Assembly Resolution No. 245

BY: M. of A. Epstein

COMMENDING the Tompkins Square Library upon the
occasion of the Let's Talk Democracy: Civic
Education event on April 18, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the efforts of those organizations within New York State which
aim to increase the awareness and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of 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
commend the Tompkins Square Library upon the occasion of the Let's Talk
Democracy: Civic Education event on April 18, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Generations of immigrants from every corner of the globe
have built our country's economy and created the unique character of our
State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Increasingly immigrants are children and families seeking
asylum, fleeing violence, crushing poverty and endemic crime; children
in immigrant families make up one-quarter of all children in the United
States and represent the fastest growing segment of the country's
increasingly diverse child population; and

WHEREAS, New York is often considered one of the greatest cultural
hubs in the country, having welcomed immigrants for centuries; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, more than 4.5 million immigrants comprised 22.9
percent of the state's population; New York was home to 2.3 million
women, 2 million men, and 217,102 children who were immigrants; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants make up 25% of the State's labor force; as
workers, business owners, taxpayers, and neighbors, immigrants are an
integral part of New York's diverse and thriving communities and make
extensive contributions that benefit all; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants grow businesses, innovate, strengthen our
economy and create jobs in New York State; they also provide the United
States of America and New York State with unique social and cultural
influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of each;
and

WHEREAS, Immigrants account for nearly a third of New York's
economic output in metropolitan areas and produce more than a fifth of
New York's gross domestic product; and

WHEREAS, Foreign-born students seeking educational opportunities in
New York contribute billions of dollars to the State in their journey to
success; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and
increased recognition of the contributions of immigrant communities at
the local, state and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Tompkins Square Library upon the occasion of the Let's Talk
Democracy: Civic Education event on April 18, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Tompkins Square Library.