Assembly Resolution No. 919

BY: M. of A. Malliotakis

CELEBRATING Women in Public Office Day on March
19, 2018, in conjunction with the observance of
Women's History Month

WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to countless women who have
contributed to the advancement of our culture through both their
traditional and non-traditional roles in society; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
celebrate Women in Public Office Day, in conjunction with the observance
of Women's History Month; and

WHEREAS, Since March 2018 is Women's History Month, there is no
better time to celebrate the accomplishments and selfless service of
elected women; on Monday, March 19, 2018, individuals are encouraged to
join the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) for a social
media movement to celebrate Women In Public Office Day; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York joins the State of Wisconsin, Mount
Holyoke City Council in Massachusetts, Perris City Council in
California, Republic County in Kansas, and Trenton City Council in New
Jersey in passing legislation to honor and recognize the hard work and
sacrifices women make each and every day to serve their constituents;
and

WHEREAS, Since 1938, NFWL has diligently worked to empower and
inspire elected women to become thoughtful leaders by providing
strategic resources to elected women for leadership development,
exchange of diverse legislative ideas, and effective governance through
conferences, state outreach, educational materials, professional and
personal relationships, and networking; and

WHEREAS, Since 1971, the number of women serving in state
legislatures has more than quintupled; today, they hold 1,832, or 24.8%
of the 7,383 seats nationwide; currently, 20 women serve in the United
States Senate and 84 serve in the United States House of
Representatives, while 74 women hold statewide elective office; of
those, there are five women Governors, 14 Lieutenant Governors, seven
Attorneys General and 13 Secretaries of State; and

WHEREAS, From Washington, DC to local city councils, women are
making a big difference in politics and how our country is run; women
chair numerous committees, they influence policy and they understand the
importance of building bipartisan coalitions in support of the nation's
most pressing concerns to ensure widespread change in both thought and
policy on a variety of issues; and

WHEREAS, On March 19, 2018, NFWL encourages women to take leadership
roles and form connections across the aisle; by working together, women
can achieve their goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate Women in Public Office Day on March 19, 2018, in conjunction
with the observance of Women's History Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the National Foundation for Women Legislators.