LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the lifetime achievements and
contributions to the Dominican Community of this year's 22nd Annual
Somos El Futuro Conference honorees

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commem-
orate the 22nd Annual Somos El Futuro Conference hosted by the New York
State Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force to be held April
3-5, 2009, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Somos El Futuro Conference, established in 1987 and
attended by some 7,000 people each year, is the largest gathering of
Puerto Rican/Hispanic civic and political leaders in New York State and
is a significant public policy vehicle for the more than three million
Hispanics living in New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Somos El Futuro Conference also provides an opportunity
to recognize the contributions of Puerto Rican and Hispanic individuals
and organizations; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body has come together to recognize individ-
uals who have significantly contributed to the development of the Domin-
ican Community in New York State; and
WHEREAS, This year's 22nd Annual Somos El Futuro Conference Dominican
Reception honorees include: NYS Governor David Paterson, Senate Majority
Leader Malcolm Smith, Dominican Government Secretary of State Alejandro
Santos, NYC Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, Judge Julia Rodriguez, and
Raquel Batista; and
WHEREAS, These New Yorkers have distinguished themselves by providing
vital services within the Dominican-American community of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the lifetime achievements and contributions to the Dominican
Community of this year's 22nd Annual Somos El Futuro Conference hono-
rees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees.