Senate Resolution No. 1007

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING SOMOS, Inc. upon the occasion of
hosting its 30th Anniversary Albany Conference from
March 24-26, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of
organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend SOMOS, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th Anniversary
Albany Conference from March 24-26, 2017, at the Empire State Plaza in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The SOMOS Spring Conference, established in 1987, and
attended by more than 7,000 people each year, is the largest gathering
of Puerto Rican/Hispanic civic and political leaders in New York State
and is a significant public policy vehicle for the more than three
million Hispanic New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, SOMOS allows legislators, scholars, business and labor
leaders, as well as representatives from the community a platform to
unite and address the various issues and concerns which are pertinent to
the Hispanic community; and

WHEREAS, Through the funds collected at its conferences, SOMOS
supports Hispanic youth with scholarships, furthering their education;
internships in college, promoting retention; and apprenticeships,
introducing newly graduated youth into the public, labor, nonprofit, and
private sector; and

WHEREAS, The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican Hispanic/Youth Leadership
Institute (PR/HYLI), allows high school students the opportunity to have
a firsthand look at the New York State legislative process and gives
them a chance to develop their own legislative proposals; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, The Model New York State Senate Session
Project brings students together for a series of intensive training
seminars on state policy formulation, legislative processes,
representation and leadership, encouraging students to further their
organizational, research and public speaking skills by means of model
legislative seminars; and

WHEREAS, The Summer Internship Program offered by SOMOS, Inc. allows
Hispanic college students in financial need the opportunity to learn
about public policy and government, which will ultimately expand
Hispanic involvement in the area; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Jose M. Paulino, SOMOS
strives to become the leading statewide organization for policy and

advocacy in the Hispanic community and serve as a bridge of opportunity
for Hispanics of all backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend SOMOS, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th Anniversary
Albany Conference from March 24-26, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted
to Jose M. Paulino, Executive Director and Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez,
Chair, SOMOS, Inc.