Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as Polish American Heritage Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

Requests the Governor to proclaim October 2026 as Polish American Heritage Month in New York.

ADOPTED

Overview

Bill: Assembly Resolution No. 1296 (A. Res. No. 1296)

Session: 2025-2026

Jurisdiction: New York

Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as Polish American Heritage Month in the State of New York

Status: Adopted by the Assembly (May 7, 2026); referred to calendar (May 6, 2026)

Main Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim October 2026 as Polish American Heritage Month in the State of New York.

It serves as a symbolic formal request from the Legislature to recognize and honor Polish American culture, history, and contributions within New York and the United States.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Request: The resolution memorializes the Governor to issue an official proclamation designating October 2026 as Polish American Heritage Month in New York.

Recognition of Polish American Contributions: The text emphasizes the historical presence and impact of Polish Americans in the U.S., including their roles as war heroes, doctors, politicians, musicians, athletes, and community builders.

Background and Illustrative Examples: The resolution provides historical notes and notable Polish Americans (e.g., Casimir Pulaski, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Edmund Muskie, Marie Elizabeth Zakrzewska, Ray Manzarek, John Rzeznik, Carl Yastrzemski, Mike Krzyzewski) to illustrate the community’s contributions.

Communication Step: Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation and a copy of the resolution to be transmitted to the Governor.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Government/State Level: The Executive Branch, specifically the Governor of New York, would issue an official proclamation recognizing Polish American Heritage Month.

Polish American Community: State recognition could enhance visibility and celebration opportunities within New York, including cultural events, educational programming, and community outreach during October 2026.

Public Institutions: Potential alignment of state observances, events, and commemorations with Polish American heritage themes in schools, libraries, cultural organizations, and local governments.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Action: The Assembly introduced and then adopted the memorializing resolution.

Current Step: The resolution was adopted by the Assembly on May 7, 2026, after being referred to the calendar on May 6, 2026.

Proclamation Timeline: The bill requests a proclamation for October 2026; the actual timing depends on the Governor’s action (issuance of an official proclamation).

Relevance and Impact

Educational and Cultural Impact: Widens recognition of the contributions of Polish Americans within New York and the broader American narrative.

Symbolic Significance: Demonstrates the Legislature’s intent to honor ethnic heritage and promote diversity and inclusion.

Limitations: As a memorializing resolution, the bill does not create new programs or funding; it expresses the Legislature’s desire for the Governor to issue a proclamation. Any practical celebrations or state-sponsored activities would depend on the Governor’s proclamation and subsequent actions by state agencies.