Colorado State Senator Larry Trujillo, who was then Colorado Senate Minority Leader, founded the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) in 1989 as a non partisan, 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, representing over 300 elected Hispanic State legislators through out the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Since its founding, the NHCSL's primary mission has been to organize Hispanic state legislators who advocate on behalf of Hispanic communities across the United States.

The NHCSL continues to be a leader in the fight for additional resources at all levels of government. Hispanics nationwide can benefit from better housing, education, healthcare, and business opportunities in both the public and private sectors. We work on your behalf with Congress and the White House to influence and direct these important national priorities.

WHAT WE DO
The NHCSL is the preeminent organization serving and representing the interests of Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of the United States. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for joint action on issues of common concern to all segments of the Hispanic community; a forum for information exchange and member networking; an institute for leadership training; a liaison with sister U.S. Hispanic organizations throughout the country; a promoter of public/private partnerships with business and labor; and a partner with Hispanic state or provincial legislators and their associations representing Central and South America.

The NHCSL provides technical assistance and resources that will help legislators propose legislation and administrative actions to achieve a better quality of life. Our efforts focus on advancements in education, healthcare, housing, economic development, criminal justice, and employment and job training for the Hispanic community.

The NHCSL advocates for the appointment of Hispanics to positions of influence in all levels and branches of government, which will positively impact public policy for Hispanics. We also advocate for the hiring and promotion of Hispanics to positions of influence in the private sector.

WE HAVE ALREADY BEGUN
In November of 2001, the NHCSL held its First Annual Legislative Summit in Puerto Rico. Over 75 legislators participated, along with representation from the corporate, government and non-profit sectors and we created a framework for a National Hispanic Agenda. In addition to discussion of many policy items, we established the NHCSL scholarship fund to increase our ability to support legislators when they need to attend NHCSL events and activities. Since then, NHCSL continues to serve its legislators through the National Summit which has gained the attention of national policymakers, government officials, corporate America and other nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.

Delaware State Representative
Joseph E. Miró
President
Rep. Miro Bio

Elizabeth Burgos
NHCSL Executive Director

OUR OBJECTIVES

• To improve the effectiveness of Hispanic legislators to positively impact public policy and the quality of life for all segments of the Hispanic Community.

• To inform and educate legislators, the government and the public on topics and issues affecting the Hispanic Community, including, but not limited to educational programs and initiatives, conferences, workshops, symposia, newsletters, research studies and personal contacts.

• To propose legislation and administrative actions to reduce and eliminate obstacles to the achievement of a better quality of life and advancements in education, health care, housing, economic development and reciprocity, criminal justice and employment and job training for the Hispanic Community.

• To advocate for the appointment of Hispanics to positions of influence in all levels and branches of government which will positively impact public policy for Hispanics.

• To advocate for the hiring and promotion of Hispanics to positions of influence in the private sector.

• To inform, educate and promote the active participation of Hispanics in the political and electoral process within their communities and the promotion of their diverse and rich cultures, heritages and languages.

• To work toward the achievement of the above goals through NHCSL initiatives and in cooperation with participating and supportive corporations and businesses, governmental agencies, labor and civic organizations, and associations, individuals and other active entities.