Senator James Sanders Jr. Hosts Albany Caucus Bus Trip, Delivers State of the District Address, Presents Economic Development Workshops

February 20, 2019

During his State of the District Address, Senator Sanders spoke about jobs, the environment, the economy, the $13 billion investment at JFK, Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and much more.

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) hosted a free bus trip to Albany for his constituents on February 16, 2019 so they could join him during the 48th Annual Legislative Conference of the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators.

“I am glad that you took the trip down here,” Sanders told attendees. “I am so glad to see so many friends that I know, and so glad to see so many friends that I’m getting to know. I am blessed.”

More than 100 people from the community participated and were Sanders' guests at his State of the District Address. During his speech, Sanders discussed his new position as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, opportunities for MWBE contracting at JFK, the Green New Deal, an environmental bill he recently introduced, the possible legalization of recreational marijuana in New York State, which he opposes, favoring decriminalization instead, and many more issues.

Sanders also hosted two panel discussions - Banking While Black: What Can Be Done to Ensure Equality, where the discussion focused on the various roles of banking and its impact on communities of color; and JFK Mega Projects, which centered on MWBE contracting opportunities and challenges at JFK Airport. He also co-hosted a third workshop, with Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte, titled MWBE: Article-15A. Panelists discussed how to make the Article-15A program stronger and more sustainable as well as new legislation that may be on the horizon.

"I support the renewal of Article 15-A, which is both valuable and necessary in ensuring that state agencies establish employment and business participation goals for minorities and women," Sanders said. "Under those conditions, we must work to ensure that the program is as effective as possible in remedying the State's history of contracting disparities, responsive in addressing new concerns, and is legally sound.”

In addition to the programs offered by Senator Sanders, constituents were able to meet local and state legislators, walk the concourse flea market and enjoy educational and networking opportunities.

We would like to thank our Albany trip sponsors Jeremiah C. Gaffney's Funeral Home, Joseph & Sons Jewelers, Heal the World Pharmacy, Inc., Flowers of Hope, The 400 Foundation, Southern Girls Soul Food, and Flushing Bank.