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No Recess in August: NCLR, Affiliates and Community Partners Ramp Up Immigration Reform Efforts

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Joseph Rendeiro
(202) 776-1566
jrendeiro@nclr.org

On the ground, on the phone and online, activists put immigration reform front and center

With Congress set to return to Washington in just a few short weeks, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and its network of nearly 300 community organizations have joined forces with partners across the nation to ramp up efforts during the August recess to build support for comprehensive immigration reform. The vast majority of Americans, including an overwhelming majority of Latino voters, agree that immigration reform with a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans is in the best economic and social interest of the country. And, with the Senate having already passed a bipartisan bill earlier this year, the fate of reform now lies in the hands of the House of Representatives.

“With our Affiliates and local partners, we are taking every opportunity possible to engage congressional representatives and send a clear message that their constituents demand a rational solution to fix our broken immigration system,” said Clarissa Martínez-De-Castro, Director of Immigration and Civic engagement at NCLR. “From an economic, moral and political perspective, this is a no-brainer.”

NCLR and its Affiliate Network have focused on areas with high Latino populations, some of those in congressional districts where members of Congress have been reluctant to state their support for reform. Just today, 28 members of Congress received letters from 37 of NCLR’s prominent Affiliate organizations and community partners as part of an effort to help educate them about the values of passing the reform bill.

Among the month’s activities:

• FROM CALIFORNIA TO FLORIDA—NCLR Affiliates and community partners held in-district visits with the offices of Rep. Darrell Issa (R–Calif.), Rep. Cory Gardner (R–Colo.), Rep. Daniel Webster (R–Fla.), Rep. Jeff Denham (R–Calif.), among others. Líderes Campesinas, an Emerging Latino Communities grantee in California, initiated a phone bank in Rep. Gary Miller’s (R–Calif.) district that led to over 100 constituent calls into the congressional office to highlight the importance of reform. NCLR joined its Affiliate organization El Concilio and dozens of community and student groups in a two-day march from Bakersfield to Sacramento that will culminate this Friday with a forum featuring Rep. Jeff Denham (R–Calif.) as a keynote speaker.

• FROM TEXAS TO NORTH CAROLINA—NCLR, its Affiliate Southwest Key Programs and other community partners will hold an immigration forum today in the city of Austin—home to the congressional districts of Rep. Michael Mccaul (R–Texas) and Lloyd Doggett (D–Texas). El Pueblo, an Emerging Latino Communities grantee in North Carolina, joined with the Latino Coalition of Randolph County to hold a rally in front of the offices of Rep. Renee Ellmers (R–N.C.), urging support for reform.

• In Washington, D.C., NCLR has been working with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and meeting with Democratic and Republican leadership and members to advance reform. During the recess blitz, NCLR has met with 20 congressional offices, with many more visits scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

• NCLR and its Affiliate organizations have taken to social media and online platforms to share the stories of families affected by our current broken immigration system and to bring attention to the important moral, economic and political imperatives to pass reform.

“There is unprecedented momentum behind immigration reform, and it has only intensified since passage of bipartisan legislation in the Senate,” added Martínez-De-Castro. “Our Affiliates and community partners are enthusiastic, engaged and ready to push reform past the finish line. Every segment of America is represented in the forces pushing for reform—civil rights, law enforcement, business, faith, labor groups—and it is time for the House to heed that call: America deserves a vote.”

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NCLR Applauds Proposed FCC Order in Support of Fair and Reasonable Prison Phone Rates

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566

NCLR (National Council of La Raza) expressed appreciation today for the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission) proposed action to provide relief for millions of families by helping them maintain contact with family members in prison. The FCC voted 2–1 at a meeting last Friday on a plan to cap prison phone charges at fairer and more affordable rates.

“This long-awaited FCC action is fair, balanced and an important first step in righting an egregious wrong—the unconscionably high phone rates many families pay to stay in touch with their loved ones in prison. These rates—which often exceed the cost of international calls—are not economically justifiable as the cost of doing business or, more importantly, morally justifiable given the undue financial burden they put on some of the most vulnerable families in our nation,” said Jennifer Ng'andu, Director of Health and Civil Rights Policy Projects, NCLR.

“This proposal not only provides a measure of justice for these families, but is also in the best interests of our country. Studies show that maintaining strong ties to family and community is a major factor in both a successful rehabilitation process and reducing recidivism,” continued Ng'andu.

“We are very proud to have been part of a coalition of civil rights and media organizations that for the past several years has brought together individuals and groups from across the ideological spectrum to urge the FCC to act on a petition that has languished for more than a decade. We are especially grateful to Acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn, as this action would likely not have been possible without her leadership or without the support of Commissioner Rosenworcel.”

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NCLR and Its Network of Affiliate Groups Rally in California for Immigration Reform

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Camila Gallardo
(305) 215-4259
cgallardo@nclr.org

NCLR, El Concilio, Parent Insitute for Quality Education (PIQE), and Visionary Home Builders among organizations working to promote reform

LOS ANGELES—The August congressional recess has been anything but a break for immigration activists around the country who are making a strong push to educate members of Congress about the critical importance of passing comprehensive immigration reform. As part of two days of coordinated activities by PICO California, student groups and community-based organizations, including many of NCLR’s Affiliate groups, thousands of Latinos participated in meetings with members of Congress, marched and rallied in cities across the state to demand justice be restored to our immigration system.

Comprehensive immigration reform is vital for many Latino voters who have stepped up their efforts within recent months to shore up support for successful passage of a reform bill many believe is closely tied to ensuring future economic prosperity for the state and the nation. In a culmination of the week’s events, leaders will host a joint forum and press event to make the case for reform. Among the key speakers addressing attendees during the press event will be Rep. Jeff Denham (R–Calif.).


MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: 
Among the featured presenters are:
Rep. Jeff Denham (R–Calif.) (to speak at 7:30 p.m. PDT)
Jose R. Rodriguez, President and CEO, El Concilio, Council for the Spanish Speaking
Mark Silverman, Director of Immigration Policy, Immigrant Legal Resource Center
DREAMer students, and many more

WHAT:
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Forum and Press Conference

WHEN:
Friday, August 16, 2013
Forum begins at 6:00 p.m. PDT
Press Conference begins at: 7:30 p.m. PDT

WHERE:
Sacred Heart Church
529 I Street
Patterson, CA 95363


NOTE: Speakers will be available for interview prior to and following the event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Camila Gallardo, Associate Director, Communications, NCLR, to arrange an interview opportunity.

