(Yonkers - October 30th) Democratic Conference Leader, State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins welcomed suppliers to a Minority and Women-Owned Businesses event for Kawasaki Rail Car Inc in Yonkers. Kawasaki is a major employer in her district, and is manufacturing rail and subway cars for the MTA's Metro-North and Long Island Railroad. The Senator explained why it is so important to increase the level of MWBE participation in competitive state contracts, like this one. The state has now raised the bar for MWBE participation from 20% to 30%, and she encouraged contractors to learn about the opportunities that are being made available.