State Senator Kevin Parker Joined The Council of State Governments (CSG) For Their 57th Annual Meeting And Regional Policy Forum

Brooklyn, NY (8/14/17)- On Sunday August 13th, State Senator Kevin Parker joined  the Council of State Governments (CSG) for their 57th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum. The CSG Regional Policy Forum was designed to provide a space where regional policy makers and stakeholders can discuss and share best practices that guide lasting sustainable public policies that will be beneficial for communities of color. This year’s forum was held at the Mohegan Sun Hotel in Uncasville, Connecticut. During the forum  Senator Kevin Parker provided welcoming remarks and presided over a panel titled “Climate Change and Communities of Color.” The panel was composed of industry thought leaders such as Charles D. Ellison, Washington Correspondent for the Philadelphia Tribune, Dr. Serpil Guan, Director of EcoComplex at Rutgers University and Senator Marvin Blyden, from the U.S Virgin Islands.

“The green collar industry is extremely vital, not only does it help to preserve our environment but it produces more jobs, primarily within communities of color,” said State Senator Kevin Parker. “I was proud to preside over such an innovative panel and discuss  real solutions and effective ways to ensure we are bringing about a solar energy future”, concluded the Brooklyn lawmaker.

"Climate change and the health of our environment is not an afterthought or a debate that’s only relevant to certain communities. Black and Brown population, especially, are on the front lines of climate change as the most disproportionately impacted by climatic weather disruptions, air pollution, water contamination and chronic disease triggered by these conditions.  That’s why I applaud Senator Kevin Parker for making climate change a top priority and moderating this wonderful and much-needed conversation. We need more legislators doing this: encouraging passionate talk on how we actively protect our communities, build economic opportunities for marginalized populations, and keep our future intact through the preservation of our planet. Many kudos to Senator Walker and CSG for bringing us all together to shed light on this vital topic,”  said Charles D. Ellison, Executive Producer/Host WURD radio (Philadelphia) and Contributing Editor for TheRoot.com

"As the Director of Rutgers Eco-Complex, I understand the importance of promoting economic development in the environmental and alternative energy innovation areas, especially for underserved communities. During the panel, State Senator Kevin Parker discussed innovative ideas that will help bring more green collar job opportunities to communities, similar to the ones he represents. I applaud Senator Parker for working hard to bridge the gap between alternative energy and underserved communities ." said Dr. Serpil Guran, Director - Rutgers EcoComplex

"The Council of State Governments (CSG) Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum  offers an unique opportunity for elected officials across the various States to come together and discuss progressive legislative ideas that can benefit the different  communities they represent. It was a pleasure to have State Senator Kevin Parker support the forum, and share his remarks around climate change and communities of color. As the Ranking Democratic Member on the  New York State Senate Energy and Telecommunications committee, his insight on how communities of color can benefit from a Green Economy were well received”, said Debbie-Ann Paige, CSG Coordinator- Eastern Regional Quad Cauc

About State Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse Brooklyn district comprised of sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush,Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope.  A lifelong Brooklyn resident, he is the Ranking Democratic Member on the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, as well as the Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Senator Parker is the Whip of the Senate Democratic Conference; Member of the Senate Democratic Conference Policy Group; Member of the Senate Select Committee on Technology & Innovation; and Member of the Senate Democratic Minority and Women-Owned Business Task Force (MWBE).

For the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, Senator Parker serves on the Senate Standing Committees on Finance; Rules; Higher education; Labor; Insurance, and Banks.

To learn more about Senator Parker and his initiatives on behalf of working families across New York State, please visit www.nysenate.gov/senators/kevin-s-parker