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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Congresista Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, NCLR y Grupos de la Florida Discutirán Impacto del “Sequester

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                Contacto:
20 de agosto, 2013                                                       Camila Gallardo
                                                                                        (305) 215-4259
                                                                                        cgallardo@nclr.org
 

CONFERENCIA DE PRENSA

MIAMI, FL—Mañana, a las 10:00 a.m., la Congresista Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) se unirá al NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés), Hispanic Unity, Amigos for Kids, Meals on Wheels, y South Florida Voices para discutir la presente y el futuro impacto en  las familias del sur de la Florida de los recortes al presupuesto federal bajo el llamado ‘sequester’. 

Al no poder llegar a un acuerdo el año pasado sobre el presupuesto federal, los recortes automáticos bajo el sequester resultaron en una reducción en presupuesto de más de 1 trillón de dólares a programas vitales en los campos de la educación, desarrollo de empleo, e investigaciones.  Los hispanos y otros grupos minoritarios han sido desproporcionadamente afectados por estos recortes—setenta mil niños no podrán asistir a preescolar bajo el programa Head Start este año—dado a que los niños latinos constituyen más de 30 por ciento de los estudiantes en el programa.  Recortes a programas de ayuda en las ciencias y matemática para los niños de bajos ingresos también afectará a más de 1 millón de estudiantes—37 por ciento de ellos son hispanos. 

Además de los recortes en programas educacionales, también los programas de desarrollo de empleo y de nutrición ya han comenzado a sentir los efectos del sequester, incluyendo aquellos que reparten comida a las familias de bajos ingresos y las personas de mayor edad.  El Programa de Meals on Wheels en el condado de Broward ha sufrido recortes que los han forzado a cortar mucha de la ayuda que daban a los más vulnerables de nuestra comunidad. 

 

AVISO A LA PRENSA

QUÉ:                Impacto de Sequestration y Los Recortes Al Presupuesto Federal en las Familias Hispanas

QUIÉNES:       Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL)
                        Felipe Pinzon, VP of Programs, Hispanic Unity of Florida
                        Rosa Plasencia, President & CEO, Amigos for Kids
                        Kit Rafferty, Executive Director, South FL Voices for Working Families
                        Mark Adler, Executive Director, Broward Meals on Wheels

CUÁNDO:        Miércoles, 21 de agosto, 2013 
                         10:00 am

DÓNDE:            NCLR Miami Office
                         2915 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 210 (segundo piso)
                          Miami, FL 33137

 El Consejo Nacional de la Raza (NCLR) es la organización nacional más grande de apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles en los Estados Unidos que trabaja para mejorar las oportunidades de los hispano-americanos. Para más información sobre NCLR, visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter

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Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, NCLR and Florida Groups to Highlight Impact of Sequester

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         Contact:
August 20, 2013                                                           Camila Gallardo
                                                                                      (305) 215-4259
                                                                                      cgallardo@nclr.org

PRESS CONFERENCE

MIAMI—Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D–Fla.) will meet with NCLR (National Council of La Raza), Hispanic Unity of Florida, Amigos For Kids, Broward Meals on Wheels and South Florida Voices for Working Families to discuss the current and future impact of sequestration on Latino families in South Florida, followed by a press conference.

Congress failed to reach a budget deal earlier this year, resulting in over $1 trillion in automatic, arbitrary budget cuts—known as the sequester—to vital educational, research and job development programs.  Hispanics and other minorities have been disproportionately impacted by those cuts.  Recent estimates show that 57,000 preschoolers will be cut from Head Start this coming year, many of whom are Latino schoolchildren, who make up one-third of the program’s students.  Cuts to programs that support lower-income students in reading and math under Title 1 K–12 education funding are estimated to have impacted over one million students nationwide, and more than 95,000 children in Florida.  Thirty-seven percent of Latino kids attend high-poverty schools receiving Title I funding, meaning that, again, Hispanics are disproportionately impacted by these cuts. 
 
In addition to educational funding cuts, job training and nutrition programs have already started feeling the effects of the sequester.  Programs that provide food for the needy and elderly, such as Broward Meals on Wheels, have suffered significant budget cuts that have forced them to cut services to our community’s most vulnerable. 


MEDIA ADVISORY


WHAT:    Impact of sequestration on Hispanic families

WHO:      Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
                 Rosa Plasencia, President & CEO, Amigos For Kids
                 Kit Rafferty, Executive Director, South Florida Voices for Working Families
                 Mark Adler, Executive Director, Broward Meals on Wheels

WHEN:    Wednesday, August 21, 2013 
                10:00 a.m. -- Press Conference

WHERE:    NCLR Florida State Office
                   2915 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 210
                   Miami, FL 33137

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans.  For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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Civil Rights Groups Call for Passage of Housing Bill

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Contact:   
April 11, 2013                                                             Camila Gallardo
                                                                                  (305) 573-7329 (office)
                                                                                  (305) 215-4259 (cell)
                                                                                  cgallardo@nclr.org

 

NCLR, NAACP and Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corporation urge legislators to put homeowners first and pass HB 13-1249

DENVER, COLO.—Today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the NAACP and Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corporation, along with other community and civil rights activists, held a press conference at the State Capitol in Denver to press for approval of a measure to help struggling homeowners.  HB 13-1249, the “Colorado Housing Stabilization and Mortgage Accountability Act,” would require banks to determine whether homeowners qualify for loan modifications prior to starting foreclosure proceedings.  New provisions would also provide homeowners with the ability to challenge financial institutions to prove debt owed. 

"Many Latino and Black families in Colorado have been devastated by the housing crisis, and many were disproportionately targeted by predatory lenders.  While the housing market is undergoing a slow recovery, a significant number of Latino and Black families still struggle to make mortgage payments and have met resistance when trying to modify their loans or even obtain temporary relief from foreclosures.  HB 13-1249 is an important step in the right direction and will put in place critical safeguards that will help keep people in their homes.” said Jesus Altamirano, Regional Field Coordinator, Colorado, NCLR.

While foreclosure rates have declined in Colorado, many families still struggle to find solutions that allow them to stay in their homes. 

“While we are encouraged that foreclosures have stemmed off pretty significantly in the past year or so, we want to ensure that homeowners’ rights are being protected and that we are moving toward a place where predatory lending is a thing of the past.  Roughly half of the families we’ve helped maneuver through the loan modification process have been successful in modifying their loans; we’d like to see that number rise,” said Maria Melgoza, Homeownership Counselor, Del Norte. 

Predatory lending played a key role in the housing meltdown.  The proposal before the state legislature would add another layer of protection for consumers. 

"Because Colorado has some of the most lax foreclosure laws in the country, financial institutions have been able to act like vultures picking clean the bones of homeowners caught in the sub-prime mortgage scheme.  House Bill 13-1249 will go a long way toward helping to protect the homeowners who have not yet succumbed to this scheme.  The NAACP applauds the Colorado Legislature for taking up this important legislation, which will help to stabilize Colorado's housing market and the lives of so many Black and Latino families," said James Johnson, State Conference Political Action Director, NAACP. 

For further information or questions, or to schedule an interview, contact Camila Gallardo, Associate Director, Communications, NCLR, at cgallardo@nclr.org or (305) 215-4259.

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans.  For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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Janet Murguía Helps Commemorate 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Julian Teixeira
jteixeira@nclr.org
(202) 776-1812

This Saturday, August 24, Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza), will join national leaders in the civil rights and labor communities for the National Action to Realize the Dream March, with a rally to be held at the Lincoln Memorial. The events commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. While tremendous progress has been made in civil rights over the past half-century, more work is needed to ensure that all Americans’ civil rights are protected and that the American Dream is accessible to every person in this country, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. Murguía will speak to the challenges still facing the Latino community today and offer her vision for a more equal America.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: National Action to Realize the Dream March and Rally

WHO: Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR, along with other national leaders and advocates in the civil rights and labor communities

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2013, 11:00 a.m. ET

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial

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NCLR Praises President Obama’s Proposals to Improve College Affordability

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Camila Gallardo
cgallardo@nclr.org

(305) 215-4259

Washington, D.C.—Today, President Obama announced a broad plan to help bring college tuition rates down through a new rating system that would provide federal financial aid primarily based on how institutions scored. The cost of college tuition has increased rapidly in the last several decades; in fact, a recent report by Moody’s Analytics indicates that it has nearly doubled since 2000. 

“Both the enormous expense and the fear of crushing debt once they join the job market have long prevented millions of students, especially in the Latino community, from pursuing higher education. We welcome the positive steps that the president has taken today to help rein in the cost of going to college,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “Helping to make college more accessible is essential to preparing the next generation of Latino leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and move our nation forward.”

“We look forward to working with the White House to implement some of the ideas discussed today, and we urge Congress—which also must act—to come to an agreement on legislation that will help mitigate the costs of obtaining higher education for our nation’s young people. Investing in our nation’s future through building a strong educational foundation is critical, and we believe that Congress can play a vital role in that by reauthorizing the Higher Education Act,” Murguía concluded.

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía Commemorates 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            Contact:
August 24, 2013                                                             Julian Teixeira
                                                                                      (202) 776-1812
                                                                                      jteixeira@nclr.org

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, thousands have returned to the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech, calling on Congress to protect the civil rights of every American and ensure that the American Dream is accessible to every person in this nation.

Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza), joined national leaders in the civil rights, labor, housing, education and LGBT communities for the National Action to Realize the Dream March, organized by the National Action Network and Realizing the Dream, as well as the accompanying rally. Leaders addressed important issues that impact the Latino community including the recent attacks on voting rights, the necessity to pass immigration reform this year, the push for equal rights for the LGBT community and the critical need for more jobs.

“NCLR is honored to be a partner in the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, one of the seminal events in American history,” Murguía stated. “Dr. King is a beloved icon in the Latino community because we know that his vision was an inclusive one; his dream was our dream too. His legacy continues to inspire us as we work to ensure equality, fairness and justice for all Americans.”

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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NCLR & Comcast NBCUniversal Announce Multiplatform Partnership

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Julian Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org

Will Feature Two Hours of Live Programming: "2013 NCLR ALMA Awards" and MSNBC News Special on Issues Impacting the Latino Community

Awards to be followed by complementary programming on MSNBC, mun2 and digital platforms; LIVE broadcasts begin Friday, September 27, 2013 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT

Latino-led executive production team also named

LOS ANGELES—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and Comcast NBCUniversal announce a partnership to air the “2013 NCLR ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) Awards®” LIVE on MSNBC with programming on MSNBC, mun2 and digital platforms including mun2.tv and Telemundo.com.

The “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” on MSNBC will be live for the first time since its inception in 1995. The telecast, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, will celebrate the contributions of Latinos in the entertainment industry with a look back at this year’s outstanding achievements; tributes to career excellence, outstanding causes and philanthropy; and inspiring music performances and acts. The barrier-breaking awards show is the only nationally televised prime-time English-language program celebrating Latino contributions to entertainment and media.

“We’re really excited to be airing this awards show and the notion of celebrating the diversity of our country,” said Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC. “We hope this is just the beginning of a long relationship between MSNBC and NCLR.”

In addition to the live “NCLR ALMA Awards” special, MSNBC will also present a one-hour news special discussing issues impacting the Latino community. The special will draw on the most important issues that the Latino community and the country are facing, such as immigration reform and education, as well as the causes featured by the honorees of the awards tributes. Over a two-hour span, viewers will see an exciting show, touching tributes and meaningful discussion connecting some of the biggest names in the Latino community with the important causes and issues that are being addressed to strengthen the country.

“Comcast NBCUniversal is proud of our partnership with NCLR and the ALMA Awards. This year, the live awards and public affairs shows on MSNBC, and the mun2 news special, create an unprecedented opportunity to connect with Hispanic viewers,” said David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation. “We look forward to highlighting the contributions of Hispanic American talent across on-air and digital platforms throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Also new this year, the special will be produced by the Executive Producers of Latino-led Big Vida Entertainment—Flavio Morales, Sergio Alfaro and John Ehrhard—along with Executive Producers Eva Longoria and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR.

“This MSNBC partnership not only provides an exciting new home for the acclaimed ‘NCLR ALMA Awards’ but also offers a key opportunity to bring a stronger Latino perspective to the issues of the day on one of the premier cable news outlets in the country. The expanded footprint of the ‘NCLR ALMA Awards’ is another step forward in helping to increase much-needed diversity in both news and entertainment. We thank Comcast NBCUniversal and MSNBC for their continued commitment and support,” stated Janet Murguía.

