Referred to: The Laws, Rules and Government Services Committee (Chairman Kovacs and Legislators Gavaris, Hansut, Harmon, Kitchen, Levine, and Uchitelle)

Chair of the Legislature, Peter J. Criswell, offers the following:

WHEREAS, on February 24th, 2022, the armed forces of the Russian federation launched an unprovoked and illegal invasion of the sovereign democratic nation of Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine has a distinct culture with a long and proud history and an inalienable right to self-determination and security under the United Nations Charter; and

WHEREAS, the United States and Ukraine share a history of fighting for independence and sovereignty, with Ulster County playing a historic role in the American Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Ulster County and the Chernivtsi Region share a commitment to community resilience, cultural exchange, and peaceful collaboration, building strong relationships for a prosperous future; and

 WHEREAS, Ulster County and Chernivtsi will work towards mutually beneficial exchanges in the areas of education, culture, and municipal services; and

WHEREAS, the partnership developed between Ulster County and communities of the Chernivtsi region will strengthen our cultures, society and economies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chair of the Ulster County Legislature and the Ulster County Executive are hereby authorized to sign an agreement with Chernivtsi Region, Ukraine, and any amendments thereto, for shared collaboration as a sister community to Ulster County, New York,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                    NOES:      

Passed Committee: Laws, Rules and Government Services on ________________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE