Senate Resolution No. 1779

BY: Senator LITTLE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2017, as Fair Housing 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 important
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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, as Fair
Housing Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Fair Housing Month; and

WHEREAS, April, we come together as a community, a State and a
nation to celebrate the anniversary of the passing of the Fair Housing
Act and to recommit to that goal which inspired us in the aftermath of
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination in 1968: to
eliminate housing discrimination and create equal opportunity in every
community; and

WHEREAS, Fundamentally, fair housing means that every person can
live free; this means communities across the State of New York are open
and welcoming, free from housing discrimination and hostility; and

WHEREAS, This also means that each one of us, regardless of race,
color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability,
has access to neighborhoods of opportunity, where our children can
attend quality schools, our environment allows us to be healthy, and
economic opportunities and self-sufficiency can grow; and

WHEREAS, Our commitment to fair housing is a living commitment, one
that reflects the needs of our State and our Nation today and prepares
us for a future of true integration; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
important issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, as Fair
Housing Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.