[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 173 (Thursday, October 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1436-E1437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE SAN BENITO COUNTY LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2017

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the San Benito 
County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) on the occasion 
of its thirty-year anniversary. For three decades, San Benito County 
LULAC has worked to advance civil and political rights and open 
economic opportunity to the Latino population of San Benito County. 
Founded in 1987, LULAC was the first organization whose primary 
objective was the advancement of civil and political rights for the 
Latino community. Since its founding, San Benito County's LULAC chapter 
has regularly mobilized its members to defend the rights of Latinos and 
to establish a forum for discussing community issues. They have made 
great progress in achieving these goals.
   At the core of LULAC's mission is the belief that education is the 
foundation for the growth and success of the Latino community. San 
Benito County LULAC sponsors numerous educational initiatives in 
support of its mission to advance the academic opportunities of the 
Latino community. One such initiative is the Young Adult Council. Since 
its formation in 1989, San Benito County LULAC's Young

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Adult Council has been instrumental in advancing the achievements of 
Latino students across the county by providing scholarships to over 175 
students. The Young Adult Council works to provide the same support to 
its student members enrolled in universities and higher learning 
institutions throughout the state of California. Similarly, San Benito 
County LULAC's Young Readers Program works to promote reading 
comprehension skills within the Latino community. San Benito County 
LULAC's dedication to promoting educational success and opportunity 
helps make the American dream accessible to all.
   In addition to its educational initiatives, San Benito County LULAC 
also works to encourage civic engagement among the Latino community in 
the county. One example is their voter registration drive, which drives 
greater participation in local races and local politics. Encouraging 
political engagement also helps defend Latino voting rights. San Benito 
County LULAC provides the Latino community of San Benito County with a 
valuable platform to discuss their needs and concerns.
   For three decades, San Benito County LULAC has stood as a beacon for 
a large portion of the Latino community in my district. The 
organization's 30 years of work have been indispensable in making the 
American dream a reality for many people in my district. I would like 
to commend them for setting an example of community service in our 
district for 30 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to 
join me in congratulating the San Benito County League of United Latin 
American Citizens for 30 years of excellence and service.

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