K 474: Welcoming the descendants of the Chinese American Transcontinental Railroad workers to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on May 14, 2025

 Assembly Resolution No. 474 BY: M. of A. Colton WELCOMING the descendants of the Chinese American Transcontinental Railroad workers to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on May 14, 2025, and recognizing their families' vast contributions to the State of New York WHEREAS, The historical contribution of Chinese immigrants has strengthened the New York State and United States economies as a result of risking their lives while enduring harsh winters and dangerous working conditions while facing prejudice, low wadges, and social isolation; and WHEREAS, Chinese railroad workers courageously connected the western and eastern sides of the United States which is known as one of the greatest engineering achievements in American history; and WHEREAS, Chinese railroad workers were an indispensable force in constructing the Transcontinental Railroad and led to the great economic prosperity enjoyed by the nation in the years that followed; and WHEREAS, Descendants of these workers now reside in New York and continue to play vital roles in building prosperity and promoting Chinese culture and heritage in this great Empire State and across the United States; and WHEREAS, Although Chinese railroad workers were essential for the success of the Transcontinental railroad, no Chinese laborers were formally recognized at the opening ceremony; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that the State of New York commemorates and recognizes the historical contributions made by the Chinese railroad workers; by honoring these individuals and their families, we seek to uplift their stories, honor their contributions, and express our sincerest gratitude for their efforts; and WHEREAS, It is the pleasure of this Legislative Body to participate in the Chinese Railroad worker exhibition in Albany, New York on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, and to recognize the descendants of the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Chinese immigrants whom, despite remarkable physical and social challenges, laid the foundation for extraordinary economic prosperity for New York State and the Nation as a whole; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to welcome the descendants of the Chinese American Transcontinental Railroad workers to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on May 14, 2025, and recognizing their families' vast contributions to the State of New York.