La Plaza

SUGAR PATHWAYS began in the spring of 2000, nearly a year after two 500-pound bombs went astray on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, killing a native civilian employee, David Sanes, and injured four others. This incident led to an uproar that was captured by international media and drew world activists to protest the bombing practices on Vieques. Continue Reading »

Washington, DC – Today, the Democratic National Committee unveiled a video entitled “Stand with Sotomayor” that highlights the grassroots energy and enthusiasm for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, whose confirmation hearings start next week in the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The video contains photos from across the country of people showing their support for Judge Sotomayor and contains images of many historical and iconic American landmarks.  The DNC received thousands of photo submissions through its Action Center providing people with an opportunity to show their support for Judge Sotomayor. To go to the Action Center, please click here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/standwithsotomayor?source=feature. Continue Reading »

As the health care debate continues and policies begin to form, one very large portion of the American population has been continually left out of the discussion. Of the numerous proposals presented thus far, not one has included coverage or even addressed the issue of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Continue Reading »

Senator Charles Schumer who is the lead Democrat on the issue says that he expects to have an immigration bill ready by Labor Day. The bill will be more favorable to highly skilled immigrant workers than lower skilled workers and tough on illegal immigration. Continue Reading »

Seventeen years after the case was initially filed, the US Supreme Court, just prior to recessing, ruled in favor of students who are English Language Learners (ELL) by affirming a state’s obligations to provide services to these students. Continue Reading »

Earlier this week, the National Education Association (NEA) announced Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico the recipient of their “Greatest Education Governor” award. This annual award is presented to those governors who are proponents of pro-public education reforms. Continue Reading »

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced an expansion of the E-verify program by making it a requirement for any company which is awarded a federal contract. The E-verify system allows employers to check social security numbers against a federal data base to confirm a person’s eligibility to legally work in the US. Continue Reading »

According to a study conducted by the Ariel Education Initiative and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, fewer African-Americans and Hispanics participate in 401 (k) plans, and those that do contribute less than their white counterparts. The study, which is the largest and most comprehensive examination of 401(k) saving and investment behaviors, is based on an analysis of nearly 3 million employees across 57 large, primarily Fortune 500 companies in the United States. Continue Reading »

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following joint statement in response to the current situation in Honduras:

“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus calls on Roberto Micheletti and those responsible for the removal of President Zelaya to respect the rule of law and restore the constitutional order. While there may be honest differences of opinion on how to govern, the constitution of Honduras must not be disregarded. We fully support the efforts made by the Organization of American States, and we encourage our government to take the necessary diplomatic steps to ensure a peaceful restoration of the democratically elected government in Honduras.”

Congressional Hispanic Caucus

“Your daughter is not college material. Maybe she should follow the career of her older sister and become a secretary.” These were the words Labor Secretary Hilda Solis often remembers. This is what her high school guidance counselor told her mother. Continue Reading »