Latino leaders release State of the Union policy priorities
January 25, 2011, 8:34 pm

WASHINGTON, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the eve of the State of the Union address by President Barack Obama, representatives of three of the nation's leading Latino organizations issued a set of policy priorities they would like the President to address in his State of the Union speech before Congress. These policy priorities represent key issues facing Hispanics in the areas of Education, Health Care, Immigration, Social Security, and Economic Empowerment.

The Hispanic Federation, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) are urging Congress and the President to work with Latino leaders to effectively address these concerns and to ensure that the wellbeing of the Latino community is being addressed.

Many of the priorities reflect the same concerns of communities throughout the country. However, Latino communities have been particularly hard hit by the recession and the President and Congress should commit to providing the additional resources to communities that are in most need of help. "Our Latino communities are still in a severe recession," stated Margaret Moran, LULAC National President. "The President and Congress must target federal programs to those areas that have borne the brunt of our economic slump."

"Strategies to build a better future for America must directly contribute to the progress and prosperity of the burgeoning Latino community. The priorities we have outlined are ultimately complementary and merit immediate attention by both Congress and the Administration," stated Milton Rosado, National President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).

"The President has moved certain federal programs and initiatives that stand to benefit the Latino community such as health care reform and certain financial consumer protections. Our community cannot afford to lose these positive gains," stated Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez, President of the Hispanic Federation. "We seek an aggressive approach by the Congress and White House to close the Latino education gap, meet the workforce development needs for the 21st Century and finally pass comprehensive immigration reform."