Senate Resolution No. 331

BY: Senator FLANAGAN

ESTABLISHING a Select Committee on Technology and
Innovation

WHEREAS, It is widely recognized that the path to prosperity and the
economic recovery of New York state lies in job creation, job training
and in broadening economic choices and career opportunities for all
citizens and that achieving these goals can be accelerated by the
enhancement of the state's technological and innovative spirit via the
growth and development of technology businesses and programs; and

WHEREAS, Business innovation and the development of new technology
businesses is vital to the state of New York; and

WHEREAS, Research has shown that successful technology businesses
can often rise above current conditions of a regional economy, but such
success can be stymied by various endemic barriers that stifle the
ability of technology businesses in our state to fulfill its mission and
achieve maximum job creation and positive economic impact; and

WHEREAS, The Senate also seeks to expand access and opportunity to
technology businesses and programs for all groups including many
marginalized by current programs such as veterans, disabled individuals,
individuals who are minorities and women, using collaborations with
several state agencies and non-state sponsors; and

WHEREAS, The Senate looks to remove statutory and regulatory
barriers to entry for innovative businesses seeking to operate in New
York; and

WHEREAS, It is recognized that an open forum is needed to properly
ascertain the current and future needs of our state's technology
business climate to advance and improve technology programs and help
these businesses and programs develop to their maximum potential; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That a Select Committee on Technology and Innovation is
hereby established, to conduct meetings, conferences, examinations, and
public hearings, to gather information and make legislative proposals,
reports, and recommendations, and to provide outreach to and interaction
with private and public organizations that provide technology programs,
and to make recommendations on efforts to strengthen job creation
including related legislative proposals and resolutions before the State
Legislature in such areas; all with the aim of growing the spirit of
enterprise and innovation in New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, The Select Committee shall consist of eleven Senators, to
be appointed by the Majority Coalition leaders, pursuant to membership
composition as set fourth under Senate Rule VIII; and be it further

RESOLVED, The chairperson of such committee shall be appointed by
the Majority Coalition leaders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That such committee shall have the same authority as
committees constituted under Article 4 of the Legislative Law and Senate
Rule VIII.