Senate Resolution No. 4145

BY: Senator COMRIE

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 16, 2018, as
Freedom of Information Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The pillars of democracy include government transparency,
accessibility and accountability, resulting in an informed citizenry;
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 March 16, 2018, as
Freedom of Information Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Freedom of Information Day; and

WHEREAS, Freedom of Information Day is a national initiative about
the importance of open government and freedom of information; it seeks
to enlighten and empower people to play an active role in their
government at all levels; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body understands and appreciates the value
of access to information it needs to make informed decisions, and the
corresponding importance of access to government information by the
citizens of this state; and

WHEREAS, The free flow of information from the government to the
people instills trust and confidence in our democracy, and ensures that
our government is accessible, accountable and open; and

WHEREAS, We must continue to educate and empower the public
regarding their right to access government documents, information and
meetings; and

WHEREAS, Freedom of Information Day is an event held annually on or
near March 16th, the birthday of James Madison, the fourth President of
the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Hailed as the Father of the Constitution, James Madison was
instrumental in the drafting of the United States Constitution and as
the key champion and author of the United States Bill of Rights; and

WHEREAS, Freedom of information is an extension of freedom of
speech, as well as individual rights, each of which were very important
to James Madison; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the protection of freedom of speech as a right
includes not only the content, but also the means of expression; as with
the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy is a recognized
human right and freedom of information acts as an extension to this
right; and

WHEREAS, Nationwide, on March 16, 2018, countless citizens and other
individuals interested in open government will celebrate Freedom of
Information Day; and


WHEREAS, Established to educate the public on the importance of open
government, Freedom of Information Day continues to be instrumental in
the preservation of our Nation's core fundamental human rights; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 16, 2018, as
Freedom of Information 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.