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K 1215

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Urge the Governor to proclaim April 28, 2026 as MWBE Advocacy Day to recognize and promote minority- and women-owned business enterprise advocacy and opportunities.

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Bill Summary · K 1215

Summary: Assembly Resolution No. 1215 (2025-2026) – Memorializing Governor Hochul to Proclaim April 28, 2026 as MWBE Advocacy Day

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is a memorial resolution urging the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, to proclaim April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day in New York.
  • MWBE stands for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise. The resolution frames MWBE Advocacy Day as a recognition of economic empowerment for MWBEs and a continuation of efforts to address disparities in contracting and procurement opportunities.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Request: The resolution directs the state to recognize a specific day—April 28, 2026—as MWBE Advocacy Day.
  • Dissemination: Requires that copies of the resolution, once engrossed, be sent to Governor Hochul and MWBEs across New York State.
  • Context and Rationale (recitals): The measure includes extensive background on:
    • Historical and legal context for MWBE programs, including Article 15-A of the Executive Law (established goals for MWBE participation in state contracts).
    • National and local precedents and milestones (City of New York, other municipalities, disparity studies conducted in 2010 and 2016 showing MWBEs face underutilization relative to availability).
    • Various program enhancements and reforms related to MWBE certification, mentoring, and procurement thresholds (examples cited include NYC Local Laws 129, 174, 176; Executive Law changes in 2019; DASNY and DDC mentorship programs; MTA procurement threshold increases; fraud-prevention measures).
    • Progress and outcomes such as NYC meeting aggressive MWBE goals ahead of schedule and statewide certification campaign achievements.
  • Scope of Recitals (informational, not regulatory): The recitals summarize trends, milestones, and policy arguments behind MWBE initiatives to contextualize the memorial.

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • Directly Affects: The Governor’s proclamation and the official designation of April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day.
  • Indirectly Affects: MWBEs and stakeholders statewide (business owners, advocates, agencies) who participate in or benefit from MWBE programs, outreach, certification campaigns, mentorship initiatives, contracting opportunities, and related policy reforms highlighted in the recitals.
  • No immediate statutory or regulatory changes proposed; the measure is ceremonial and symbolic, aimed at recognizing and promoting MWBE advocacy and stated goals.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to Calendar (as of 2026-04-27).
  • Action Requested: The Governor is urged to proclaim April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day.
  • Timing: The proclamation would occur in 2026; the exact date proposed is April 28, 2026.

5) Notable Context and Rationale

  • The resolution emphasizes the persistent disparities in MWBE contracting, despite decades of related laws and programs.
  • It situates the memorial within a broader narrative of state and city actions designed to enhance MWBE certification, access to bonding and insurance, mentoring, expanded contracting thresholds, and transparency measures.
  • The document frames MWBE Advocacy Day as an opportunity for agencies, MWBEs, and stakeholders to network and discuss ways to broaden participation and improve program quality with accessible state funding.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparative note on how this memorial aligns with prior MWBE policy milestones cited in the recitals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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