On October 14, State Senator Julie Koo visited the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) in New York to share her accomplishments over the past two years and seek voter support ahead of the upcoming elections.
Senator Koo emphasized the significance of the CCBA as a representative hub for the New York Chinese community, stating that this venue serves as an ideal platform for engaging with community members. The meeting was attended by key figures, including CCBA President Chao-Jen Chiu, the Taisan Ningyang Association President Kien-Shih Wu, President of the New York Anliang Business Association Yimin Chen, United Democratic Party of Chinatown Chairperson Chung-Ching Shih, and the Executive Director of the New York Prosperous Chinatown Association, Shih-Rui Tian, among others.
Senator Koo outlined her agenda during her tenure, highlighting three main pillars. The first focuses on prioritizing Asian and Chinese voices to ensure that the community’s needs are heard and met. She mentioned her successful efforts in advocating for legislation that secured $30 million annually for Asian community organizations in New York and established an Asian Leadership Development Program at SUNY, designed to help Asian academic talent navigate leadership roles in colleges and represent their communities in the mainstream elite society.
The second pillar addresses community safety, particularly efforts to combat robbery and promote motorcycle safety. Senator Koo shared details about a passed bill aimed at reducing commercial robberies and regulating lithium batteries. Upcoming initiatives she is championing include harsher penalties for reckless drivers and enhanced safety protections for delivery workers. She stressed that community safety is multifaceted; it involves more than just vocal support for the police. A secure community requires a thoughtful allocation of resources to the areas of greatest need, ensuring a hopeful future for everyone.
Her third priority is investing in education. Senator Koo revealed that she has secured $6 million for schools in her district and is currently preparing proposals aimed at higher education institutions.
Reflecting on her journey as a new immigrant who began as a student and subsequently became a community journalist before entering politics, Senator Koo expressed her deep understanding of the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants. She stated that to effect change for the community, it was essential to be part of the system, motivating her to become the first Asian American woman in the New York State Senate.
