Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 24, 2026, as Student Empowerment Day in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1231

BY: M. of A. Burdick

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        February 24, 2026, as Student Empowerment 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 issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to  proclaim  February  24,  2026,  as
Student Empowerment Day in the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Student Empowerment Day is a campaign that raises awareness
about  the  need  for removing barriers to key reasonable accommodations
and support services that promote access and success for  students  with
disabilities,  who  attend  public  and  private  institutes  of  higher
education in New York State at increasingly higher rates; and

  WHEREAS, Our great Empire State  has  a  history  of  excellence  in
education  and  values  providing  educational opportunities to students
with diverse backgrounds; students with disabilities contribute  greatly
to New York State's colleges and universities; and

  WHEREAS, According to the New York State Education Department, there
are  over 90,000 identifying as students with disabilities attending New
York State degree-granting colleges and universities; and

  WHEREAS, It is imperative that these institutes of  higher  learning
are  provided  with  the  necessary  resources  to empower students with
disabilities and help them achieve academically and beyond; and

  WHEREAS, New Yorkers with disabilities, like all  New  Yorkers,  are
entitled  to  not  only full participation in our society, but also full
opportunity in our society; their talents and contributions are vital to
the strength of our State's workforce and our future prosperity; and

  WHEREAS, Together, we can ensure persons  living  with  disabilities
are  provided  key  reasonable  accommodations and support services that
promote access and success while attending public and private institutes
of higher education in New York State; and

  WHEREAS, It is in the interest of New York State  to  recognize  the
achievements that have been made thus far, and to continue these efforts
by  promoting  the  awareness and fostering the understanding of persons
with disabilities; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim February 24, 2026, as
Student Empowerment 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.