Assembly Resolution No. 600 BY: M. of A. Jean-Pierre MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 16-22, 2019, as STEM and Tech Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official weeks that are set aside to recognize the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 16-22, 2019, as STEM and Tech Week in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are crucial fields for New York's economy and innovation; and WHEREAS, Many of the fastest growing occupations in the United States require some form of expertise in the areas of STEM; and WHEREAS, STEM careers represent some of the highest-paying positions in any field, thereby providing desirable career opportunities and real pathways out of poverty; and WHEREAS, The median wage of New York State STEM occupations is 67 percent higher than the median annual wage for all workers in the State; and WHEREAS, Preparing students for the STEM workforce is essential to fulfill the demands of our 21st century, innovation-focused economy; and WHEREAS, A significant diversity gap exists in participation in STEM disciplines and the technology workforce; and WHEREAS, While women make up nearly 50 percent of the working population, they represent only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce; and WHEREAS, While African Americans constitute 17 percent of the United States population, they represent only 5 percent of the STEM workforce; and WHEREAS, While Latinos make up 17 percent of the United States population, they represent only 6 percent of the STEM Workforce; and WHEREAS, Only 2.5 percent of the total workforce identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, with an estimated 20 percent fewer LGBTQ workers on government STEM-related jobs than should be expected; and WHEREAS, While women and underrepresented communities constitute about 70 percent of college students, they only earn 45 percent of STEM degrees; and WHEREAS, Out of the total bachelor's degrees earned in STEM fields, only 45 percent are earned by women, and only 36 are earned by underrepresented minorities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 16-22, 2019, as STEM and Tech Week in the State of New York, and to encourage and celebrate diversity in the STEM field in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.