land transactions and agreements with Indians. Petitions to the Legislature concerning such transactions and agreements were referred to the assembly and in turn to various three-member committees, the surveyor general, or the comptroller. This series contains correspondence and petitions from claimants to land purchased from Indians or granted by the State to Indians; reports on legal issues involved in claims to Indian lands; petitions from Indians to the governor or Legislature concerning permission to convey land, confirmation of land titles, the sale of liquor to Indians, and appointment of persons to hear grievances; petitions from inhabitants of various counties to repeal laws banning liquor sales to Indians; abstracts of and reports on discussions and negotiations between Indians and State and Federal officials; and comptroller's and surveyor general's reports and maps concerning land petitions. A1824. Petitions and Reports Relating to Colleges and Schools, 1777-1831. .6 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) These records reflect the Legislature's functions to incorporate schools and colleges and to appropriate funds and grant land for their operation. The series contains petitions from local committees, churches, school superintendents or officials, and other interested individuals seeking to incorporate a school; assistance in establishing, maintaining, or expanding a school; funding for use by schools for specified purposes; or permission to sell land to raise money for a school. Related records in the series include Regents status reports to the Legislature on education in New York, including individual colleges; reports of colleges to the Regents; reports of committees on petitions referred to them; and proposed legislation concerning common schools and other education-related issues. Records relate to public and private schools such as Union College (Schenectady); Columbia College (New York City); College of Physicians and Surgeons (New York City); Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb (New York City); African free schools (New York City); and common schools in various localities. A1825. Petitions, Correspondence, and Reports Relating to Cities, 1780-1830. .3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) Cities, churches, and individuals petitioned the Legislature to take action or permit the petitioner to take action in regard to granting land, levying taxes, providing for poor relief, and other matters. Most of the petitions are from New York City. They contain requests for land grants or for confirmation of title to land; to amend the city charter; to pass or amend legislation for poor relief; to change plans for or regulations concerning improvements to city streets or structures; for authority to establish prisons and imprison offenders; to improve the court system; to reduce pay of certain city officials; and to impose taxes. The petitions were handled by joint Senate-Assembly committees or by select committees of Assembly delegates from New York City. There are a few pieces of correspondence and reports of these legislative committees supporting or rejecting the petitions. A1826. Petitions and Correspondence Regarding the New York- Vermont Boundary Dispute, 1777-1800. .3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) Citizens in the disputed New York-Vermont border area directed complaints and requests for help to the Legislature. The Legislature authorized the U.S. Congress to arbitrate land disputes in the "New Hampshire Grants," appointed two agents to collect evidence supporting New York's claims, and later provided for land grants or other compensation to persons who lost land in the controversy. Records of this controversy and its settlement include petitions from New Yorkers in the disputed area complaining of the conduct of Vermonters and requesting help in defending their land rights; minutes and resolutions of local and congressional committees concerning actions or proposed actions to be taken to solve the dispute; correspondence of government officials and local committees regarding use of armed forces to protect New York's land claims, actions taken against New York by Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys, and Congressional response to the dispute; surveys, receipts, and correspondence regarding surveys of and patents for compensatory land grants; and names of "Vermont sufferers" entitled to land. Records from this series and other records concerning the dispute were published in E. B. O'Callaghan's The Documentary History of the State of New York, Volume 4 (Albany, 1851). A1827. Correspondence, Petitions and Reports on Defense of the Frontier, Onondaga Salt Springs, and Other Subjects, 1791-1830. .6 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) These records concern legislative activity relating to various matters including the militia; land use and improvement; supervision of counties; involvement with State officials; and supervision of schools. The records include correspondence, petitions, and reports concerning: 1) defense of the State's northern and western frontiers (1794), including correspondence between Governor George Clinton and government and military officers concerning arms and fortifications, requests from frontier settlements for arms for protection against the British and the Six Nations Indians, and Clinton's correspondence to President Washington regarding the threat to the frontiers; 2) Onondaga Salt Springs (1804-1830), including reports regarding finances, land rights of lessees, and manufacture of salt, petitions to the Legislature from persons seeking rights or privileges