 |
|
 As states confront an unprecedented economic crisis and prepare for the largest federal spending initiative in our nation's history, NHCSL is working closely with many of our partners to ensure that real time resources and in-depth info is provided. The NHCSL home page will be showcasing these efforts, so please make sure to visit our website frequently. The Council of State Governments recently launched www.STATERECOVERY.org as a service to help states work through the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). STATERECOVERY.org will provide states with a comprehensive overview of the ARRA as well as ongoing updates and analysis of how states are preparing to implement this historic legislation. The Web site will provide critical information for key policymakers at the state, local, tribal, territorial and federal government levels for determining funding eligibility and ensuring effective implementation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rep. Joseph Miro (DE) was appointed as the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee of the Delaware State Legislature. He was also named Honorary Commander of 356 airlift unit at the Dover Air Force Base in Dover, DE. This appointment is an honor extended to an outstanding civilian in the community for a one year period.
Rep. Minnie Gonzalez (CT) was recently named Majority Whip of the Connecticut State Legislature.
Senator Juan Pichardo (RI) recently took a delegation of business leaders to the Dominican Republic as a part of his efforts to grow local trade opportunities.
TO ALL OUR LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS, please share with us anything new and interesting happening in your respective state.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
To be held in conjunction with NCSL’s Spring Meeting, NHCSL will host its Spring Meeting, in Washington, DC. NHCSL Task Forces will convene on Friday, April 24, 2009, where we will unveil a unique technology based resource for our members. Make sure you sign up for the meeting, and if you are currently not assigned to a task force, reach out to our Task Force Chairs in your designated area of interest.
Economic Development: Senator Juan Pichardo (RI)
Education: Senator Iris Martinez (IL)
Health: Senator Luz Arce (PR)
Immigration: Rep. Ben Miranda (AZ)
Labor: Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (NY)
Please reach out to NHCSL at 202-434-8070 for more info.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Florida International University (FIU) and select elementary schools in the West Dade area are working in partnership with the Children’s Trust to provide after school and summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students and K-Parent informational meetings at FIU. ENLACE’s Miami program drew the interest and attention of our legislators during last year’s Summit in Las Vegas., During this most recent site visit, a handful of our legislators hand the opportunity to see first hand the success of Engaging Latino Communities for Education.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 This past March 4th, the Administration unveiled its plan to attack the credit crisis on all fronts. Defined as a crisis of confidence, capital, and credit, the plan aims to provide avenues to free up credit for business and working families. This very comprehensive plan will include a Capital Assistance Program for banking institutions, a consumer and business lending initiative of up to $1 trillion, housing support and foreclosure prevention, as well as small business and community lending initiatives. As the plan unfolds, NHCSL will be keeping you apprised of the info. For now you can check out more details at www.FINANCIALSTABILITY.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The John S. Martinez Scholarship Fund for Careers in Public Service is now entering its third year. Thanks to the generous support of the Comcast Foundation, this fund is awarded to 12 high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated an interest in careers in public service, have maintained a high GPA, and have been active in their local or student body community. The Fund is targeted to Maryland, Colorado, Illinois, and Florida. Application deadline is May 11, 2009. For more details please visit www.nhcsl.org.
|
|
|
|
 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides approximately $100 billion for education, creating historic opportunity to save hundreds of thousands of jobs, support states and school districts, and advance reforms and improvements that will create long-lasting results for students and the nation as a whole including early learning, K-12, and post secondary education. The guiding principles for the distribution and use of the ARRA funds are as follows: spend funds quickly to save and create jobs, improve student achievement through school improvement and reform, and invest these one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully. More detailed information, including estimated state allocations, can be found at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization.index.html.
|
|
|
 |
 NHCSL would like to thank the Annie E. Casey Foundation for their generous support. Thanks to this funding, we were able to conduct an extensive survey with our legislators on the issue of housing. This funding also made possible our first ever “Housing Symposium: The Impact of the Housing Crisis on Hispanic America” this past November in Las Vegas, NV. After numerous requests from our members, we will be posting findings, best practices, and other presentations that were shared at this event on the NHCSL website in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
|
|
|
|
|
The National
Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is the
preeminent organization representing the interests of 300
Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths,
and territories of the United States. Founded in 1989 as a
nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3, NHCSL is a catalyst and
advocate for joint action on issues of common concern, such
as health, education, immigration, homeownership and
economic development to all segments of the Hispanic
community. NHCSL also works to design and implement policies
and procedures that will impact the quality of life for
Hispanic communities; serves as a forum for information
exchange and member networking; an institute for leadership
training; a liaison with sister U.S. Hispanic organizations;
a promoter of public/private partnerships with business and
labor; and a partner with Hispanic state and provincial
legislators and their associations representing Central and
South America. For more information visit
www.nhcsl.org |
 |
|
|
|
