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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, June 1 — The BLET-backed two person crew bill — S3953B — has been passed by both the New York State Assembly and Senate, and members who live in New York state are urged to contact Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and ask her to sign the bill into law.

The BLET’s New York State Legislative Board has been lobbying all across the state in support of S3953B. Brother William J. Fleischmann, Chairman of the BLET New York State Legislative Board, said the bill would mandate that freight trains have at least two persons on the train: a certified locomotive engineer and a certified conductor.  A summary of the Senate Bill reads in part: “… [N[o person operating or controlling any Class I railroad or Class II railroad shall allow the operation of any railroad train or locomotive for the movement of freight unless such railroad train or locomotive has a crew of not less than two individuals; provides exemptions; defines terms; imposes civil penalties.”

BLET members can use the Take Action legislative outreach tool (https://ble-t.org/take-action/) available on the BLET National Division website to contact Governor Hochul. Members can share their own personal story in support of the bill or submit a pre-written letter to the Governor.

Earlier this year, the Senate bill was introduced by Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy (D-63), while the Assembly version of the legislation was introduced by Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-129).

“This legislation is intended to protect not only railroad workers, but the general public as well. I thank all BLET members, the BLET Auxiliary, and family members in the state of New York for your vocal support of this important railroad safety legislation,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “Through your strong grassroots support, we have been able to overcome fierce pressure from railroad corporation lobbyists. Please contact the governor and help us get this bill across the finish line.”