A Moment of Silence for 9/11

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato is doing her part to ensure 9/11 is never forgotten. This past week, the assemblywoman reached out to principals and superintendents to remind them of a law she passed in 2019 with regard to commemorating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Pheffer Amato succeeded in passing legislation with Senator Joseph Addabbo that would require all public schools throughout the State of New York to observe a moment of silence and discuss the event of 9/11.

“The terrorist attack had, and still has, a deep impact on our state’s history and was felt by many residents in our community, and across our great State. As no student currently in K-12 was alive during the attack, it is imperative that our public education system take the time to educate students on both the loss and heroism experienced on September 11th. By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year on September 11th, we ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its place in our history,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

According to a press release, the unique law passed both chambers with survivor groups praising Pheffer Amato for her commitment to ensuring that all school children would forever understand and learn how to honor the victims of 9/11, while also commemorating the survivors and heroes. The bill A.1801 (2019) amends the New York State Education law to make a special provision for the observance of a “brief period of silence” each September 11th at the start of the school day in schools state-wide. According to the language in the bill, this would provide students with the “opportunity for silent prayer or for silent reflection” on the anniversary day.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, a strong advocate for for 9/11 victims and first responders, was also responsible for ensuring the longevity of the September 11th Workers Protection Task Force (A.10249, 2020 and A.8417, 2025) as the task force created the pension benefits for first responders who participated in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup of Ground Zero. In addition, Pheffer Amato was the sponsor and led the legislation that ensured that public employees involved in the rescue and cleanup of the World Trade Center would have unlimited line of duty sick leave for any 9/11 related illnesses (A.7819, 2019). During the 2025 Legislative Session, Pheffer Amato passed A.5458 which would implement a sought-after change to the process of applying and receiving 9/11 benefits.