LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 20-26, 2016, as Pollinator Awareness Week in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 20-26, 2016, as Pollinator
Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Pollinator Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, the United States Senate unanimously designated a
week in June as National Pollinator Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, Pollinators are in trouble; many are seeing decreasing popu-
lations because of habitat loss, disease, parasites and pesticide use;
and
WHEREAS, Pollinator Week marked an important step toward addressing
the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations; and
WHEREAS, Pollinator Week has grown into an international celebration
of the valuable services provided by bats, bees, beetles, birds and
butterflies in protecting the ecosystem and food supply; and
WHEREAS, There are over 450 species of wild bees in New York State and
more than 100 of these contribute to apple pollination in the Northeast;
and
WHEREAS, Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites
of food we eat; and
WHEREAS, Pollinators bring us countless fruits, vegetables and nuts
and half of the world's oils, fibers and raw materials; and
WHEREAS, Pollinators help produce plants that prevent soil erosion and
remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious 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 June 20-26, 2016, as
Pollinator Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Pollinator Awareness Week; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.