Legislators Convene for Policy Symposium
State legislators from across the nation met in Chicago last week for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Annual Legislative Conference.
The NBCSL is composed of over 600 congressional members and represents over 50 million constituents. The organization was found in 1977 by 14 Black legislators who decided to use their collective power to organize the selection of public policy.
On Dec. 7, Illinois Rep. Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest) joined Rep. Joe Armstrong (TN) and Rep. Barbara W. Ballard (KS) for a kick-off press conference.
The legislators met with reporters to discuss the conferences goals.
The conference armed state congressional leaders with legislative ideas to back to their respective Capitols in upcoming legislative sessions.
Rep. Armstrong explained the NBCSLs role in executing policy.
We educate our members by gathering a panel of experts to inform us on critical state issues. We track legislation and actively monitor state and federal policy initiatives, stated Rep. Armstrong.
Conference topics included: urban agriculture, educational disparities and financing large-scale transportation projects.
Rep. Davis, chair, Illinois Black Caucus told the Chicago Citizen he hoped to take back creative ideas to the state legislature.
I am looking forward to innovation, creative ideas whether its on education, businesses [or] funding transportation, he said.
The representative added that the state is currently in void of ingenuity.
Here in Illinois were stagnate, were standing still right now and part of our problem is we lack the creativity, the innovativeness that helps create programs, Rep. Davis said.
The legislator elaborated that if more small businesses are developed and are provided incentives to give ex-offenders jobs; it can decrease prison population and save money.
On Dec. 8, the organization honored The Rev. Al Sharpton with its Humanitarian of the Year Award. The honor was bestowed to Sharpton during the Opening Plenary Breakfast.
In a written statement, Rep. Ballard stated why Sharpton was praiseworthy.
It is only fitting that this years Humanitarian Award honoree is Rev. Al Sharpton. Rev. Sharpton has been fearless and unwavering in his stand for civil rights in this country. Wherever there is suffering or injustice, Rev. Sharpton is there to do battle on behalf of those who are disenfranchised and powerless. We are grateful for his lifelong devotion to the interests of those who cannot speak for themselves, she stated.
by Thelma Sardin
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