Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 19, 2025, as Italian American Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 61 co-sponsors

Joint resolution urging the Governor of New York to proclaim May 19, 2025 as Italian American Day; ceremonial recognition only, no new laws or spending.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Summary of Bill J 1020: Memorializing Governor Hochul to Proclaim May 19, 2025 as Italian American Day

Overview

Bill J 1020 is a joint resolution introduced in the New York State Legislature on May 14, 2025. The bill seeks to memorialize the Governor to issue a proclamation designating May 19, 2025, as Italian American Day in the State of New York. The measure is currently “REFERRED TO FINANCE,” indicating it has entered committee review but has not yet advanced to floor consideration.

Purpose and Intent

To formally recognize and celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans to New York State.

To request (via proclamation) official state observance of Italian American Day on a specified date, thereby highlighting cultural heritage and community impact.

Key Provisions

The core directive is to Memorialize the Governor to proclaim May 19, 2025, as Italian American Day in New York State.

As a resolution, the measure does not create new laws or authorize spending; its primary effect is ceremonial and aspirational—urging official recognition by the Governor through a proclamation.

The bill does not specify programmatic changes, funding, or administrative actions beyond the proclamation request.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Italian American community: Receives formal state-level recognition and a designated day for celebration and awareness.

State government: Involves the Governor’s office to issue a proclamation; no new statutory obligations or appropriations are created.

General public and institutions (schools, cultural organizations, public events): Potentially align observances, educational activities, and community programs with the proclaimed day.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Introduced: May 14, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Senate/Assembly Committee on Finance (the exact chamber is not specified here, but “REFERRED TO FINANCE” is listed).

Next steps if advanced: The Finance Committee would review, possibly hold hearings or amend, and then the bill would move to the floor of the respective house for a vote. If approved by both houses, it would be transmitted to the Governor for signature or veto.

Effective date: If the Governor issues the proclamation as urged by the resolution, the designated Italian American Day would be observed on May 19, 2025, as specified by the bill’s language.

Bill