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

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) hosted a free bus trip to Albany for his constituents on April 8, 2022 so they could join him for one day during the 51st Annual Legislative Conference of the New York State Association of Black Puerto Rican Hispanic and Asian Legislators which lasted the entire weekend.
 
“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.”
 
Many people from the community participated and were Sanders' guests at his State of the District Address. During his speech, Sanders discussed his position as the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Banks and legislation he has introduced to support the creation of public banks in New York State. He also spoke about increasing contracting opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), encouraging youth engagement in government, many more issues.
 
Sanders hosted two panel discussions at the legislative conference. The first panel was titled The Rebirth of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in New York during the Pandemic. This workshop discussed best practices for MWBEs to acquire contracts with government entities, resources available for MWBEs, and ways MWBEs can stay afloat during the pandemic.
 
Senator Sanders also hosted: The New York State Public Bank: Prioritizing the Community Needs over Corporate Concerns. This workshop discussed how creating a state public bank will address community needs and economic inequities. 

We would like to thank our bus sponsor STIIIZY for covering the transportation.

On Thursday, April 7, 2022, the day before the bus trip, Senator Sanders hosted an MWBE Reception / ”Taste of Africa” / Welcome Reception in conjunction with the Albany County Legislative Black Caucus, Albany Common Council, and the Upstate Black Chamber of Commerce.  

Local elected officials from the Capital Region and various African dignitaries in residence in New York City were invited along with the MWBE community from across the state. There was authentic African food and various forms of entertainment. The theme was: United to Rebuild, Revive, and Thrive.

"This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of African culture," said Senator Sanders. "It was also  a chance for MWBEs to network and learn how to start a business or grow an existing one."

Corey Ellis, President of the Albany Common Council" said: "It is my pleasure to welcome the 51st Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus to Albany. We are excited that the event is being held in person this year. The weekend is set to be a memorable one. I am proud that we have partnered with Senator James Sanders to be a part of the MWBE reception, “A Taste of Africa”. Our coming together for an event such as this brings our statewide elected officials and our local elected officials together to continue to build and work together on establishing strong MWBEs within all of our communities."