Fans will be able to view four on-air hours of related programming, in addition to online content that includes celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes footage:

  • Friday, September 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT on MSNBC: “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” LIVE broadcast of a one-hour special showcasing the spirit and accomplishments of some of the most prolific Latinos in the entertainment industry, spanning music, television and film.
  • Friday, September 27 at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT on MSNBC: Live broadcast of a one-hour news discussion on issues affecting the Latino community. MSNBC’s Alex Wagner will host the conversation about topics such as the rise of the Latino electorate, immigration reform, education and Latino images in the media. NCLR’s Janet Murguía and MSNBC contributor Maria Teresa Kumar will be among the guests throughout the hour.
  • Saturday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m. ET on mun2: The hour-long “mun2 News Special Hecho en America” delves deeply into the personal success stories of its subjects—Latinos who are changing politics, culture and business in the U.S. Featuring actress Jessica Alba, Sen. Marco Rubio (R–Fla.), Girls Scouts of the USA CEO Anna Maria Chávez, comedian George Lopez, boxer Marlene Esparza, NCLR’s Janet Murguía and recording artist Christina Aguilera, this intimate first-person account of Latinos who are breaking down barriers in their fields takes a cue from the motto of a new movement: “50 million strong, making it in America.” “Hecho en America” will tell this remarkable story in the voices of those leading it.
  • Saturday, October 5 at 4:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. CT on mun2: “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards All Access Red Carpet Special” is a one-hour preshow featuring performers, presenters, hosts and honorees on the red carpet immediately followed by mun2 rebroadcasts of the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards.”

Advertisers returning for this year’s show include Target, Pepsi, Comcast, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Prudential and McDonald’s. Encore presentations of the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” will air throughout Hispanic Heritage Month on mun2, and exclusive content will be available for Comcast Video on Demand and on telemundo.com/ALMA.

For additional information, including announcements about the host, presenters and performers at this year’s ceremony, visit www.almaawards.com or follow the show on Twitter at @almaawards.

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. The NCLR ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) Awards presentation is an integral part of that mission: a national prime-time television network entertainment special with a cause—to show how diversity strengthens our country and how inclusion strengthens the American entertainment industry. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. NBCUniversal operates 30 news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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NCLR y Comcast NBCUniversal anuncian su alianza multiplataforma

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA

Contacto:
Julián Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org 

Presentará dos horas de programación en vivo: "Los premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR" y un especial de noticias de MSNBC sobre los temas que afectan a la comunidad Latina

A los premios les seguirá la programación complementaria de MSNBC, mun2 y las plataformas digitales; la emisión en VIVO comenzará el viernes 27 de septiembre de 2013 a las 10:00 PM (ET)/ 7:00 PM (PT)

El equipo de producción ejecutiva dirigido por Latinos también será nombrado

LOS ANGELES— El NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) y Comcast NBCUniversal anuncian su alianza para emitir en VIVO en MSNBC los “Premios ALMA® (American Latino Media Arts) 2013 del NCLR” con programación complementaria en MSNBC, mun2 y las plataformas digitales, incluyendo mun2.tv y Telemundo.com.

Los “Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR” se emitirán en MSNBC por primera vez en vivo desde sus inicios en 1995. La transmisión por televisión, durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, celebrará las aportaciones de los latinos a la industria del entretenimiento con la recapitulación de sus extraordinarios logros de este año; tributos a la excelencia artística, las causas excepcionales y la filantropía; y las inspiradoras actuaciones e interpretaciones musicales. El espectáculo de la entrega de premios, que rompe barreras, es el único programa televisado a nivel nacional en el horario de mayor audiencia de habla inglesa, que celebra las aportaciones de los latinos al mundo del espectáculo y los medios de comunicación.

“Estamos muy entusiasmados de tener la oportunidad de trasmitir este programa de entrega de premios y de celebrar la diversidad de nuestro país”, dijo Phil Griffin, presidente de la cadena MSNBC. “Esperamos que este sea solo el comienzo de una larga y duradera relación entre MSNBC y el NCLR.”

Además del especial en vivo de los “Premios ALMA del NCLR”, la cadena MSNBC presentará también un especial de noticias de una hora de duración donde se discutirán los asuntos que afectan a la comunidad latina. Este especial se basará en los temas más importantes que enfrentan la comunidad latina y el país, tales como la reforma migratoria y la educación, así como las causas presentadas por los premiados. Durante el lapso de dos horas, los televidentes podrán ver un espectáculo emocionante, un homenaje conmovedor y un debate significativo que conecta a algunas de las grandes figuras de la comunidad latina con las causas y los temas importantes que se están considerando para fortalecer el país.

“Comcast NBCUniversal está orgulloso de su alianza con el NCLR y los Premios Alma. Este año, la entrega de premios en vivo, los programas de información pública en MSNBC y el especial de noticias de mun2, crean una oportunidad sin precedente para conectar con los televidentes hispanos”, dijo David L. Cohen, vicepresidente ejecutivo de Comcast Corporation. “Estamos ansiosos de poder resaltar las contribuciones y el talento de los hispano americanos en televisión y cine y a través de las plataformas digitales durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.”

También este año, el especial será producido por los productores ejecutivos –Flavio Morales, Sergio Alfaro y John Ehrhard– de la empresa dirigida por Latinos, Big Vida Entertainment, junto con Eva Longoria y Janet Murguía, presidenta y directora general del NCLR.

“Esta alianza con MSNBC no sólo provee un nuevo hogar para los aclamados ’Premios ALMA del NCLR’, sino que también ofrece una oportunidad clave para dar a conocer un punto de vista latino sobre los temas más importantes, en uno de los principales canales de noticias del país. La amplia presencia de los “Premios ALMA del NCLR” es otro paso hacia adelante para ayudar a aumentar la tan necesaria diversidad en las noticias como en el espectáculo. Les agradecemos a Comcast NBCUniversal y MSNBC su continuo compromiso y apoyo”, declaró Janet Murguía.

Los admiradores de los artistas podrán ver cuatro horas de programación relacionada, además del contenido en línea que incluye entrevistas con celebridades y material tras bambalinas:

