J 130: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2025, as School Backpack Awareness Day in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 130 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2025, as School Backpack Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of important initiatives that affect the lives of the students of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2025, as School Backpack Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National School Backpack Awareness Day; and WHEREAS, National School Backpack Awareness Day strives to make sure students wear backpacks safely; improper use can lead to back pain or injury, which can impact learning; and WHEREAS, On School Backpack Awareness Day, teachers, students and parents come together to make sure families are aware of the risks, and that backpacks are being worn properly; and WHEREAS, In 1938, Gerry Outdoors invented the modern backpack; it was mainly used as a tool for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing and camping trips; and WHEREAS, Thirty years later, in 1968, lightweight nylon backpacks were introduced; this expanded the use of backpacks to students across the country; this was also the year JanSport, the world's largest backpack maker, went into business; and WHEREAS, By 2001, the American Occupational Therapy Association launched the country's first ever National Backpack Awareness Day dedicated to backpacks and safety; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this initiative, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2025, as School Backpack Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.