Mourning the death of George Gresham, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 2 co-sponsors

A ceremonial tribute honoring George Gresham for his lifelong leadership in labor rights, healthcare workers, and social justice advocacy, with no policy or funding changes.

ADOPTED

Summary of Bill: Senate Resolution No. 2093 (J 2093), 2025-2026 Session – New York

Purpose and intent

This bill is a Senate Resolution mourning the death of George Gresham, a distinguished New York citizen and longtime labor leader.

It honors his life, work, and contributions to his community and to the state, and requests that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to his family.

Key provisions and changes

Formal tribute: The resolution expresses collective mourning and recognition of George Gresham’s impact.

Biographical overview: It provides a summary of his life, including:

Born in 1955 in Virginia; moved to New York City as a child.
Early career in the housekeeping and radiology departments at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital; training through the 1199 Training Fund to become an MRI technologist.
Joined 1199SEIU in 1975 and advanced through every elected leadership position, culminating in the presidency.
Served as president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East from 2007 to 2025, leading efforts to secure higher wages, affordable health benefits, dignified retirement, continuing education, childcare, and safe staffing standards.
Broader advocacy for social justice, including healthcare access, living wages, racial and immigrant justice, gender and LGBTQI+ equality, and environmental protection.
Board service with multiple civil rights, labor, and social justice organizations (e.g., NAACP, Children’s Defense Fund, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and others).

No regulatory or funding changes: As a memorial resolution, it does not create enforceable policy provisions, budgetary allocations, or statutory changes. Its effect is ceremonial and commemorative.

Who/what is affected

George Gresham’s family and community are acknowledged.

The labor movement and organizations connected to 1199SEIU and the listed boards are recognized for their alignment with his contributions.

The State of New York, as represented by the Legislature, formally recognizes his life and work.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and sponsorship:

Co-sponsors include Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Jamaal Bailey, and Shelley Mayer.

Action history:

Referred to the Finance Committee on May 13, 2026.
Reported to the Calendar for consideration and adopted on May 19, 2026.

Final action:

The resolution was adopted by the Senate and transmitted to the deceased’s family per standard ceremonial practice.

Notable details

George Gresham’s leadership at 1199SEIU is highlighted as a major progressive force in New York State and nationally.

The resolution underscores his advocacy for healthcare workers, living wages, education, childcare, and social justice, and notes his service on numerous influential boards.

This bill is a ceremonial tribute recognizing George Gresham’s life and extensive contributions to labor rights, healthcare workers, and social justice advocacy. It does not enact new policy or allocate funds.