regarding the Salt Springs, reports of Standing Committee on the Manufacture of Salt on petitions referred to them, and report of commissioners investigating possible future legislation relating to the manufacture of salt; 3) reports of county clerks to the Secretary of State regarding writs returned, cases tried, and judgments in each county's Court of Common Pleas, and incorporation of individual churches and religious societies in each county; 4) Secretary of State's correspondence with the Legislature regarding payment for clerks, acquiring copies of each State's laws, plans to produce maps for each town in the State, adoption of standard weights and measures, and arrangement and indexing of Dutch records; 5) school supervision, including petitions from churches and religious societies for funding for church schools, and opinions of educators supporting Joseph Lancaster's educational system. COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA LEGISLATIVE RECORDS Provincial Congress A0115. Credentials of Delegates, 1775. .1 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) These are mainly statements verifying the election of representatives to the first and second Provincial Congress. The statements, or "credentials," are often in the form of resolutions copied from minutes of town meetings and provide name of delegate(s) elected; scheduled date and location of congress to which elected; purpose of the congress (sometimes); signature of town clerk or other person certifying the delegates' election; and date signed (sometimes). A few records concern elections of town militia officers. These elections were held at the recommendation of the Provincial Congress. Selected documents from the series were published in Calendar of Historical Manuscripts Relating to the War of the Revolution in the Office of the Secretary of State (Albany, 1868). Names of delegates who attended the Provincial Congresses are published in Journals of the Provincial Congress, Provincial Convention, Committee of Safety and Council of Safety of the State of New York (Albany, 1842). A1811. Administrative Papers, 1775-1777. .1 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) These records document the Provincial Congress' direction of the internal affairs of New York as an extralegal administrative body operating outside of the British colonial government administration. Depositions, correspondence, accounts, instructions, and extracts from minutes of various committees concern supplying arms, ammunition, clothing, and other stores to troops; bounty payments to soldiers; payments to officers; raising troops; orders and instructions to military commanders and militia; requests for exemption from military service; desertions of soldiers; enemy troop movement; actions of British colonial government officials; accusations against loyalists or persons suspected of loyalty to Great Britain; and various currencies in use and payment of debts. Selected documents from the series were published in Calendar of Historical Manuscripts Relating to the War of the Revolution in the Office of the Secretary of State (Albany, 1868). A1815. Military Returns, 1775-1780. .3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) This series consists mostly of election returns for military officers and reports on the strength of military units. The Provincial Congress requested local committees to choose local militia officers and to report the results back to the Congress. The records include: charts providing the name of the commanding officer (colonel) of a specified regiment, the captain of each company in the regiment, number of officers by rank and of troops in each captain's company, and the total number in the regiment; lists of officers, sometimes with dates commissioned; extracts or copies of minutes of local committee meetings at which officers were chosen; and letters to the Provincial Congress from local committees certifying that specified officers had been elected. The series contains other records concerning the military including lists of enlisted men; lists of prisoners; minutes of the Provincial Congress concerning election returns; records of arms and ammunition on hand; and incoming correspondence of the Committee of Safety, sometimes from local committees, regarding orders carried out and often relating to officers or enlisted men. Selected documents from the series were published in Calendar of Historical Manuscripts Relating to the War of the Revolution in the Office of Secretary of State (Albany 1868). A1813. Military Committee Correspondence and Administrative Papers, 1775-1778. .1 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) The Military Committee acted for or made recommendations to the Provincial Congress on matters relating to troops raised in New York. This series contains correspondence, rough minutes and resolutions, lists of officers, and accounts compiled by the Military Committee. Correspondence and other items were often read into the record of congressional proceedings. Records concern organization of the State's military force; raising and supplying troops; orders to military commanders; progress of the war, e.g. ships seized and troops killed, wounded, or taken prisoner; and accusations against persons suspected of loyalty to Great Britain. Selected documents from the series were published in Calendar of Historical Manuscripts Relating to the War of the Revolution in the Office of the Secretary of State (Albany, 1868). Colonial Legislature A1890. Bills Placed Before the Provincial Legislature Which Failed to Become Law, 1691-1770. .3 cu. ft. (Microfilm also available) These are bills passed by the General Assembly but not approved by the Council. The bills concern such issues as administration of estates; taxation; trade regulations; payments to government officials and others providing service to the government; organization of the militia; relations with Indians; and regulations concerning slaves. EXECUTIVE BRANCH RECORDS RELATED TO THE LAW-MAKING PROCESS Counsel to the Governor 12590. Legislative Bill and Veto Jackets, 1905-1985. 