NEW YORK, NY –
East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance [EMBCA] presents its “3rd Hellenic American State Legislators Forum” Webinar Panel Discussion on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 2 P.M. EST/ 9 P.M. Athens EEST.
The panel discussion will be introduced and moderated by Lou Katsos, EMBCA’s President. Panelists will include Lou Raptakis, State Senator from Rhode Island; New York State Assemblyman John Lemondes ; Connecticut State Representative Katherine Anna “Tina” Courpas; Pennsylvania State Representative Steven R. Malagari; Connecticut State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw; and Connecticut State Representative Savet Constantine.
“This important bipartisan forum aims to highlight the essential role that state legislators play in shaping the lives of everyday citizens and in influencing broader regional, national, and even international policy. While much political attention is often placed on federal offices, it is at the state level where laws are crafted and implemented on critical issues such as education, public health, transportation infrastructure, housing, economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability. State legislators are in many respects the most direct and accessible representatives of the people, serving as the critical link between government and local communities”, states Lou Katsos adding that:
“Elected legislators are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. They hold regular public meetings, attend community events, and maintain open lines of communication with their constituents. This grassroots connection fosters a sense of trust, transparency, and accountability key components of a vibrant democratic system. It also allows these legislators to craft policies that respond directly to the unique cultural, economic, and social circumstances of their states and districts”.
“In moments of crisis whether natural disasters, public health emergencies, or economic downturns state legislators are often on the frontlines of the response, advocating for swift action, targeted aid, and community-based recovery efforts. Their proximity to the people allows them to assess needs quickly and implement solutions tailored to local realities”, he continues.
In this webinar, the panel will engage directly with Hellenic American bipartisan legislators about their experiences and responsibilities in state government, their role in navigating the evolving landscape of American politics, and their efforts to promote Hellenic values and priorities within their legislative work. The conversation will also touch on their views regarding the recent U.S. national and state elections, and the impact of emerging political trends on governance at all levels.
