Assembly Resolution No. 237
BY: M. of A. Raga
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 20, 2025, as International Day of Happiness in
the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to promote the physical and mental
wellness of the citizens of this Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim Thursday, March 20, 2025,
as International Day of Happiness in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, March 20th was designated International Day of Happiness by
the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) on July 12, 2012; the
UNGA enacted International Day of Happiness to underscore the importance
of incorporating happiness in public policy goals and its role in
driving equitable, satisfactory outcomes for all; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of International Day of Happiness on March
20th falls on the same day as the vernal equinox; the vernal equinox
marks the first day of spring and the change in seasons is often
associated with increased happiness due to days with more sunlight; and
WHEREAS, International Day of Happiness is a celebration to
recognize the universal aspiration of happiness; happiness is a key
component of numerous facets of society and our individual lives, and is
also linked to longevity and better health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, According to the American Heart Association, "up to 80% of
visits to primary care doctors are due to conditions that are caused or
exacerbated by unmanaged stress."; when happiness is prioritized, people
adopt healthier choices and avoid long term health problems; and
WHEREAS, Levels of happiness serve as a reflection of the current
economic and social environment and are a proven measure of how
successful public policies are; when individuals and governments work
towards advancing happiness, society functions in an improved manner;
and
WHEREAS, The recognition of International Day of Happiness in New
York State aims to promote the vital nature of happiness and shed light
on the advantages of sustaining long-term happiness; and
WHEREAS, Citizens of this great State are encouraged to commemorate
this day by seeking educational resources on how happiness impacts our
lives, spreading positivity, or simply doing an activity that makes
oneself happy; and
WHEREAS, According to a leading source, happiness and hope continue
to decline across the globe, signaling the need to prioritize happiness
in our lives; after the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety rose
among New York residents with one in three New Yorkers reporting
experiencing depression or anxiety, and a notable 37.6% of those living
in Queens County reporting the same; and
WHEREAS, Prioritizing happiness in both our personal lives and in
government policies is essential for fostering well-being and creating a
society where individuals can thrive; when happiness is at the forefront
of our endeavors, it encourages positive outcomes, from personal
fulfillment to a more cohesive and prosperous community, promoting not
only individual joy but also collective harmony; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 20, 2025, as
International Day of Happiness in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
