Albany, NY – During the 55th Annual Caucus Weekend Conference held in Albany, Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages joined thousands of individuals, local government officials and residents throughout New York State that attended the conference, hosted by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators.

As Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, Assemblywoman Solages spoke at a number of events, and in addition brought students from Assembly District 22 to the State Capitol for a one-day, free bus trip to engage constituents in community leadership and civic life through increasing community engagement.

Caucus Weekend occurs every February during the state budget process. This year, legislators, policy experts, community organizations and stakeholders from all across New York convened to discuss the legislative priorities of public policy, and advocate for issues facing the various communities of color within New York.

The conference was the largest to date, consisting of over 80 workshops, including networking events and a scholarship gala. Additionally, forums with participating state and municipal leaders were held.

This is the second consecutive year that the Assemblywoman ensured that students from Assembly District 22 and constituents had direct access to the conference by bus from Long Island.

The initiative was sponsored by Haugland Group LLC., Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, and Resorts World.

104 participants, about half of whom were students from Valley Stream Central High School and Elmont Memorial High School, were invited to Albany to participate in discussions around various key issues affecting the state budget, education, economic opportunities and civic participation while witnessing firsthand the impact advocacy has on making policy decisions.

Another highlight during the weekend was the Youth Summit that occurred on Saturday as part of the Annual Legislative Conference. The Summit brought together hundreds young people from across the state, including the aforementioned Nassau County students, for a day of performances, enrichment and educational programming all designed to inspire youth to engage in civic leadership and academic success, as well as included an entertainment performance from Gen Z rapper Cash Cobain.

The Youth Summit was a part of the Caucus’ expanded Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, a new initiative designed to increase both education and economic success for young people while cultivating a future generation of leaders. As part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, the Caucus will host youth-focused events not only during Caucus Weekend, but throughout the year, in communities across New York in collaboration with local organizations.

Other highlights of Caucus Weekend were the Mayoral Forum which included a variety of municipal leaders, including Zohran Mamdani, moderated by Attorney General Letitia James, as a reflection of Caucus commitment to elevating the two-way discussion of state and local leaders.

“In my capacity as the Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, I am passionate about linking state and local government, so all children feel as though they have a place in all aspects of government,” said Assemblywoman Solages. “The District Initiative embodies both of these purposes of the Caucus bringing the Assembly District 22 residents toward the decision-making process today as changemakers, and also providing resources for assistance in raising future leaders. I’m beyond excited to do the same next year and every year after that.”

“At Haugland, we consistently strive to spark deeper civic engagement and local connections in ways that uplift community leaders and forward recognition of community power,” said Rosalie Drago, Vice President of External Affairs & Strategic Engagement at Haugland Group. “Gaining broader perspectives on critical infrastructure, legislative priorities, and regional initiatives only strengthens important community input. We're proud to have partnered with Assemblywoman Solages and send a full bus of students and community members to the 55th Annual NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus conference in Albany. Our goal is and always will be to help ensure that constituents have access to the knowledge, exposure, and experiences that empower them to participate meaningfully in the conversations and decisions that shape their communities.”