Assembly Resolution No. 200

BY: M. of A. McDonald

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 31, 2023, as NY FIRST Robotics Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase interest towards science
and technology in 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 March 31, 2023, as NY
FIRST Robotics Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, FIRST is "For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science
and Technology"; and

WHEREAS, Robotics is rapidly proving to be one of the most
effective, compelling and engaging means for teaching and reinforcing
fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
concepts; as well as inspiring the Nation's youth to pursue STEM-related
careers to create a highly-skilled future workforce; and

WHEREAS, The United States has the largest number of academic and
research organizations with dedicated programs focused on the
advancement of robotics technology; and

WHEREAS, Robotics has matured into an all-encompassing and enabling
technology that is positioned to fuel a broad array of next generation
products and applications, and transform our society; and

WHEREAS, The emerging market for robotics and related technology in
various sectors, including health care, national defense, homeland
security, energy, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture,
education, consumer goods, and others, is expected to grow at a compound
annual growth rate of nearly 20 percent over the next few years to
become a worldwide $27,000,000,000 industry; and

WHEREAS, Robotics is a critical technology capable in the near term
of contributing to the economic recovery by creating new jobs,
increasing productivity, improving quality, and increasing worker
safety; and

WHEREAS, Aptitude in mathematics, science, and engineering is
essential for a knowledge-based society; and

WHEREAS, NY FIRST Robotics Day encourages the State to raise
awareness of the importance and contributions of the advancements in the
robotics industry; the day urges State and local agencies to fund
afterschool robotics programs and schools and educators to observe the
day with activities that teach and engage students about the study of
mathematics and science; and

WHEREAS, There is a strong need to recognize America's leadership in
robotics technology, educate the public on robotics technology's broad
potential, growing importance, and future impact on American society,
underscore the need for increased investment in robotics technology
research and development; now, therefore, it be

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 31, 2023, as NY
FIRST Robotics Day 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.