[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY PUERTO RICAN/HISPANIC TASK 
                                 FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 10, 1998

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the New York State Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task 
Force on the eve of their 11th Annual Conference.
  This Task Force has brought together a large network of government 
officials, community leaders and service providers who share a common 
goal: improving the quality of life for our Hispanic population in New 
York. It has managed to draw on the strengths of its participants to 
move forward and knock down the continued barriers of bias and 
discrimination.
  With great tenacity, the Task Force has fought for and won a number 
of battles on behalf of Hispanic constituencies. From identifying 
problems of access by Spanish speaking women to domestic abuse services 
to uncovering the tracking of Hispanic students in New York schools. 
Always, and with great success, they have found legislative solutions 
to these problems that have served to improve and protect the rights of 
all New Yorkers.
  This years' annual legislative meeting will certainly bring to the 
fore some very important issues facing the Hispanic communities in New 
York. As our state legislature begins to work on issues such as the 
evolvement of managed care, education reform and economic opportunity, 
the debate will no doubt be enhanced by the contributions to be made by 
this Task Force. In fact, all communities will be better served by 
having an inclusive rapport on these important topics.
  I ask my fellow colleagues if I may take this opportunity to commend 
this fine organization for its leadership and resolve. May the Puerto 
Rican/Hispanic Task Force continue its admirable task to ensure equal 
access, true representation and opportunity for all constituencies in 
New York.

                          ____________________