More than 200 Pennsylvanians will visit their state legislators in Harrisburg on Wednesday, January 30th, for the first annual Statewide Latino Advocacy Day (SLAD). Latino leaders have joined together from all parts of the state and across political parties to call attention to two problems that adversely impact their communities: 1) lack of resources directed toward education in impoverished areas; and 2) increased ethnic tensions due to inflammatory anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislative proposals.
“When Latinos become involved in the legislative process and are active participants in the proceedings of state government, the community begins to see the power that it has,” said Abe Amorós, Political and Communications Director of the PA Democratic Party. “As the fastest-growing population in Pennsylvania, the Latino community needs to assert itself in not only mobilizing more stakeholders but also creating access to more resources.”
Latinos from the Republican Party have also joined the coalition. Robert Nix, Chairman of Pennsylvania’s Hispanic Republican Coalition expressed his concern: “The issues of under-funding education and inflammatory anti-immigrant rhetoric are vexing problems that transcend the politics of Democrats and Republicans. To be heard, we need to put aside partisan politics and all our other differences and work together as one community with one loud voice.”
Congreso de Latinos Unidos, the Pennsylvania Association of Latino Organizations (PALO), and the Eastern North Philadelphia Youth Services Coalition are organizing the event, with participation from over 30 Latino Community Based Organizations (LCBOs). “This is truly an historic event,” stated Margaret Barajas, CEO of PALO, “in which, for the first time, Latinos will come from across the state to jointly address and individually engage their state representatives and senators.”
While there are traditionally some regional and ideological divisions within the Hispanic leadership of Pennsylvania, the political base has increasingly called for greater unity in its leadership around common issues. “This is a new day for the Latino community. We are not only breaking down walls and building bridges within the Latino community, but also with our government and legislative partners,” said Nicholas Torres, President of Congreso, an LCBO based in Philadelphia and part of the organizing coalition. “It is only through partnerships that we will affect change.”
Twelve organizations from the Philadelphia area, including Congreso, will be participating in SLAD. At least 75 individuals ranging from high school youth to senior citizens will be meeting with legislators to voice their concern about immigration issues and the quality of education in Philadelphia.
Statewide Latino Advocacy day will address effects of anti-immigration sentiment and legislation on the Latino population in Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on the effects for legal Latino citizens. Latino advocates will explain to legislators how anti-immigrant sentiment is damaging inter-racial relations and creating hostility in their communities.
Participants will also advocate for the needs of Latino youth in education, and discuss the results from the Education Law Center’s recently released study: “Costing Out the Resources Needed to Meet Pennsylvania’s Public Education Goals.” The study commissioned by the Pennsylvania legislature found that Pennsylvania ranked 46th out of 50 states in providing adequate funding for education. While this is an issue affecting all Pennsylvanians, Latino advocates are especially concerned that the under-funding of education locks the most vulnerable youth into a cycle of poverty.
Event organizers invite individuals and organizations that support these same issues and wish to participate in Statewide Latino Advocacy, to register contact Andrea Morató-Lara at morato@paloweb.org ph: 717-497-2956 or, in Philadelphia, Sarah Cortes at cortess@congreso.net, ph: (215) 763 8870 ext.1538.
1 comment:
This is great! I'm excited to be there tomorrow!
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