LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
Norman R. McConney, Jr., distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Albany, New York, and a graduate of the State
University of New York (SUNY) at Albany, Norman R. McConney, Jr. culti-
vated a long-standing reputation as a community activist for African and
Latino concerns; and
WHEREAS, Norman R. McConney, Jr. distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, From 1971-1975, Norman R. McConney, Jr. was the Assistant
Dean for special programs at the State University of New York; he then
proceeded to serve as Executive Director of the Office of the Deputy
Speaker of the New York State Assembly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as Executive Director, Norman R. McCon-
ney, Jr. successfully negotiated legislation to address the needs of
economically disadvantaged and underrepresented populations of New York
State; his achievements are evident in numerous state statutes, policies
and budgets related to the area of economic development, youth programs,
education, correction and health care; and
WHEREAS, To honor Norman R. McConney, Jr.'s outstanding leadership,
SUNY College of Arts and Sciences at Geneseo, created the Norman McCon-
ney Leadership Award which is awarded to an outstanding student in the
Access Opportunity Program; and
WHEREAS, Norman R. McConney, Jr. was also the prime architect of the
New York State Science & Technology Program (STEP), which is one of the
most successful programs in the country; this vital program prepares
minority high school students for careers in science and medicine; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Norman R. McConney, Jr. drafted legislation,
currently in place for the Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship
Programs, which provides scholarships for minorities underrepresented in
the licensed professions; he also developed and was the lead negotiator
for the passage of the bill to create Nurse Practitioners in New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Norman R. McConney, Jr. taught classes at the Graduate School
for Political Management at both Baruch College in New York and George
Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man was also one of the principal authors of
the PEOPLE'S BUDGET and the NEW YORK STATE BUDGET EQUITY DOCUMENT, which
analyzes the state's fiscal budget and its impact on minorities and the
poor in the state of New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career Norman R. McConney Jr.
received numerous awards and accolades including the New York State
Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus Man of the Year Award, the
Greater New York Mental Retardation Community Service Award, and the
Martin Luther King Commission Award, as well as the Legislative Leader-
ship Award; moreover, he is also a graduate of the "Revson Fellow for
the Future of the City of NY Program" of Columbia University in New
York; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Norman R. McConney, Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will

long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Norman R. McConney, Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Norman R. McConney, Jr.