On October 19, a distinguished group of New York state officials and union leaders joined U.S. Congressman Danny Davis to conduct a spirited one-hour dialogue on the need for a National Infrastructure Bank. Over thirty leaders from around New York state heard opening remarks from Congressman Danny Davis of Illinois, the lead sponsor of the legislation, HR 3339. 

Following Congressman Davis’ stirring remarks, over a dozen of the officials spoke passionately on the need for Congress to now consider the Davis legislation. The dialogue was conducted under the direction of Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Mary Jane Shimsky, who also weighed in with her own observations. 

Watch the video here.

Participants:

Moderator: Mary Jane Shimsky, Majority Leader, Westchester County Board of Legislators, Dobbs Ferry

Congressman Danny Davis, (D-7^th), Chicago, Illinois

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, former Assistant Speaker, New York State Assembly, Albany

Thomas Carey, President, Westchester-Putnam Counties Central Labor Board, AFL CIO, White Plains

Merton Simpson, Albany County Legislator, District 2, Albany

Assemblyman Chris Burdick, New York State Assembly, District 93

Beroro Efekoro, Albany County Legislator, District 7, Albany

Sam Fein, Chair, Social Services Committee, Albany County Legislator, District 6, Albany

Joyce Love,  Albany Common Councilwoman

Patricia Riley, Peekskill Common Council 

Ruth Walter, Chair, Environment and Health Committee, Westchester County Board of Legislators, District 15, Bronxville

David Donaldson, Chairman, Ulster County Legislature, Kingston

Ydanis Rodriguez, New York City Councilman, Chair Committee on Transportation, District 10 

Alphecca Muttardy, Macro Economist, 25 years of experience, International Monetary Fund, Fairfax, Va

Michael O'Brien, Albany Common Councilman 

Carolyn McLaughlin, Chair, Social Services Elder Care Committee, Albany County Legislator District 1