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

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     Contact: 
September 10, 2013                                                                  Julian Teixeira
                                                                                                (202) 776-1812
                                                                                                jteixeira@nclr.org 
                                                                                                           

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) today expressed sadness upon learning of Benjamin Todd Jealous’s decision to leave the NAACP later this year and appreciation for his tenure at the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. 

“I was saddened to learn that Ben Jealous will be stepping down as President and CEO of the NAACP at the end of this year,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO, NCLR.  “He has been a great partner and true friend to NCLR and to me personally.  I am very proud of the work we have done together to make the ties between our two organizations the strongest they have ever been.  In the last few years, we have partnered on an astonishing host of issues ranging from voting rights to job creation to telecommunications access to health care reform.  And I’m especially grateful for the steadfast and courageous support Ben has given our community on comprehensive immigration reform.”

“Ben’s work on immigration reform is indicative of his vision and his mission to make civil rights more relevant not only to a new generation, but to a changing America.  Thanks to his leadership, he has brought a venerable American institution firmly into the 21st century,” Murguía continued.

“This is a profound loss for us in the civil rights community, but I know Ben will continue to be a thoughtful and much-needed voice for equality, justice and fairness.  We wish him the very best as he embarks on the next chapter in his life,” 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact:
September 10, 2013                                                Julian Teixeira
                                                                               (202) 776-1812
                                                                               jteixeira@nclr.org

Report highlights links between naturalization and financial engagement, recommends solutions to increase Hispanic Californians’ financial capacity

LOS ANGELES—At a morning panel discussion, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) released a report entitled “Latino Financial Access and Inclusion in California.”  The report’s findings were based on an NCLR survey of over 1,000 California Latinos conducted from January to April 2012 that focused on levels of financial engagement.  Latinos continue to be among the most unbanked ethnic minorities in the United States.  The report highlights the challenges confronted by the unemployed, differences in financial engagement by citizenship status and the use of bank technology by participants.

The report found an important link between naturalization (citizenship) and increased usage of financial systems:  noncitizen Latinos are less likely to engage in mainstream banking practices.  The report also found that 73 percent of participants managed to put away some savings despite the down economy and good customer service was paramount to deciding where to bank.

“As the House of Representatives debates how to overhaul our nation’s immigration system, it is important to note the link between immigration status and engagement in our financial institutions,” said Delia de la Vara, Vice President, California Region, NCLR.  “Many eligible California immigrants have been unable to naturalize because of cost-prohibitive fees, while others may be struggling to find a way to fully legalize their status under current law.  There is no doubt that Hispanics are an increasingly critical consumer base, particularly in times of economic recovery when their full participation will stimulate the economy through purchases and savings.  The more fully engaged in financial services Hispanics are, the more they and the nation benefit.”

The survey also delved into the use of technology for banking purposes, finding that younger California Latinos were more likely to use mobile banking technology compared to older Latinos.  Those who had a bank account were more likely to have access to the Internet than Latinos without a bank account and were more likely to have performed a financial transaction using this medium.  Those who demonstrated reluctance to using the Internet for this purpose were primarily concerned with the security of personal information.

“Our clients who participated in this research indicated that there is a great need in their community for culturally relevant and trustworthy financial guidance as a fundamental service,” said Maria Cabildo, President of the East LA Community Corporation (ELACC), an NCLR Affiliate.  “Unfortunately, there are many predatory financial products that take advantage of low-income Latinos.  There need to be more financial institutions that advise them on how to reach their goals, such as purchasing their first home or saving for their citizenship application.  This would not only serve Latino communities throughout California but also strengthen the state’s economy.”   

The report details a body of recommendations to increase Californian Latino financial engagement, including expanding citizenship and economic integration, increasing account ownership through goal-based outreach and product development, promoting personal savings and bridging the tech divide with trusted partners to assuage fears of privacy violations.

“This report reflects what we see each day in the customers we serve,” said Jesse Torres, CEO, Pan American Bank.  “There is a gap in our community and I hope that through this report it will shed light on the need for more banks to provide Latinos with financial services, such as citizenship loans.  Latinos want to become citizens but need access to sound financial products to allow them to realize their dreams of full participation in American society.”

“Bringing Latinos into the practice of engaging financial institutions to create savings, make purchases and manage their personal finances will be of huge benefit, not just to their long-term success, but to the nation’s short- and long-term economic growth and stability.  We are encouraged that through building the right partnerships and engaging in purposeful outreach and educational efforts, we will be able to effectively reach the underserved Latino community,” concluded de la Vara.

View the survey findings and the report in its entirety.

