Senate Resolution No. 433

BY: Senator SERRANO

COMMEMORATING the 38th Annual SOMOS Spring
Conference to be held March 7-9, 2025, and paying
tribute to its host, SOMOS, Inc. for its
contributions and advocacy on behalf of the Puerto
Rican and Latino communities in the State of New
York

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 fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 38th Annual SOMOS Spring Conference, "Justice in
Action," to be held March 7-9, 2025 in Albany, New York, and paying
tribute to its host, SOMOS, Inc. for its contributions and advocacy on
behalf of the Puerto Rican and Latino communities in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, SOMOS, Inc., also referred to as Somos El Futuro, Inc., is
a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to addressing the needs
of the Hispanic population of New York State; and

WHEREAS, The organization's flagship event, the SOMOS Spring
Conference, serves as a key gathering to bring together community
leaders, advocates, and policymakers to discuss these critical issues
and promote Latino empowerment; 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 Hispanics living in New York State; and

WHEREAS, The SOMOS Spring Conference also provides an opportunity to
recognize the contributions of Puerto Rican and Hispanic individuals and
organizations; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization 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 El
Futuro 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 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, This Legislative Body has come together to recognize
Hispanics and Latinos who have significantly contributed to community
development in New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
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
commemorate the 38th Annual SOMOS Spring Conference to be held March
7-9, 2025, and paying tribute to its host, SOMOS, Inc. for its
contributions and advocacy on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Latino
communities in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the New York State Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force; and
Executive Director Tania Capaz and Board Chair Francisco Diaz, Jr.,
SOMOS, Inc.