Three groups of minority state legislators have joined forces to form a super minority caucus in order to improve their effectiveness on issues of concern that they share. The National Caucus of Native American State Legislators, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) formed this new, larger caucus at the Annual Meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures last week. The new caucus will focus on education, health, economic development and immigration issues at the state and federal levels.

“Legislators in these three caucuses represent constituencies who face the same issues–inequities in health care services, failing schools, high drop out rates and few economic and employment opportunities in our communities,” said New York Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, who is president of NHCSL. “By working together, we hope to send a strong message to the federal government and to corporate America that we will fight for our families until all of our needs are met.”

State legislators who were already members of these respective caucuses will automatically be members of the new super minority caucus. There are more than 600 members of the Black caucus, more than 300 members of the Hispanic caucus and 56 members of the Native caucus. These three entities will continue to operate separately, as well as jointly.

Washington Representative John McCoy, who is chair of the Native caucus, agrees that this step will help bring minority issues to the forefront. “In my opinion,” Representative McCoy added, “it will be the rural areas that will get the greatest benefit from the formation of this super minority caucus, but inner-city residents will definitely benefit as well.”

A formal agreement between the caucuses is forthcoming, as certain details are still being worked out.

The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) today announced the call for entries of the “John S. Martinez Excellence in Leadership” Award. The award is named in honor of the late Representative John S. Martinez of Connecticut and former President of the NHCSL.

The “John S. Martinez Excellence in Leadership” Award will be granted annually to a Hispanic elected official currently in office in the United States and currently a member of the NHCSL. The recipient of this award will have a proven track record of public service and strong ties to the community he or she serves. The award will be presented at the NHCSL Fourth National Summit, this year taking place November 16–19, 2006, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Please visit www.nhcsl.org or call 202-434-8070 for eligibility rules and regulations.

 

Rafael Fernandez was elected Chair of the NHCSL Business Board of Advisors (BBA). Fernandez is Vice President of Latin Music at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Q:What is your vision as the new BBA Chair for NHCSL?
A: In advancing the mission of the NHCSL, I envision working closely with the Business Board of Advisors and the NHCSL Executive Board to identify areas of potential growth, resolute unity, and to identify and recruit new member partners. The BBA has a highly talented pool of individuals, each of who is interested in advancing the goals and objectives of the NHCSL. The NHCSL has very professional, career legislators who have made a distinct mark, both in and outside of their respective States. Together, we make up a great organization with the ability and responsibility to affect positive change in Hispanic communities, government and organization’s from around the Country.

Q: Do you have specific goals to help carryout NHCSL's mission?
A:. My first goal is to ensure that communication between the NHCSL and the BBA remains often and continuous. It is extremely important that we all understand the significance of working united toward any cause or goal. The ability to communicate concerns, support and/or feedback on any issues is paramount to ensuring the best course of action will be taken. In addition, the BBA will work closely work with the Executive Board to identify and recruit new members, as well as continuing to engage the participation of all current members.

Q: Why is it important for Corporate America to support NHCSL?
A: I think it goes without saying, but the Hispanic community has increasingly become an influential force with a buying power of consumer products and services well into the trillions of dollars in the US. The Corporate community has realized that by supporting NHCSL, they have a conduit to help with initiatives that give back directly to those communities they do business in. In addition, through NHCSL’s partnerships, the outreach of the organization also extends beyond the Hispanic community.

Q: Where do you see NHCSL in the next 3, 5 and 10 years?
A: The NHCSL has experienced tremendous growth over the last three years. I see the continued growth of members over the next two to four years with actively participating member legislators becoming the primary catalyst for that growth. This will increasingly provide the NHCSL with greater influence and power to address the concerns of the communities they serve. In the five to 10 year ranges, I see the NHCSL as one of the primary advisory organizations on economic and policy issues in United States.

Q: To what do you attribute the success of NHCSL?
A: The success of NHCSL is based partly on the continued support of its founding corporate members, and the commitment of many new and seasoned legislators who have dedicated great time and energy to the mission of the organization. In addition, the Executive Director and experienced staff provide for exceptional support and direction that keeps the NHCSL in motion.

The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) will convene its member Hispanic legislators from across the country with corporate executives, government officials and policymakers at its Fourth National Summit on November 16-19, 2006 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Click here to read the 2005 Summit Review.

The NHCSL Summit expects Hispanic state legislators from across the country, corporate executives, educators, policymakers, and other national, state and local elected officials to participate. Topics of discussion will include a review of NHCSL’s policy priorities in the areas of health, education and immigration. The Summit agenda will also include a plenary session focused on Women’s Health, a Corporate Partner Hearing where senior-ranking officials from corporate America will share their policy priorities and how they address the needs of the Hispanic community, and a dedication ceremony honoring Veterans.

The Summit officially begins with the John S. Martinez Golf Outing to help raise funds for the “John S. Martinez Excellence in Leadership” Scholarship Fund created to help young high school students who aspire to having a political career. The fund was created to honor the legacy of the late, former president of NHCSL, Representative John S. Martinez of Connecticut. The golf outing will be held at the El Dorado Golf Resort in San Juan.

Register on line at www.nhcsl.org or call 202-434-8070 for more information.

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.