[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A TRIBUTE TO LULAC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 4, 1999

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the most 
influential Hispanic civil rights organizations in the United States. 
The League of United Latin American Citizens is celebrating its 70th 
anniversary of service to the Latino community.
  In 1929 LULAC was formed in Corpus Christi, TX. Formed as a 
grassroots self-help organization, LULAC has a distinguished record of 
fighting for Hispanic education, employment and civil rights. Today, 
LULAC's 250,000 members make it the largest Hispanic organization in 
the U.S. Its 600 councils nationwide have been significant in 
empowering Latino communities in Texas, New Mexico, California, 
Florida, Washington, DC and New York.
  Education has always been a chief priority for LULAC, providing more 
than half a million dollars in scholarships for Latino students. LULAC 
National Educational Service Centers serve over 18,000 students with 
counseling and dropout prevention programs. At the same time, its 
commitment to the assurance of equal access has been fundamental in 
LULAC's fight for affirmative action and women's rights.
  In the Hispanic business community, LULAC has been important in 
furnishing training and management expertise, while also providing 
support for economic development. LULAC has also made great strides in 
combating Hispanic unemployment through the development of programs 
like SER-Jobs for Progress and Vocational Training Centers.
  I am proud to represent the city of Santa Ana, which is the home of 
the first LULAC council in California. Its work in my community is 
indispensable. In fact, LULAC was responsible for desegregating Orange 
County Schools in 1946 with Mendez v. Westminister School District.
  I congratulate LULAC for its 70 years of service to Hispanics in the 
United States. Its outstanding work should be an inspiration to other 
Latino leaders and elected officials, especially those here in 
Congress. I applaud LULAC's on its anniversary, and give thanks for all 
its good work.

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