  • Viernes, 27 de septiembre a las 10:00 PM tiempo del este (ET) / 7:00 PM tiempo del pacífico (PT) en MSNBC: “Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR” - transmisión en VIVO del especial de una hora de duración, mostrando el espíritu y los logros de algunos de los latinos más prolíficos de la industria del entretenimiento, incluyendo la música, la televisión y el cine.
  • Viernes, 27 de septiembre a las 11:00 PM tiempo del este (ET) / 8:00 PM tiempo del pacífico (PT) en MSNBC: transmisión en vivo de un especial de noticias, de una hora de duración, sobre los asuntos que afectan a la comunidad latina. Alex Wagner de la cadena MSNBC será la anfitriona del programa que tocará temas, tales como el aumento del electorado latino, la reforma migratoria, la educación y la imagen de los Latinos en los medios de comunicación. Entre los invitados están Janet Murguía del NCLR y María Teresa Kumar, colaboradora de MSNBC.
  • Sábado, 28 de septiembre a las 4:00 PM tiempo del este (ET) en mun2: El “Especial de Noticias de mun2 Hecho en América” de una hora de duración profundiza en las historias de éxito personal de sus participantes – Latinos que están cambiando la política, la cultura y los negocios en EE.UU. Presenta a la actriz Jessica Alba; al senador Marco Rubio (R–Fla); la directora general de Girls Scouts of the USA Anna María Chávez; al comediante George López; la boxeadora Marlene Esparza; Janet Murguía del NCLR y la cantante Christina Aguilera. Este relato íntimo en primera persona de los Latinos que están derribando las barreras en su campo toma ejemplo del lema de un nuevo movimiento: “50 million strong, making it in America”. “Hecho en America” contará esta extraordinaria historia a través de las voces de aquellos que la dirigen.
  • Sábado, 5 de octubre a las 4:00 PM tiempo del este (ET) /3:00 PM tiempo del centro (CT) en mun2: “Especial de la Alfombra Roja de los Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR” - un “pre-show” de una hora de duración que presentará a los artistas, presentadores, anfitriones y ganadores sobre la alfombra roja, seguido por la retransmisión en Mun2 de los “Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR”.

Los anunciantes del espectáculo de este año nuevamente son: Target, Pepsi, Comcast, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Prudential y McDonald’s. La repetición de los “Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR” se emitirá durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en mun2 y habrá contenido exclusivo a través del servicio de Video On Demand de Comcast y en telemundo.com/ALMA

Para más información, incluyendo el anuncio de los anfitriones, presentadores y artistas de la ceremonia de este año, por favor visite www.almaawards.com o siga el programa en Twitter en @almaawards.

El NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza) es la organización nacional más grande de apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles de los hispanos en los Estados Unidos y trabaja para mejorar sus oportunidades. La presentación de los Premios ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) del NCLR es una parte integral de esa misión: un programa especial de entretenimiento a nivel nacional emitido en una cadena de televisión en horario estelar y con una causa –mostrar cómo la diversidad fortalece nuestro país y cómo la inclusión fortalece la industria del entretenimiento de EE.UU. Para más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) es una compañía global de medios de comunicación y tecnología con dos empresas, Comcast Cable y NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable es uno de los proveedores más importantes de Estados Unidos de servicios de video, telefonía e Internet de alta velocidad para clientes residenciales bajo la marca XFINITY y también provee estos servicios a empresas. NBCUniversal opera 30 redes por cable de noticias, entretenimiento y deportes; las cadenas NBC y Telemundo; producciones para televisión; grupos de estaciones de televisión; Universal Pictures; Universal Parks y complejos turísticos. Para más información, visite www.comcastcorporation.com

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NCLR and Houston Gateway Academy to Highlight Comprehensive Immigration Reform at Community Event

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  Contact:
August 27, 2013                                                                    Camila Gallardo
                                                                                             (305) 215-4259
                                                                                             cgallardo@nclr.org


HOUSTON—This Wednesday, August 28, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and Houston Gateway Academy will host a town hall discussion on the importance of fixing our nation’s broken immigration system through comprehensive immigration reform.  As part of ongoing efforts by both groups to educate the public about the benefits of reform, the town hall will feature expert presenters, community members and Latino leaders from a cross section of groups representing the interests of the local and state immigrant communities. 

The Latino contribution to the state’s economy is already significant; in 2009, immigrants accounted for 21% of total economic productivity in Houston.  A pathway to citizenship would only increase that economic output.  According to Regional Economic Models, Inc., adding those would-be citizens to the workforce would boost the state’s economic output by $3.8 billion.  Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that passage of a bill like the version approved by the Senate would grow the national economy by roughly $700 billion by 2023.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:        Ben Mendez, Chairman, Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce
                  Bill E. Rivera, Rivera Law Center
                  Sonia Troche, Texas Regional Director, NCLR   
                  DREAMer, undocumented student to speak about his/her experience

WHAT:    “Immigration Reform Now” community town hall

WHEN:    Wednesday, August 28, 2013 
                6:30 to 8:00 p.m. CT

WHERE:    Houston Gateway Academy
                 7310 Bowie Street
                  Houston, TX 77012

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans.  For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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NCLR Backs Proposal to Protect Workers from Lung Illnesses in Construction, Other Industries

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566

OSHA proposes new workplace standards limiting exposure to silica dust

Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced new workplace standards to drastically cut exposure to crystalline silica dust, a leading cause of silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease. For years, NCLR has advocated for policies to improve job quality in low-wage, high-risk industries where Latinos are overrepresented. NCLR supports the proposed updated silica standards as necessary to improving worker health and safety in key industries like construction, where Latinos represent nearly one in four workers.

“Particularly in the construction industry, Latinos and other workers are vulnerable to permanent illness and injury because of outdated laws and standards,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR. “We believe these commonsense changes will go a long way toward improving workers’ health.”

Overexposure to silica dust is common among construction workers who cut, grind and jackhammer concrete, bricks and stones. The proposed changes would revise the allowable levels of silica exposure and require practices such as wetting and vacuuming to prevent silica from becoming airborne. OSHA expects these standards to cut silica exposure levels in half, saving an estimated 700 lives and preventing 1,600 new cases of silicosis per year. Current silica standards are 40 years old.

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Media Spotlight - July 2013

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The Times-Picayune—First lady will speak at National Council of La Raza's annual conference in New Orleans: Nuestro Pueblo
Several local Latino leaders members of the Host Committee of the 2013 National Council of La Raza's annual conference, recently attended a media gathering in which Ron Estrada, NCLR's Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Events, announced that First Lady Michelle Obama will be the keynote speaker on July 23 at the 2013 NCLR conference in New Orleans. Read more here…

The Associated Press—Latino advocacy group brings thousands to Orleans
Comprehensive immigration legislation — its prospects for passage in the current Congress and its effects on millions of Latinos in the United States — will be prominent among topics at a conference drawing an estimated 25,000 to New Orleans. Read more here…

Colorlines— Environment, Immigration and Gay Groups Pledge Fight for Civil Rights
Groups representing those issues said they would not back down from counteracting the SCOTUS decision on the Voting Rights Act, which NCLR President Janet Murgia called “terrible and wrong-headed” on the call. Read more here…

CBS News—Michelle Obama to address Latino group amid immigration debate
As leaders in Washington work behind the scenes on a compromise over comprehensive immigration reform, First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday will deliver the keynote address to one of the nation's largest gatherings of Latino leaders. Read more here…

