Assembly Resolution No. 1231

BY: M. of A. Burdick

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 24, 2026, as Student Empowerment 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 awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 24, 2026, as
Student Empowerment Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Student Empowerment Day is a campaign that raises awareness
about the need for removing barriers to key reasonable accommodations
and support services that promote access and success for students with
disabilities, who attend public and private institutes of higher
education in New York State at increasingly higher rates; and

WHEREAS, Our great Empire State has a history of excellence in
education and values providing educational opportunities to students
with diverse backgrounds; students with disabilities contribute greatly
to New York State's colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, According to the New York State Education Department, there
are over 90,000 identifying as students with disabilities attending New
York State degree-granting colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that these institutes of higher learning
are provided with the necessary resources to empower students with
disabilities and help them achieve academically and beyond; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers with disabilities, like all New Yorkers, are
entitled to not only full participation in our society, but also full
opportunity in our society; their talents and contributions are vital to
the strength of our State's workforce and our future prosperity; and

WHEREAS, Together, we can ensure persons living with disabilities
are provided key reasonable accommodations and support services that
promote access and success while attending public and private institutes
of higher education in New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is in the interest of New York State to recognize the
achievements that have been made thus far, and to continue these efforts
by promoting the awareness and fostering the understanding of persons
with disabilities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 24, 2026, as
Student Empowerment 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.