Accomplishments

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Karen’s Record on Economic Development:

  • Authored legislation creating the Greater New Orleans Biosciences Economic Development District–creating the potential for thousands of new jobs
  • Helped ensure funding for workforce development trainings to prepare our citizens for high quality jobs in a diversify economy

Karen’s Record on Reforming Public Schools:

  • Led the effort to secure $22 million funding for institutions of higher education affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
  • Spearheaded legislation to create the Afterschool Enrichment Program and Fund to give kids a safe environment after school
  • Supported the increase in teachers’ pay for our city’s public schools

Karen’s Record on Crime Fighting:

  • Increased pay for police officers and assistant district attorneys to help recruit and retain top-notch law enforcement personnel
  • Provided funds for the Boys & Girls Club and the Cops for Kids Summer Program
  • Supported $6.6 million to better equip the New Orleans Police Department to combat crime

Committee Memberships:

  • Chair, Senate Select Committee Women and Children
  • Immeidate Past Chair, Legislative Women’s Caucus Foundation
  • Judiciary B
  • Insurance
  • Local and Municipal Affairs

Commissioner, Louisiana Bicentennial 2012 Commission

Awards:

  • Legislator of the Year, Citizens and Victims Against Crime
  • Dryades YMCA Black Achievers in Business Award Recipient
  • Black Law Students Association Service Award, Tulane/Loyola Law Students
  • R.E.A.L. Central City Community Award Recipient
  • Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Chairperson’s Award
  • Selected Delegate to Taiwan, American Council of Young Political Leaders
  • Howling for Housing Award, Central City Housing Development Corporation
  • Louisiana Legislature “Rookie of the Year” Award, Gambit Communications
  • Flemmings Fellow, center for Policy Alternatives
  • Ellis B. Smith Community Award of Excellence, Central City Development Corp.
  • Pfizer Health Care Champions Award Recipient
  • Alliance for Good Government, Legislator of the Year Award (Three times!)
  • Louisiana Municipal Association Legislative Award Recipient
  • New Orleans City Business Women of the year Award recipient
  • John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award
  • American Cancer Society’s Legislative Champion Award Recipient
  • Distinguished Leadership Award, American Planning Association