The New York Times—Latino Latino Leaders Planning Push for Immigration Bill
Latinos gathered here this week for a major annual convention said they would use their new political influence to press the House of Representatives for a vote this year on a broad immigration bill and mobilize support for House Republicans who take the risk of backing it. Read more here…

The Associated Press— Immigration among main N.O. topics
Comprehensive immigration legislation — its prospects for passage in the current Congress and its effects on millions of Latinos in the United States — will be prominent among topics at a conference drawing an estimated 25,000 to New Orleans. Read more here…

VOXXI—Advocates plan for the road to pass immigration reform in the House
It’s going to be tough but doable. That’s how immigration reform advocates describe the road ahead to pass an immigration reform bill in the Republican-led House of Representatives. Read more here…

The Washington Post/AP— Michelle Obama asks Latino activists to help sign up millions for health care program
Michelle Obama urged Latino activists on Tuesday to help sign people up for her husband’s health care overhaul, especially the millions of younger, healthier people the system will need to offset the cost of caring for older, sicker consumers. Read more here…

Politico— Michelle Obama enters Obamacare implementation push
First lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday joined the White House’s campaign to build support for Obamacare, as she urged a major Hispanic advocacy group to help spread the word as state exchanges prepare to open. Read more here…

MSNBC—Do not give up' on immigration, Michelle Obama tells Latino leaders
First lady Michelle Obama waded into trickier political waters than her usual healthy-eating speeches allow when she touched the hot-button immigration issue at a conference for the nation’s foremost Latino leaders Tuesday. Read more here…

NPR—Jorge Ramos: Latino Voters Key To 'Casa Blanca'
Jorge Ramos anchors the top-ranked newscast on Spanish-language TV, Noticiero Univision, alongside Maria Elena Salinas. Sometimes called "the Spanish-language Walter Cronkite," Ramos has been a vocal — and influential — proponent of an immigration overhaul. Read more here…

The Times-Picayune— National Council of La Raza and Latino Family Expo will be held in July in New Orleans
The National Council of La Raza will hold its annual conference and National Latino Family Expo July 20-23 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Founded in 1968, NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States that works to improve opportunities for Hispanics. Read more here…

The Hill—First lady presses for ObamaCare enrollment in address to La Raza
"We need you to get out there and educate everyone you know about what health reform means," said Michelle Obama. First lady Michelle Obama touted the Affordable Care Act in a speech Tuesday to the National Council of La Raza, urging members to encourage their friends and family to enroll in the health law's new coverage options. Read more here…

The Huffington Post—Emilio Vicente, Undocumented Student At 2013 National Council La Raza, Fights For His Education In US
Emilio Vicente majors in public policy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He speaks English and Spanish fluently and graduated with a 4.3 GPA from high school.
He’s also undocumented. Read more here…

The Washington Post— Speaking to Latinos in New Orleans, first lady pitches Obamacare
While it’s become routine for Michelle Obama to discuss childhood obesity and nutrition to groups across the country, she made a new pitch Tuesday to the National Council of La Raza: Sign up for health insurance this fall. Read more here…

ABC News—Michelle Obama Denies Being ‘Treat Hater’ in Nutrition Campaign
For the first time since her husband’s re-election, Michelle Obama spoke today about immigration in her keynote address to the largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the U.S., National Council de La Raza, a speech primarily focused on children and food. Read more here…

The Advocate—First Lady brings healthy eating push to Hispanic audience in New Orleans
For New Orleans, first lady Michelle Obama will make an exception. “I eat a balanced diet and I work out every single day of the week,” she told a National Council of La Raza gathering at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Tuesday. Read more here…

The Houston Chronicle—Obamacare: First lady encourages Hispanics to enroll in health insurance
First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday touted the Affordable Care Act in a speech to the National Council of La Raza and urged members to encourage friends and relatives to enroll in the law’s health coverage marketplaces. Read more here…

Medical Daily— Michelle Obama Urges Latinos To Sign Up For Health Insurance Marketplace, Says 2.6 Million Younger Enrollees Needed To Keep Cost Down
The First Lady visited Louisiana on Tuesday to make greater pushes to the younger Latino populations regarding President Barack Obama's new health insurance marketplace, which is planned to open October 1. Read more here…

NBC Latino—“We’re not winning- we’ve got to wage a campaign,” says McCain on immigration
As July passes the midway point and August is a few weeks away, those who are working to pass comprehensive immigration reform are concerned about the stalled pace. “Here’s the fact, we’re not winning, so we’ve got to wage a campaign,” said Arizona Republican Senator John McCain to reporters on Thursday. Read more here…

The White House Blog—Michelle Obama Empowers Latino Community at National Council of La Raza Conference
Speaking to over 1,800 attendees at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama exclaimed, “Food is love… it’s how we pass on our culture and heritage as meals become family traditions and recipes are passed on from generation to generation.” Read more here…

Politic365— Michelle Obama Addresses National Council of La Raza
Today in New Orleans, Louisiana, the First Lady addressed the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the nation’s largest Latino civil rights organization. She talked about what she’s been doing to end childhood obesity, a big public health issue in the Latino community. Read more here…

Daily Kos—Latino organizations worry about funding for Obamacare outreach efforts
Latino participation in Obamacare in the health exchanges is a high priority for the Obama administration in implementing the Affordable Care Act, but that's going to require funding that Latino groups surveyed by the National Council of La Raza fear will be lacking. Read more here…

NBC Latino—NCLR joins groups asking to meet with Atty. Gen. Holder following Zimmerman verdict
Latino civil rights group National Council of La Raza (NCLR) has joined the NAACP, National Action Network, National Urban League and other advocacy organizations in asking to meet with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss possible next steps by the federal government just two days after a Florida jury acquitted George Zimmerman of all charges in the April 2012 shooting death of teen Trayvon Martin. Read more here…

ThinkProgress— Latino Homebuyers Face Hostility, Higher Fees, And Fewer Options
Though formal “redlining” based on race was banned decades ago, a new report finds that Latinos still face rampant discrimination in the housing market. The report, released Monday from the National Council de la Raza (NCLR), found that Latinos looking to buy or rent homes were more often met with hostility, quoted higher fees, and offered fewer options than white prospective buyers. Read more here…

EFE— Hispanos sufren discriminación en acceso a viviendas en EEUU
Los hispanos sufren discriminación para acceder a la vivienda en varias regiones del sur de EE.UU., en parte por medidas estatales que "invitan" al trato discriminatorio de quienes lucen extranjeros, según un informe divulgado hoy por el Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR). Read more here…

