Childhood sexual abuse survivors are calling on state Sen. Elaine Phillips (R-Flower Hill) to stand up for the Child Victims Act.
But first, they are calling you.
The advocates for the bill launched calls in the home districts of four state senators. Another Nassau County Republican targeted is Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset).
The others are Chris Jacobs, of Erie County, and Sue Serino, of Dutchess County.
Each features a victim with ties to the Republican senator’s district.
In Phillips’ district, it is Kathryn Robb, a founding member of the group and a survivor of what she said was repeated sexual assault as a child growing up in Manhasset.
The Child Victims Act would expand the criminal statute of limitations to victims who are 28 years old and the civil statute of limitations to victims up to 50 years old.
The Democratic-controlled state Assembly approved it in for the sixth year in its budget proposal last Wednesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also included the bill in his budget proposal for the first time this year.
The Republican majority in the state Senate now must decide if it will agree to include the bill, which a Quinnipiac poll showed 90 percent of New Yorkers support, as part of the budget due April 1.
The state Senate has never brought the bill to a vote on the floor.
Efforts to reach Phillips were unavailing.
Phillips previously released a statement that said she believes “it is time the Legislature works to find solutions to support those who have been abused.”
Without the passage of the bill predators are able to roam the streets, work in schools and churches, coach local sports teams and abuse again, Robb said in her message.
The message ends with an option for residents to press one to be directed to Phillips to let her know where her constituents stand on the bill.
