Assemblyman Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) is disappointed that the governor has vetoed legislation that would have added disoriented adults to the Amber Alert system (A.3507-A).

“The Amber Alert system has been incredibly successful in helping safely track down missing children,” Magnarelli said. “It makes perfect sense to expand the system so that we can also safely locate missing or disoriented adults, such as those suffering from Alzheimer’s."

By coordinating between local law enforcement and the media in the event of a missing or kidnapped child, the system allows authorities to quickly disseminate critical information to the public, empowering citizens to help locate missing persons.

In his veto message, the governor claims that the Amber Alert system is not capable of handling the needs of disoriented adults and that adding them to the system would somehow affect its ability to help abducted children.

“His reasoning is unjustified,” Magnarelli said. “This is a highly effective system used in New York and across the nation. It’s logical to use it to help all people that are in trouble. Limiting the potential of this successful program is limiting our ability to protect our families. The governor has clearly underestimated the public’s strong support for the Amber Alert program and their desire to help if they can in locating missing persons. He has made the wrong choice with this veto – and unfortunately, it’s our most vulnerable citizens that will pay the price.”