K 277: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 1, 2025, as Census Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 277 BY: M. of A. Dais MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 1, 2025, as Census Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing official days established to celebrate vital parts of our history and culture; 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 April 1, 2025, as Census Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Census Day; and WHEREAS, As directed by the United States Constitution, there is a full count of the population every 10 years, with the first count occurring on August 2, 1790, and has since served as a vital testament to our history, pulse on our present, and prediction of our future; and WHEREAS, The census has been utilized as an important record of our history, and the historical data has been used for various research purposes, including providing names, locations, and family structure to descendants of those who were enslaved, and tracking family histories across family lines; and WHEREAS, By studying demographic data from the census, individuals can better understand the lives of their ancestors to better connect with their familial and regional histories; and WHEREAS, Census data is instrumental in determining the population of each state, which directly influences vital aspects of our democracy, including the number of electoral college votes for each state as well as the number of congressional seats given to each state in the House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, Calculating our population and collecting demographic information is essential for funding various programs that support communities, including Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, Section 8 housing vouchers, Pell Grants, and infrastructure funding; and WHEREAS, Census data is helpful to state and local officials as well as businesses and nonprofit organizations to see current and future needs of our communities, better preparing them to anticipate and support our growth and development; and WHEREAS, Due to the relevance of the census in relation to the past, present, and future of our Nation, it is imperative for the State of New York to celebrate the census and raise awareness of its importance; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 1, 2025, as Census 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.