Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Chan and 1 co-sponsor

Urges Gov. Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in New York; a ceremonial memorial with no funding or mandates.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Overview

Bill Number: J 813 (Joint Memorial)

Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the State of New York

Status: Referred to Finance

Introduced: April 15, 2025

Classification: Resolution (non-binding, ceremonial)

Legislative Actions:

2025-04-15: Referred to Finance (listed twice in the record)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to formally urge and memorialize the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in New York State.

This is a ceremonial, symbolic measure that aligns New York State with nationwide and federal practice of designating a dedicated month to acknowledge the history, contributions, and diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Key Provisions

Request to Governor: The core directive is for the Governor to proclaim May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in New York.

Recognition and Acknowledgment: The memorial would typically emphasize the importance of acknowledging AAPI contributions to the state’s history, culture, economy, and civic life.

Flexibility and Scope: As a memorial, the bill does not create new programs, mandates, or funding obligations.

Who Is Affected

Primary Beneficiaries: Asian American and Pacific Islander communities within New York State.

Broader Impact: Public schools, cultural institutions, state agencies, and the general public would be informed of and invited to participate in recognizing AAPI Heritage Month through proclamations and related observances.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Legislative Stage: Referred to the Finance Committee, indicating consideration within the committee process; no substantive policy changes or funding requirements are attached to a memorial resolution.

Timeline Implications: If adopted, the Governor would issue a proclamation for May 2025. The resolution itself does not specify any ongoing or annual requirement beyond the designated month.

Sponsorship:

Primary sponsor: Stephen T. Chan
Cosponsor: Joseph A. Griffo

Observations

As a memorial resolution, J 813 is intended to express the Legislature’s support and to prompt official state recognition, rather than to mandate actions or allocate resources.

The bill aligns with commemorative efforts to highlight the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander residents and to promote awareness and inclusion across the state.

If you’d like, I can adapt this summary to emphasize potential policy implications or compare it with other state proclamations of AAPI Heritage Month.

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