National Latino Advocacy Groups Meet with CHC

National Latino Advocacy Groups Meet with CHC

(Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25269883@N04/sets/72157615006202845/ )

(Washington DC) – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) hosted a roundtable meeting today on Capitol Hill with over 50 national Latino advocacy groups to hear about their concerns and legislative priorities for the 111^th Congress. The morning’s discussion provided an opportunity to discuss how the Hispanic advocacy community can best address the challenges facing this country’s 47 million Latinos and further strengthen Hispanics nationwide. Today’s event is the first and most comprehensive roundtable, preparing for a series of more narrow roundtables centered around particular topics varying from the census, healthcare, and veterans’ issues to ensuring Latinos are included in the emerging green economy.

The group discussed issues ranging from representation of Latinos in the Federal Workforce, to improving resources for colleges and universities, particularly Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Additionally, many groups stressed the importance of preparing for the 2010 Census and ensuring an accurate count of the Latino population in the United States. Other major priorities identified were promoting judicial appointments, particularly the first Latino to the US Supreme Court, and a continued and stronger push for comprehensive immigration reform.

“I was tremendously pleased by today’s gathering of Latino leaders, who came together to discuss the diverse issues impacting our communities across the country.  This is the first of many future meetings, where we will bring together smaller groups of stakeholders to focus on particular issues,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Chair of the CHC. “It was clear from today’s event that these organizations are ready to work to improve the growth, future and opportunity for Latinos across the nation.  Together, the CHC, advocacy groups and the Obama Administration will put the nation on a path that ensures opportunity and equality for Latinos throughout the United States.”

Several Members of the CHC participated, and several other Members of Congress stopped by the gathering. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-8), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-2) greeted the group and reiterated their commitment to working with the CHC.

Congresswoman Velázquez continued, “I sincerely thank and appreciate Speaker Pelosi for taking the time to come by and greet the roundtable. In so doing, she conveyed her commitment to the Latino community and working with the CHC and the organizations on the ground.”

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Hispanic descent.  Since 1976 the CHC has been addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life.  For more information on the CHC, call (202) 225-2410.