K 740: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Great Outdoors Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 740 BY: M. of A. DeStefano MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Great Outdoors Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to promote the participation of recreational activities in 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 June 2025, as Great Outdoors Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Great Outdoors Month; and WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month first started as a Great Outdoors Week under President Bill Clinton in 1998, to increase jobs and the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country by getting people to enjoy and appreciate nature; it was so popular, it was expanded to the entire month of June; and WHEREAS, In 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act was enacted in order to study America's outdoor recreation economy; the report stated outdoor recreation had contributed more than $412 billion, which is 2.2% of the total GDP, to the economy, and outdoor recreation had the fastest growth of any industry, leading to 4.5 million jobs; and WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month is a perfect time for people to go out and explore all that nature has to offer, and is dedicated to the country's diverse landscapes, which boast dense forests, long winding rivers, tranquil lakes, rocky mountains, and much more; and WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month invites us to discover a much-needed new lease on life, both mentally and physically; and WHEREAS, Being outdoors, surrounded by nature, may reduce anger, fear, and stress and increase pleasant feelings; exposure to nature not only makes a person feel better emotionally, it contributes to their physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones; and WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month is a celebration of nature, taking a break from work and our hectic lives, and the outdoors which leads us on the paths of adventure, adrenaline rush, and so much more; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, supports this vital month and encourages the citizens of this great Empire State to participate in Great Outdoors Month activities scheduled throughout the state and to bring attention to such activities that bolster our state's economic and overall well-being; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Great Outdoors Month 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.