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 IMMEDIATA                                      Contacto:
10 de septiembre de 2013                                                   Julián Teixeira
                                                                                         (202) 776-1812
                                                                                         jteixeira@nclr.org

Informe enfatiza el  vínculo entre la naturalización y la participación bancaria y contiene recomendaciones para aumentar la capacidad financiera de los californianos hispanos

LOS ANGELES—Esta mañana el NCLR, (El Consejo Nacional de La Raza) publicó un informe titulado “Acceso Financiero e Inclusión de los Latinos en California”.  Los resultados del informe se basan en una encuesta de NCLR de más de mil latinos radicados en California, que se llevó a cabo entre enero y abril de 2012.  La encuesta enfocada en el tema de los niveles de compromiso financiero, dio como resultado que los latinos siguen figurando entre las minorías étnicas de los Estados Unidos que menos utilizan los servicios bancarios. El informe destaca los desafíos que enfrentan los desempleados, las diferencias en la participación de los hispanos según su estatus migratorio y el uso de la tecnología bancaria por los participantes del estudio.

El informe reveló que existe un vínculo importante entre la naturalización y el mayor uso de los sistemas bancarios: los latinos que no son ciudadanos estadounidenses son los menos proclives a utilizar los servicios tradicionales de los bancos. Asimismo, el informe destacó que el 73% de los participantes lograron ahorrar a pesar de la crisis económica, y que un óptimo servicio al cliente es fundamental para que los hispanos decidan dónde realizar sus operaciones bancarias.

“Mientras que la Cámara de Representantes debate cómo se debe cambiar el sistema de inmigración de nuestra nación, es sumamente importante tener en cuenta la relación que existe entre el estatus migratorio y la participación de los latinos en nuestras instituciones financieras”, dijo Delia de la Vara, vicepresidente  de la Región de California del NCLR.  “Muchos inmigrantes elegibles que residen en California no han podido naturalizarse debido a los costos excesivamente elevados del trámite, mientras que otros están luchando  para encontrar una manera de completar el proceso de legalización de su estatus migratorio bajo las leyes actuales. No cabe duda de que los hispanos representan una franja de consumidores cada vez más numerosa, sobre todo en tiempos de recuperación económica, donde su amplia  participación serviría para estimular la economía a través de compras y ahorros. Cuanto más completa sea la participación de los hispanos en el uso de los servicios financieros, más se beneficiarán ellos y la nación “.

La encuesta también investigó el tema del uso de la tecnología para las operaciones bancarias y se llegó a la conclusión de que los jóvenes latinos de California utilizaban más la tecnología móvil de los bancos en comparación con los hispanos mayores. Los que ya tenían cuenta bancaria eran más propensos a tener acceso al Internet que los latinos que no la tenían y, a su vez, existía la posibilidad de que hubiesen realizado una transacción financiera utilizando este medio. Los que se rehusaban  a utilizar el Internet se preocupaban, principalmente, por la seguridad respecto de su información personal.

“Los usuarios que participaron en esta investigación señalaron que en su comunidad  existía una gran necesidad de que se ofrezca el servicio de asesores, culturalmente relevantes y dignos de confianza, sobre el sistema de financiamiento como un servicio fundamental”, dijo María Cabildo, presidente de East LA Community Corporation (ELACC, por sus siglas en inglés), una organización afiliada al NCLR . “Desafortunadamente, hay muchos servicios financieros en manos de individuos deshonestos que se aprovechan de los latinos con bajos ingresos. Es necesario que haya más instituciones financieras que asesoren a los latinos sobre cómo alcanzar sus objetivos, tales como: la compra de su primera vivienda o la forma de ahorrar para presentar su solicitud de ciudadanía. Esto no sólo ayudaría a las comunidades latinas de California, sino que también fortalecería la economía del estado”.

El informe detalla un conjunto de recomendaciones para incrementar la participación financiera de los latinos de California, incluyendo  la expansión de la ciudadanía, la integración económica, el aumento de cuentas bancarias a través de la divulgación basada en objetivos y el desarrollo de productos, la promoción de cuentas de ahorro y la minimización de la brecha tecnológica mediante socios confiables, capaces de disipar los temores sobre las violaciones de privacidad.

“Este informe refleja lo que vemos diariamente en los clientes que servimos”, dijo Jesse Torres, director general de Pan American Bank. “Hay una brecha en nuestra comunidad y espero que a través de este informe se aclaren las dudas sobre la necesidad de la existencia de más bancos que ofrezcan a los latinos servicios financieros, tales como préstamos para solicitar la ciudadanía. Los latinos quieren convertirse en ciudadanos, pero necesitan tener acceso a productos financieros confiables que les permitan realizar sus sueños de participar plenamente  en la sociedad estadounidense”.

