Establishes the office of Native American affairs

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic7
• Republican5

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. says this is needed

This bill would create a new office within the Executive Branch, the Office of Native American Affairs. Although the Executive and Legisla- ture may take actions to acknowledge or support the continued partner- ship between New York State and the 8 federally recognized Native Ameri- can Nations within the state, there is no central entity within state government specifically created to further these partnerships. Decisions made by agencies throughout state government have a profound effect on Native Nations. If those impacts are not represented in the decision- making process, the state risks the perpetuation of the disparities that exist within Native communities. These decisions have a direct impact on access to adequate healthcare, education, and economic opportunities due to the generational trauma and discrimination that these Nations have faced. This legislation creates a mechanism within state govern- ment to ensure the needs and perspectives of Native Nations are consid- ered in the shaping of state policies. The Office of Native American Affairs would: 1. Act as a centralized office for Native American Nations to access information on state programs that are provided to Native Americans. 2. Develop and maintain cooperative relationships between New York State's Native Nations, Native organization, Native American citizens, and the state. 3. Establish, manage, coordinate, and facilitate Native American-related policies, positions, and programs. 4. Advise and assist state agencies in development policies, plans, and programs for Native Americans. 5. Serve as a conduit for New York State's Native Nations to other state agencies and programs.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.