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November 5, 2009
Contact: Jason Llorenz
202-434-8070
NHCSL ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR SEVENTH NATIONAL SUMMIT OF HISPANIC STATE LEGISLATORS IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA
Leaders gather to address issues facing states and the Latino community
Washington, DC – The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) today announced the schedule of events for its seventh national summit, Building Bridges and Closing Gaps: 20 Years of Leadership. “This summit proudly culminates NHCSL’s second decade in existence. We are thrilled to host legislators from over 20 states and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico in beautiful Santa Monica, California,” said NHCSL Executive Director, Liz Burgos. The summit runs November 19th -22nd.
“The NHCSL summit is the forum for Hispanic legislators to build policy solutions, address issues and strengthen our advocacy, said Rep. Joseph Miro (DE), NHCSL President.
The seventh national summit features sessions built around the key issues of the day: federal health care reform; H1N1 and Latino public health; immigration; and broadband internet adoption. Confirmed guests include California Senate Majority Leader, Dean Florez, California Latino legislative Caucus Chair, Gilbert Cedillo, Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger (tentative) among many state leaders from around the country.
Register at www.nhcsl/summit2009.
Summit Schedule:
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
3:30PM Legislative taskforce meetings (closed meetings)
6:30PM Welcome reception
Friday, November 20th, 2009
8AM “F” As in Fat: Policy Options to Address Hispanic Obesity
Overview: The rate of obesity and related health concerns is rising quickly in the Latino community. Along with rates of obesity come increases in diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain and depression, making obesity a critical concern for Hispanics. Many morbidly obese people require life-saving interventions – exercise and diet alone may not be enough. Several states have taken steps to address this issue. The disparities will be addresses and policy options presented.
9:15AM Latino Health Disparities In The Age of Contagious disease: Options, Risks and Best Practices
Overview: The H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak is the latest threat to vulnerable communities. Yet H1N1 is only the latest challenge to a community threatened by severe health disparities. In this briefing, legislators will receive an update on the H1N1 vaccine and participate in a comprehensive discussion of the policy options available to help communities to combat chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases. Best practices will be shared for states and communities in making life-saving therapies accessible and increasing the status of Latino health. Policy options will be discussed in the context of NHCSL legislators’ ongoing work in the area of health disparities.
11:30AM Health Care Reform Lunch Plenary
Overview: This lunch plenary will feature state and national policy leaders discussing the main elements of federal health care reform, including the major elements of the competing House and Senate bills, the issues to be resolved and consequences of policy to state legislators.
1:15PM Broadband En Accion: Broadband and Latino Communities
Overview: NHCSL’s Broadband en Accion summit session engages Hispanic state legislators in the policy, economic development and community engagement opportunities provided by broadband technology. Summit speakers will address the policy considerations in broadband adoption and access, regulatory issues, and the importance of Broadband to the development of the Latino community in a connected, global society.
Afternoon Special Immigration Movie Screening
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
9:00AM Executive Committee Meeting (Elections, resolutions and other executive committee business)
6:30PM Noche De Celebracion (Inauguration of newly elected NHCSL leadership)
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The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.
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