1,368 cu. ft. (For most years, microfilm is also available for purchase, loan, and on-site use.) "Jackets" or files documenting the governor's legislative decision-making process were compiled by the counsel to the governor and include records relating to each bill passed by the legislature and sent to the governor for approval. The jackets are comprised mainly of memoranda and correspondence to the governor from State agencies, legislators, legislative committees, commissions, legal associations, lobbyists, private firms, and citizens, expressing approval of or opposition to particular legislation. Three types of jackets comprise this series. Bill jackets contain records relating to bills signed into law by the governor. Veto jackets contain records relating to bills vetoed by the governor. Recall jackets contain records relating to bills returned by the governor to the Legislature at either's request to correct a technical defect and never sent back to the governor. Although the content and format of the jackets changed over time, each may include: o printed version(s) of the bill; o tally of legislators' votes on the bill in each house, providing name, Senate district number (for Senate tally), party, aye or nay, and total ayes and nays in the house (beginning in 1973); o checklist of actions taken on the bill, such as engrossing, amendments, date approved, vetoed, or recalled; o certificate of approval of bill by Senate and Assembly; o governor's veto memorandum or (beginning about 1960, and rarely) approval memorandum stating reasons for veto or approval; o if recalled, certification by the governor that the bill was returned for amendment; o folios or folio covers for vetoes providing house, introductory number, by whom introduced, print number, dates passed by each house, date vetoed, and veto number (1926-1974); o memorandum of counsel to the governor summarizing the bill is occasionally included, stating any legal or constitutional objections to it, and sometimes stating reasons for a law or a clause in a law, who supports and objects to it, what the law would do, and advice as to whether the governor should approve or veto the bill; o checklist of State agencies, municipal officials and groups, and legal groups from whom recommendations were solicited or received; and o correspondence, memoranda, and telegrams from interested persons, businesses, organizations, State agencies, and local government officials expressing reasons for their approval or disapproval of the bill, discussing the purpose of the bill and its possible impact on the State or on State agencies, or requesting a hearing on the bill; beginning in 1960, State agency recommendations were made in a uniform format providing recommendation (approval or disapproval), statutes involved, effective date, purpose of the bill, summary of its provisions, prior legislative history of the bill and similar proposals, known position of others respecting the bill, budget implications, arguments in support of the bill, arguments in opposition to the bill, and reasons for recommendation. Contents of the jackets are very uneven; some contain all these types of documents, while others may contain only the printed bill or a few of the other documents. A few jackets are missing. Department of State A1808. Enrolled Acts of the State Legislature, 1778-1977. 550 cu. ft. Each of these engrossed laws passed by the Legislature includes the text of the bill, signatures of the Speaker of the Assembly and the President of the Senate with dates of passage in each house, and the signature of the Governor with date signed. Each also contains the signature of the Secretary of State certifying that the bill became law on the specified date. Beginning in the late 19th century, some laws are filed with memoranda from the mayors of New York City and other cities explaining their position on the bill, and a memorandum of the Governor giving his reasons for approving the bill. The laws are manuscript until they began to be printed in 1895. A0212. Original Colonial Laws, 1683-1775. 12 cu. ft. (41 volumes) These are original bills passed by the Colonial Legislature and signed into law by the governor. Each engrossed bill contains the text of the bill and the signatures of the speaker of the Assembly and governor, with dates of passing and signing. On the reverse of final page is an endorsement, giving the bill number, a short title, note by clerk of the Assembly giving date bill was sent to the Council, and notes by the secretary to the Council giving dates of first and subsequent readings, of any amendments and commitments, and of final approval. The bills occasionally include amendments in the text or on attached sheets. The series contains gaps, especially for the year 1691. The complete colonial laws were published pursuant to a law of 1891 by the Commissioners of Statutory Revision. Colonial Laws of New York from the Year 1664 to the Revolution includes the colonial charters, Duke's Laws, Dongan's Laws, and other documents, and also contains the texts of a number of laws (particularly for 1691) missing from this series. The published compilation does not contain any indication of the amendments found in the engrossed originals.