El Mundo Austin and San Antonio—Southwest Key Recibe Premio del NCLR
La organización sin fines de lucro Southwest Key Programs, la quinta organización hispana más grande en los Estados Unidos, recibió de la mano del Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR) el Premio de Afiliado del Año 2013. Read more here…

Telemundo Philadelphia (EFE)— Michelle Obama: Sigan lucha migratoria
La primera dama, Michelle Obama, pidió a los líderes de la comunidad hispana a no darse por vencidos en la lucha por una reforma migratoria integral y prometió que el presidente Barack Obama continuará acompañándoles en esa lucha. Read more here…

El Tiempo Libre (Las Vegas)— La reforma, a medio camino
El Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR), dijo que el voto en el Senado “representó un logro increíble para todos aquellos que han trabajado tan arduamente para traer una solución a nuestro sistema roto de inmigración después de décadas de debate polémico”. Read more here…

HuffPost Voces— Luis Gutiérrez: 'Hay que terminar la brutalidad en inmigración'
Luis Gutiérrez, legislador demócrata por Illinois, confía en que, ahora más que nunca la Cámara de Representantes, debe trabajar en un acuerdo por una reforma migratoria en el 2013 "porque el sistema migratorio está roto". Read more here…

EFE— Eva Longoria echa una mano a Dreamers
La actriz y activista Eva Longoria abogó por mejorar el acceso a la educación superior de los jóvenes latinos en EE.UU, incluyendo los indocumentados, al asegurar que es hora de encontrar soluciones porque "ya conocemos las barreras". Read more here…

Telemundo Nueva York (EFE)—Nueva Orleans, una nueva ciudad latina
La emblemática ciudad sureña estadounidense de Nueva Orleans (Luisiana) avanza en su renacimiento gracias a la labor de los inmigrantes latinos, a poco más de un mes del octavo aniversario del huracán "Katrina", que en doce horas dejó en ruinas la urbe, causó más de 1,700 muertes y desplazó a centenares de miles de damnificados. Read more here…
 

NCLR Welcomes Passage of Sentencing Reform in California Assembly

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566

Legislation’s progress seen as an important step forward

LOS ANGELES—Today, the California Assembly passed SB 649, a sentencing reform law that will give prosecutors greater discretion in charging low-level drug offenders in the state. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is an official co-sponsor of the legislation and, together with its California Affiliates and partners such as Californians for Safety and Justice, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Drug Policy Alliance, has been working actively to advocate for its passage.

“Our number one priority should be keeping our communities safe,” said Danny Montes, NCLR Organizer and Capacity-Building Strategist, “but our current sentencing policies for low-level, nonviolent drug offenders are ineffective and unfair. Besides saddling California taxpayers with the huge cost of overcrowded jails, the current law ensnares people who pose no danger to society instead of working toward educating and rehabilitating them. We applaud the California Assembly for moving this bill forward. A one-size-fits-all punishment for drug-related offenses does not work.”

SB 649 would give prosecutors the authority to adjust a charge for possession of small quantities of drugs from an automatic felony to a misdemeanor/felony based on the merits of the case. There are about 4,000 people in California state prison for possession of small amounts of drugs and thousands more that cycle through county jails. Many of those serving jail time for these crimes are Latinos and Blacks, who are disproportionately charged with low-level drug offenses. Passage of SB 649 would help reduce overcrowding in California prisons and save the state approximately $160 million per year.

“The millions of dollars that would be saved could be put toward programs that help with rehabilitation and drug treatment—strategies that would support reentry into our communities and reduce rates of recidivism,” Montes added. “Burdening those who have committed minor infractions with the lifelong barriers associated with committing a felony does little to ensure that they can rejoin society as contributing members. Passing this reform will help to create a more effective and efficient justice system for California.”

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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New Grant for NCLR AmeriCorps Program Boosts Latino Participation in National Service

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        Contact:
September 5, 2013                                                      Kathy Mimberg
                                                                                   (202) 776-1714
                                                                                   kmimberg@nclr.org


WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) announced a new three-year grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service for the NCLR AmeriCorps LENS (Latino Empowerment through National Service) program.  NCLR has managed its AmeriCorps LENS program for almost 20 years through its Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations, providing vital services in communities throughout the United States and giving program volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable job skills and work experience.  The new grant will put 73 NCLR AmeriCorps members to work at nine community-based organizations in California, Illinois, Maryland and Texas.

“We are pleased to continue our good work with the AmeriCorps program.  NCLR’s mission is to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans so AmeriCorps is a natural fit for us and our Affiliates.  NCLR’s AmeriCorps LENS program fills critical needs, engages young Latinos in community service and provides essential training to the next generation of nonprofit leaders,” said Delia Pompa, Senior Vice President of Programs, NCLR.

Research indicates that youth who become involved in national service are more likely to continue to be involved as adults.  NCLR AmeriCorps LENS members typically serve for one year at local nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based organizations, and they can participate in literacy tutoring and workforce development programs.  Upon successful completion of their service, they are eligible to receive an education award to attend college or pay back student loans.  Because of their service and training, many AmeriCorps alumni are hired by NCLR Affiliates and other nonprofits to work in their organizations.

Service projects range from cultural events to park clean-up days and much more.  Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year was a good example of a typical day for NCLR AmeriCorps LENS members:  volunteers in Chicago held a clothing drive at the Instituto del Progreso Latino for families in need and volunteers in Los Angeles worked with the Youth Policy Institute to paint the teachers' lounge and complete a mural at the Gratts Learning Academy for Young Scholars elementary school.

NCLR’s AmeriCorps LENS program currently operates in collaboration with Affiliates in the following locations:  Chicago, Ill. (Association House of Chicago, Instituto del Progreso Latino and Gads Hill Center); Oakland, Calif. (Unity Council); Los Angeles, Calif. (Youth Policy Institute and AltaMed); Chula Vista, Calif. (MAAC); Austin, Tex. (Southwest Key Programs); and Riverdale, MD (Latin American Youth Center).

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans.  For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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Survey Finds Key Benefits to Citizenship for Californian Latinos

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Julian Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org

NCLR to release report that examines the financial benefits of citizenship for U.S. Latinos

Los Angeles—As the U.S. House starts to debate immigration reform this coming month, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will release a report on Tuesday, September 10th, which finds that the benefits of legalization and naturalization are not just economic and social, but also financial. The report, “Latino Financial Access and Inclusion in California,” demonstrates that with citizenship comes greater access to financial services which boost savings and improve financial security. The report also finds that unemployed Latinos are more likely to be isolated from the banking mainstream and concerns about identity theft run high among Latino consumers, keeping some from trying new bank technologies.

