Constitution Day: A Conversation with Senator Kevin Thomas

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.

This event is sponsored by the Political Science Department and the Center for Student and Community Engagement.

About the Speaker

Senator Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas was elected in 2018 to represent the 6th District in Nassau County, becoming the first Indian-American in New York history to serve in the State Senate. He currently serves as Chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee and sits on the Banks, Finance, Health, Internet & Technology, Judiciary, and Local Government Committees. Kevin lives in Levittown with his wife, Rincy, his daughter Layla, and their beloved family dog, Sirius.

Kevin immigrated to the United States at 10 years old. His parents never forgot nor took for granted the freedom and opportunities the United States gave them and their children. Their experience motivated Kevin to be an active participant in our democracy, and to give back through public service. Prior to his election, Kevin served as an attorney and civic leader who spent his career fighting for families across New York State. As an appointee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to the New York State Advisory Committee, Kevin worked tirelessly to advance civil rights and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers.

As Chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee, Kevin has been the driving force behind several groundbreaking efforts to strengthen consumer protections and safeguards, including the New York Privacy Act, which aims to make New York the national leader in consumer data protection. In the Senate, Kevin has successfully championed legislation to fight discrimination, protect consumers’ private information from exploitation, expand economic opportunities for Long Island families, and combat the growing student loan debt crisis.

Public safety remains a top priority for Senator Thomas. Since taking office, Kevin has worked closely with community leaders, advocates and gun violence survivors committed to keeping New Yorkers safe–and committed to keeping guns off our streets. In June 2022, he successfully led the fight to raise the purchasing age of semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21 years old. He also passed legislation lowering the minimum number of guns–from 10 to 3 that is required to classify gun trafficking charges as a felony, secured record funding to support law enforcement agencies in Nassau County; and has awarded grant funding to dozens of local non-profit organizations to support their life-saving efforts.

Kevin’s public service is rooted in his belief that all New Yorkers should have the opportunity to pursue the American dream, further their education, participate in our economy, and shape our democracy. Kevin is honored to fight for these opportunities each and every day in the New York State Senate.