Honor SOMOS 30th Conference

Senate Resolution No. 1007 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING SOMOS, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th Anniversary Albany Conference from March 24-26, 2017 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 in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend SOMOS, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th Anniversary Albany Conference from March 24-26, 2017, at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York; 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 Hispanic New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, SOMOS 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 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, Inc. 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, Under the luminous leadership of Jose M. Paulino, SOMOS strives to become the leading statewide organization for policy and advocacy in the Hispanic community and serve as a bridge of opportunity for Hispanics of all backgrounds; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that organizations which 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 commend SOMOS, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th Anniversary Albany Conference from March 24-26, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jose M. Paulino, Executive Director and Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, Chair, SOMOS, Inc.