Senate Resolution No. 1318

BY: Senator MAY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 19-25, 2023, as Pollinator Week in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues which affect the lives of citizens 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
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 19-25, 2023, as
Pollinator Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Pollinator Week; and

WHEREAS, This week marks the national celebration of pollinators,
vital partners to our Nation's food system, economy, and ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, Pollinator species, such as bats, birds, bees, butterflies,
moths, and other insects, play an essential role in facilitating the
production of much of our food supply; and

WHEREAS, Healthy pollinator populations are critical to the
continued ecological wellness of our agricultural system as well as the
economic prosperity of our farming and ranching communities; and

WHEREAS, More than 100 United States grown crops rely on pollination
from honey bees and other insects that collectively ensure we have a
variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables to support a healthy, balanced
diet; and

WHEREAS, Honey bees are America's primary commercial pollinator,
although there are more than 4,000 types of bee species in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Pollinators are integral to our National Forests and
grasslands, which provide forage, fish, wildlife, timber, water, other
resources, and recreational opportunities for United States communities;
they provide significant environmental benefits necessary for healthy,
biodiverse ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, Pollinator health is important to the well-being of United
States agriculture, food security, and the Nation's overall economy; the
United States Department of Agriculture invests in and supports
pollinator health and conservation stewardship, including protecting and
maintaining their habitats on working lands and wildland; and

WHEREAS, Each and every American can do their part to protect
pollinator species by incorporating pollinator-friendly practices, like
growing pollinator-attractive flowering trees and plants at home, in
community gardens, or installing pollinator habitats on farms; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 19-25, 2023, as
Pollinator Week 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.