Assembly Resolution No. 475 BY: M. of A. Miller MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 12, 2023, as Poinsettia Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate and recognize the poinsettia and the beauty and pleasure the flowering plant has brought to the residents of this great 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 December 12, 2023, as Poinsettia Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Poinsettia Day; and WHEREAS, The vibrant red, and sometimes green or white, poinsettia symbolizes the Christmas season and the miracle it represents in the United States and other countries; and WHEREAS, Poinsettias are the best-selling potted flowering plant in the United States, with the majority of the plant's abundant sales happening during the six weeks before Christmas; and WHEREAS, A nationally treasured flower, the name poinsettia emerged after the United States botanist, Joel Roberts Poinsett, became the first United States ambassador to Mexico; in 1826, the Ambassador discovered the eye-catching plant and sent some back to the United States; and WHEREAS, Over time, Joel Poinsett and his team successfully cultivated poinsettias at his South Carolina greenhouses; today, the plant is now bred into dozens of different colors and shapes and is a vital product in the Nation's economy; and WHEREAS, Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family and there are more than 100 varieties in colors such as the traditional red, white, pink, burgundy, marbled, and speckled; and WHEREAS, The Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 70 percent of all poinsettias purchased in the United states and also covers 50 percent of the world-wide sales; and WHEREAS, Poinsettia Day in New York State is meant to call for awareness of and recognition of the importance of the poinsettia plant to New York's heritage and economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 12, 2023, as Poinsettia Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Poinsettia Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.