Senate Resolution No. 5299

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
August 26, 2018, as Women's Equality Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
and celebrate individuals and events of historic significance which add
inspiration and understanding to the diversity and value of this great
Empire State; 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 August 26, 2018, as
Women's Equality Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Women's Equality Day; and

WHEREAS, On Women's Equality Day, August 26th, the hard work and
perseverance of those who helped secure women's suffrage in the United
States is recognized; and

WHEREAS, First introduced in 1878, the 19th Amendment was passed by
the United States Congress on June 4, 1919; and

WHEREAS, With the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the
Constitution in 1920, American women gained one of the most cherished
rights and fundamental responsibilities of citizenship: the right to
vote; and

WHEREAS, The struggle for women's suffrage in America dates back to
the founding of our country; the movement began in earnest at the Seneca
Falls Convention in 1848, when women drafted a Declaration of Sentiments
proclaiming they had the same rights as men; and

WHEREAS, In 1916, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first
American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives,
despite the fact that her fellow women would not be able to vote
nationally for four more years; these women and many more like them
worked to ensure that future generations of women could realize the
promise of America; and

WHEREAS, Today, American women are leaders in business, government,
law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields;
women-owned businesses account for nearly half of all privately held
firms and are opening at twice the rate of male-owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, Through vision, determination, and a strong work ethic,
remarkable American women have broadened opportunities for themselves
and women around the world; and

WHEREAS, The full participation of women and the protection of their
rights as citizens are essential for freedom and democracy to flourish;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to celebrate the
extraordinary accomplishments of women in the State of New York, America
and throughout the world and renew our commitment to equality for all
women, both at home and abroad; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 26, 2018, as
Women's Equality 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.