“4th Hellenic American Bipartisan State Legislators Forum” Webinar Panel Discussion

Join EMBCA’s “4th Hellenic American Bipartisan State Legislators Forum” on Sunday, August 31, 2025 • 2:00 PM EDT / 9:00 PM Athens EEST. The discussion will be introduced and moderated by Lou Katsos, President of the East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA). Our distinguished panel , currently in formation, will include and Lou Raptakis, State Senator from Rhode Island; Anastasia Travers, Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives; and Republican member of the Connecticut House of Representatives.

State legislators are among the most influential, and often least recognized, public officials in American government. While national attention frequently focuses on Washington, it is the fifty state legislatures that enact many of the laws affecting our daily lives. They shape policy on education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, housing, taxation, economic development, labor, energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and the stewardship of billions of dollars in public resources.

Often called America’s “laboratories of democracy,” state legislatures develop innovative policies that frequently influence national debate. Working closely with their constituents, legislators craft practical, bipartisan solutions to increasingly complex challenges.

This forum will bring together distinguished bipartisan American state legislators of Hellenic descent to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing state government today. Topics will include economic growth, fiscal responsibility, education, healthcare, public safety, housing affordability, infrastructure, immigration, energy policy, artificial intelligence, election administration, and the impact of recent national and state elections on governance across the United States.

The discussion will also examine how state legislators increasingly engage in issues extending beyond their state borders. As American elected officials of Hellenic descent, many bring a unique perspective to U.S.–Greece–Cyprus relations, Israel and the broader Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean security, religious freedom, energy cooperation, cybersecurity, foreign investment, and the future of NATO.

Working with governors, congressional delegations, federal agencies, and national organizations, many American legislators of Hellenic descent have helped strengthen the U.S.–Hellenic strategic partnership, support Greece and Cyprus, promote regional cooperation among the United States, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, and address issues affecting the global Hellenic community. The panel may also discuss regional stability, humanitarian concerns, maritime security, energy corridors, and policy issues affecting the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the proposed sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey.

Many of our panelists are also members of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE–WHIA), a global network of legislators of Hellenic heritage working with the Hellenic Parliament on issues concerning Greece, Cyprus, democracy, human rights, religious freedom, international law, and the Hellenic diaspora.

Whether your interests are public policy, government, Hellenic affairs, or international relations, this forum offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from elected officials shaping legislation, strengthening their communities, and contributing to discussions on domestic policy, U.S. foreign policy, and America’s relationship with the Eastern Mediterranean.

We invite you to join us for what promises to be a timely, informative, and engaging bipartisan discussion.