Joining NCLR at the report’s release will be industry representatives and community-based advocates who will discuss the importance of full inclusion of Latino and immigrant consumers in financial services markets in California. In addition, during the panel discussion recommendations will be given on how important it is for local organizations and financial institutions to help underserved Latinos—meeting their financial dreams so that they can become fully integrated members of American society.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: “Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Latino Financial Engagement in California”

WHO:
Delia de la Vara, Vice President, California Regional Office, NCLR
Marisabel Torres, Policy Analyst, NCLR
Maria Cabildo, President, East LA Community Corporation
Jesse Torres, CEO, Pan American Bank, East Los Angeles Community Corp.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 2013

TIME: 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time

WHERE:
El Centro del Pueblo, an NCLR affiliate
2nd Floor
1157 Lemoyne Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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Para divulgación destaca beneficios de la cuidadanía

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA:

Para más información:
Julián Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org

NCLR publica reporte que examina los beneficios financieros de la ciudadanía para los latinos en E.E.U.U.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mientras que el Senado debate la reforma migratoria, el NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) publicará un reporte el próximo martes, 10 de septiembre, que señala que los beneficios de la legalización y la naturalización no son simplemente económicos y sociales, sino también financieros. El reporte titulado, “Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Latino Financial Engagement in California” indica que con la ciudadanía viene el mayor acceso a los servicios bancarios que ayudan a aumentar los ahorros y mejoran la seguridad financiera. El reporte también indica que los latinos que no tienen empleo tienden a no participar del sistema bancario principal, y son más susceptibles a ser víctimas del robo de identidad, hechos que impiden que algunos tomen ventaja de las nuevas tecnologías bancarias disponibles.

Uniéndose al NCLR en la presentación del reporte estarán representantes de varias industrias y líderes comunitarios quienes discutirán la importancia de incluir a los consumidores hispanos e inmigrantes en los mercados de servicio financiero en California. Además, durante la conferencia de prensa, se presentarán recomendaciones de cómo los servicios bancarios y financieros pueden llegar a los latinos en el estado de una manera que culturalmente apropiada y lingüísticamente competente—lo cual les ayudaría a satisfacer sus necesidades financieras y a integrarse plenamente en la sociedad americana.

AVISO A LA PRENSA

QUÉ: “Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Latino Financial Engagement in California”

QUIÉN:
Delia de la Vara, Vice President, California Regional Office, NCLR
Marisabel Torres, Policy Analyst, NCLR
Maria Cabildo, President, East LA Community Corporation
Jesse Torres, CEO, Pan American Bank, East Los Angeles Community Corp.

CUÁNDO:
martes, 10 de septiembre, 2013
9:30 a.m. Pacific Time

DÓNDE:
El Centro del Pueblo, un Afiliado del NCLR
Segundo Piso
1157 Lemoyne Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026

El NCLR es la organización nacional más grande de apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles de los hispanos en los Estados Unidos y trabaja para mejorar sus oportunidades. Para más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite http://www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

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Encuesta destaca beneficios de la cuidanía

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA:

Para más información: 
Julián Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org

NCLR publica reporte que examina los beneficios financieros de la ciudadanía para los latinos en E.E.U.U.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mientras que el Senado debate la reforma migratoria, el NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) publicará un reporte el próximo martes, 10 de septiembre, que señala que los beneficios de la legalización y la naturalización no son simplemente económicos y sociales, sino también financieros. El reporte titulado, “Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Latino Financial Engagement in California” indica que con la ciudadanía viene el mayor acceso a los servicios bancarios que ayudan a aumentar los ahorros y mejoran la seguridad financiera. El reporte también indica que los latinos que no tienen empleo tienden a no participar del sistema bancario principal, y son más susceptibles a ser víctimas del robo de identidad, hechos que impiden que algunos tomen ventaja de las nuevas tecnologías bancarias disponibles.

Uniéndose al NCLR en la presentación del reporte estarán representantes de varias industrias y líderes comunitarios quienes discutirán la importancia de incluir a los consumidores hispanos e inmigrantes en los mercados de servicio financiero en California. Además, durante la conferencia de prensa, se presentarán recomendaciones de cómo los servicios bancarios y financieros pueden llegar a los latinos en el estado de una manera que culturalmente apropiada y lingüísticamente competente—lo cual les ayudaría a satisfacer sus necesidades financieras y a integrarse plenamente en la sociedad americana.

AVISO A LA PRENSA

QUÉ: “Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Latino Financial Engagement in California”

QUIÉN:
Delia de la Vara, Vice President, California Regional Office, NCLR
Marisabel Torres, Policy Analyst, NCLR
Maria Cabildo, President, East LA Community Corporation
Jesse Torres, CEO, Pan American Bank, East Los Angeles Community Corp.

CUÁNDO:
martes, 10 de septiembre, 2013
9:30 a.m. Pacific Time

DÓNDE:
El Centro del Pueblo, un Afiliado del NCLR
Segundo Piso
1157 Lemoyne Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026

El NCLR es la organización nacional más grande de apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles de los hispanos en los Estados Unidos y trabaja para mejorar sus oportunidades. Para más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite http://www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

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Survey Finds Key Benefits to Citizenship for Californian Latinos

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Julian Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org

NCLR to release report that examines the financial benefits of citizenship for U.S. Latinos

Los Angeles—As the U.S. House starts to debate immigration reform this coming month, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will release a report on Tuesday, September 10th, which finds that the benefits of legalization and naturalization are not just economic and social, but also financial. The report, “Latino Financial Access and Inclusion in California,” demonstrates that with citizenship comes greater access to financial services which boost savings and improve financial security. The report also finds that unemployed Latinos are more likely to be isolated from the banking mainstream and concerns about identity theft run high among Latino consumers, keeping some from trying new bank technologies.

Joining NCLR at the report’s release will be industry representatives and community-based advocates who will discuss the importance of full inclusion of Latino and immigrant consumers in financial services markets in California. In addition, during the panel discussion recommendations will be given on how important it is for local organizations and financial institutions to help underserved Latinos—meeting their financial dreams so that they can become fully integrated members of American society.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: “Creating Pathways to Economic Success: Latino Financial Engagement in California”

WHO:
Delia de la Vara, Vice President, California Regional Office, NCLR
Marisabel Torres, Policy Analyst, NCLR
Maria Cabildo, President, East LA Community Corporation
Jesse Torres, CEO, Pan American Bank

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 2013

TIME: 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time

WHERE:
El Centro del Pueblo, an NCLR affiliate
2nd Floor
1157 Lemoyne Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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