LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim August 2015, as Child Support Awareness Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of residents of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 2015, as Child Support
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Recent statistics estimate that there are 23.4 million chil-
dren up to age 20 who live with a custodial parent while their other
parent lives elsewhere; less than one half of custodial parents receive
child support, and only 43.4% receive their full child support payment
each month; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of New York need to recognize the critical role
child support plays in the lives of many children; many times child
support payments are the only thing that prevents children from living
in severe poverty; and
WHEREAS, Child support is often thought of as a second income, and
sometimes the largest source of income for the families who receive it;
and
WHEREAS, Family support workers work to ensure that each family has a
child support order in place as well as assist the non-custodial parent
in being able to fulfill the court's child support judgment; and
WHEREAS, Non-custodial parents face barriers which may prevent them
from being able to pay their child support such as lack of employment or
education, past criminal convictions, substance abuse or mental health
issues; assisting a non-custodial parent to address the issues with
which they are faced can put them on a path of independence and give
them the ability to contribute financially in one form to their chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Studies show that parents who make their child support
payments are more likely to stay involved in their children's life,
helping to ensure they lead happy, successful lives; and
WHEREAS, Child Support Awareness Month is an opportunity to ensure
that necessary and appropriate programs are in place to assist in this
vital area of need for children and their families; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare August 2015, as Child
Support Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to urge the resi-
dents of this great Empire State to learn about this critical issue; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.