Senate Resolution No. 940

BY: Senator BAILEY

COMMENDING Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition,
in conjunction with the observance of Women's
History Month

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those women of achievement within this great Empire State
who have made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire
others through their model citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition, in conjunction with the observance
of Women's History Month; and

WHEREAS, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson began her long and
distinguished career in public service as the President/CEO WHART
Development Corporation consulting on the planning and creation of
several housing projects throughout Westchester and Bronx Counties; and

WHEREAS, Eager to broaden her scope of service, Ruth
Hassell-Thompson was elected to the New York State Senate in 2000, where
she brought years of public service and community involvement to her
post as the Senator of the 36th Senatorial District, representing parts
of the Bronx and Westchester Counties; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson served
on numerous committees including Judiciary (Ranking); Crime Victims,
Crime and Correction (Ranking); Commerce, Economic Development and Small
Business; Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Health; Finance; Rules;
Chairwoman, Conference of Black Senators; Chairwoman, Taskforce on
Domestic Violence; and Governor Cuomo's Taskforce on MWBE; and

WHEREAS, After stepping down from her role as Senator on June 30,
2016, Ruth Hassell-Thompson took the position of Special Advisor for
Policy and Community Affairs, for New York State Housing and Community
Renewal; in this role, she serves on Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's
Interagency Council on Homeless, which has been tasked with addressing
the housing needs of vulnerable populations such as seniors, veterans,
re-entry, domestic violence, homeless and runaway youth; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson is a vital
member of the Homeless and Runaway Youth and Re-entry Sub-committee, and
Governor Cuomo's Minority and Women Owned Business Entrepreneurs Council
and Interfaith Council of Churches; and

WHEREAS, An alumna of Bronx Community College, Senator Ruth
Hassell-Thompson has been the recipient of two Honorary Doctorate
degrees from Mercy College, Doctor of Humane Letters; and Eastern
Theological Consortium, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Christ Theological
Seminary, Doctor of Humanities; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have

been her two daughters and her two grandchildren, all of whom have shown
her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless women, strong and
colorful threads vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have and
continue to contribute to the advancement of our culture through their
traditional and non-traditional roles in society; and

WHEREAS, Through her tireless efforts and notable achievements,
Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson has significantly contributed to bettering
the quality of life in her community and the entire State of New York as
a whole; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition, in conjunction with the observance
of Women's History Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.