[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22892]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO THE LATINO COMMUNITY IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, in observance of Hispanic Heritage 
Month, I rise today to pay tribute to the growing, enterprising and 
dynamic Latino community.
   Today, you need only look at recent statistics to recognize the 
growing influence of the Latino community.
   This year, the Latino population has grown to more than 45 million 
people in the United States. By 2050, the Latino population is 
projected to go up to 132 million, constituting 30 percent of the 
Nation's population.
   Economically, Latinos own more than 1.6 million businesses in the 
country, generating $222 billion in revenue at a growth rate that is 
triple the national average. In addition, by 2010, the purchasing power 
of the Latino community is projected to skyrocket from 600 billion to a 
trillion dollars. Clearly, this proven work ethic and an 
entrepreneurial spirit will enable Latino businesses and workers to 
play an even bigger role in sustaining and strengthening our Nation's 
economy in years to come.
   Politically, Latinos are making significant gains, especially as 
representation in elected offices at all levels of government continues 
to increase. Currently, according to the National Association of Latino 
Elected and Appointed Officials, more than 6,000 Latinos are providing 
leadership in elected and appointed offices throughout the country.
   While I am very proud of the many Latino leaders who are standing up 
for their communities by assuming important positions of leadership, we 
must keep working to increase our representation. According to a new 
report compiled by the University of Denver, the number of Latinos 
holding public office is disproportionately low given that the Latino 
population is the largest minority group. The report states, ``Very few 
Latinos have ever been appointed to serve in high-ranking posts or 
cabinet positions. No Latino has ever been appointed to the Supreme 
Court. Only during the last twenty years have Latino leaders begun to 
occupy cabinet positions . . . A handful of Latinos have held such 
positions . . . Still, the participation of Latinos in the 
administration is below what should be expected relative to the 
population.''
   Without question, the commitment of Latino leaders to equity in this 
country has inspired all of us to do the work that we do with heart and 
compassion. I am inspired by the words of the late Chicana author, 
Gloria Anzaldua, who wrote, ``The possibilities are numerous once we 
decide to act and not react.''
   On May 1, 2006, Latinos came out by the millions and took to the 
streets stating, ``Today we march, tomorrow we vote.'' They kept their 
promise and in the November 2006 election, the country saw the largest 
turnout of Latino voters for a midterm election. This November, with 
the growing population and increased numbers of registered voters, the 
Latino community will have a vital role in selecting the new president 
of the United States. According to the University of Denver report, 93 
percent of Latino registered voters plan to vote in the upcoming 
election.
   With increasing political clout in the halls of State legislatures 
and in the voting booth, Latinos will continue to be agents of social 
and political change in this country.
   For example, since the start of the 110th Congress under the 
leadership of the new Democratic majority, Congress has passed key 
legislation that directly benefits the Latino community. Congress 
authorized Recovery Rebates that went out to 130 American households--
including many Latino households--to help revitalize the economy. 
Congress increased in the minimum wage, directly benefiting 2.3 million 
Latinos over the next several years. Congress increased unemployment 
benefits at a crucial time when the Latino unemployment rate was at 8 
percent. More recently, Congress reauthorized the Higher Education Act, 
an important piece of legislation that will help many Latino students 
pursue a higher education.
   Under Democratic leadership, Congress has made strides in addressing 
the needs of Latino families. But we must not rest. This election cycle 
provides all of us in the Latino community with a critical opportunity 
to move our agenda forward. With responsive representation in all 
levels of government including the Executive Branch, the Latino 
community can better use its leverage to make progress on key 
priorities. These priorities include increased access to high quality 
education, greater access to quality health care and comprehensive 
immigration reform.
   As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, I ask my colleagues to please 
join me in recognizing the growing political empowerment and activism 
in the Latino community. Now more than ever, we must work together, 
organize, and, above all, vote, to make our voices heard this November.

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