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.