Senator Perkins Summer 2016 Newsletter

Sen. Bill Perkins

August 2, 2016

To Fully Enjoy Senator Perkins Summer 2016 Newsletter,

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Below you will find the topics that are enclosed in the newsletter:

Summer Internship: Senator Perkins was honored to recently host a dynamic group of young high school interns from across the world.

The Annual Veterans Resource Fair: This August, our office is proudly hosting the 3^rd Annual Veterans Resource Fair in Harlem, which is structured to provide the opportunity for veterans to connect with a large number of service provider organizations and governmental agencies in one place.

Healthcare as a Human Right: We held two very important events in the first half of this year to build momentum around New York Health (Senate Bill 3525- A): Our Annual Caucus Weekend Workshop—where we focused on the issue of healthcare disparities, specifically in Black and Latino communities; and a Harlem Town Hall Meeting—where we were able to hear from a number of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who have spent their lives putting patients before profits.

Veterans’ Hall of Fame Honoree | Walter E. Bridgers: This year, Walter E. Bridgers of Harlem was proudly named to the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Senator Bill Perkins. Senator Perkins was honored to host him in Albany and herald his impressive accomplishments for all to appreciate.

Woman of Distinction Honoree | Yvonne P. Armstrong: Senator Perkins had the great privilege of honoring Yvonne P. Armstrong—lifelong community activist, dedicated professional and longtime leader of the New York Branch of the NAACP—as his 2016 Woman of Distinction.

Solitary Confinement Reform: We continue to make steady and encouraging progress in the fight to end state-sanctioned torture, in the form of solitary confinement. We held multiple events in Albany this spring to harvest further support for the HALT Solitary Confinement Act (Senate Bill 2659 | Assembly Bill 4401) that I proudly carry with Assemblyman Jeff Aubry.

Standing with Orlando | Ending Gun Violence: Our nation has suffered too much due to the hatred acts of dangerous people who use guns to commit horrific acts of violence. About 89 people die from gun violence in the United Stated every day—this status quo is unacceptable. As we mourn the lives of those killed in Orlando and other incidents of gun violence across the nation, we are finally realizing that it is time to take action!

Giving Back to our Beloved Seniors: Each year, my office endeavors to find new ways to show our appreciation for our beloved senior citizens who are the heart and soul of our community. This year, on May 27, we proudly presented our 4^th Annual Aging Healthy in Harlem Day.

End of Session Report: The recently concluded 2016 Legislative Session saw progress on a number of important items that will positively affect the lives of all those in the 30^th Senatorial District. Highlights include: