SENATE RESOLUTION providing for a Senate Select Committee on State-Na-
tive American Relations

WHEREAS, New York state ranks ninth in the nation in terms of the size
of its Native American population, with more than 100,000 New Yorkers
noting their American Indian ancestry in the 2010 federal census; and
WHEREAS, New York state has a government-to-government relationship
with nine American Indian nations; and
WHEREAS, It is recognized that an open forum is needed to promote
better relations between Native Americans and New York state and local
governments, and to inform the Senate in matters pertaining to the needs
of Native Americans in areas such as education, economic development,
social services, transportation, employment opportunities, health,
housing, and other rights and services offered by New York state, as
well as other issues impacting Native Americans, their territories, and
surrounding communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a Select Committee on State-Native American Relations
is hereby established, to hold public hearings for gathering information
and making legislative proposals and recommendations to state agencies,
to provide outreach to and interaction with private organizations that
assist Native Americans, and to make recommendations on Native Ameri-
can-related legislative proposals and resolutions before the state
legislature, with all such activities to be conducted in the advancement
of meaningful dialogue between state and Native American leaders on
matters of common interest; and be it further
RESOLVED, The Select Committee shall consist of eleven Senators, to be
appointed by the Majority Coalition leaders, pursuant to membership
composition as set forth under Senate Rule VIII. The chairperson of such
committee shall be appointed by the Majority Coalition leaders; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That such committee shall have the same authority as commit-
tees constituted under Article 4 of the Legislative Law and Senate Rule
VII.