“Si se logra una mayor participación de los latinos a través del uso de las entidades financieras para crear cuentas de ahorro, realizar compras y gestionar sus finanzas personales, el resultado  será sumamente beneficioso, no sólo para el éxito a largo plazo, sino también para el crecimiento económico y la estabilidad de la nación a corto y largo plazo. Creemos que creando alianzas adecuadas y mediante la apropiada divulgación y las actividades educativas bien coordinadas, podremos llegar efectivamente a la comunidad latina marginada”, finalizó Delia de la Vara.

Lea en este sitio los resultados de la encuesta y todo el informe

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 el NCLR, visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Contact:
September 11, 2013                                           Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                         (202) 776-1566
                                                                          jrendeiro@nclr.org

Latino leaders brief congressional staff in anticipation of vote to avoid government shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C.—With Congress likely to vote as early as Thursday on a budget resolution to continue funding the government beyond September 30, national Latino leaders are urging senators to pass a federal budget that invests in our future, creates jobs and closes tax loopholes.  Earlier today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) participated in a Senate staff briefing on Capitol Hill focused on the federal budget and the impact of sequestration on Latino communities. 

“When it comes to the federal budget, Congress must recognize that the well-being and continued success of this nation is undeniably tied to the ability of Latino children to realize their full potential,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation, NCLR.  “Latino children now make up almost one in four students enrolled in public schools.  By 2050, one in three American workers and taxpayers will be Latino.  To ensure our future prosperity we must invest in programs like Head Start and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which keep our children healthy, active and educated.”

Latinos represent 37% of children who could lose access to Head Start due to sequestration, 42% of children in high-poverty schools who rely on Title I funding to provide quality education and 32% of youth enrolled in federal job training programs that are on the chopping block. 

“Latino voters want jobs, not cuts,” added Rodriguez.  “Instead of continuing and deepening cuts that hit hardworking families, we should prioritize closing tax loopholes so that everyone pays their fair share.”

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 INMEDIATA                                    Contacto:
11 de septiembre, 2013                                                    Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                                       (202) 776-1566
                                                                                       jrendeiro@nclr.org

En anticipación al voto que podría evitar un cierre del gobierno, líderes latinos visitan al congreso para discutir la importancia de llegar a un acuerdo

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Con un voto sobre una resolución fiscal programada para los próximos días que evitaría un cierre del gobierno federal, líderes latinos instaron hoy a los senadores que pasaran un presupuesto que invierte en el futuro, crea trabajos y cierra escapatorias fiscales.  Hoy, el NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés), participó en una sesión informativa en el Senado que se enfoco en el impacto del ‘sequester’ en las comunidades Latinas. 

“Cuando viene al tema del presupuesto federal, el Congreso debe reconocer que el bien estar y el éxito de este país esta enlazado con la habilidad de los niños latinos ser exitosos,” dijo Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation, NCLR.  “Los niños latinos constituyen más de cada uno de cuatro estudiantes en las escuelas públicas.  Para el 2050, uno de cada tres trabajadores y contribuyentes al sistema de impuestos serán latinos.  Para asegurar nuestra futura prosperidad, tenemos que invertir en programas como Head Start y el Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) que mantienen a nuestros niños saludables, activos, y educados.” 

Los votantes latinos quieren trabajos, no recortes,” añadió Rodriguez.  “En vez de seguir recortando programas que afectan a las familias trabajadoras, debemos de poner como prioridad cerrar las escapatorias fiscales para que cada uno pague su parte justa al sistema.”

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.  Para más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR applauds the selection of acclaimed opera singer Martina Arroyo and legendary musician Carlos Santana as recipients of the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors, announced earlier today. NCLR and other Latino organizations have long advocated for greater diversity in this prestigious program.

“Today’s announcement confirms what we in the Latino community have known for years: there is a wealth of talent in our community deserving of this kind of honor,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “As icons in Latino entertainment, Martina Arroyo and Carlos Santana embody the enormous contributions Hispanics have made to American culture, not only in popular entertainment, but also in the fine arts.”

NCLR has partnered with sister organizations including the National Hispanic Foundation of the Arts and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda to work with the Kennedy Center’s president, Michael Kaiser, and its board of directors on a series of initiatives to strengthen its relationship with the Latino community, including a revised Honors selection process.

“We commend the Kennedy Center’s leadership for making the necessary changes in the selection process that resulted in the broad diversity of this year’s class of honorees,” added Murguía. “We congratulate Martina Arroyo and Carlos Santana, as well as all of the other nominees, on this well-deserved honor.”

Recipients of the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors also include jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, actress Shirley MacLaine and acclaimed musician Billy Joel. The ceremony honors artists for outstanding lifetime achievement in the fields of dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television.

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               Contact: 
September 13, 2013                                                          Camila Gallardo
                                                                                       (305) 215-4259
                                                                                       cgallardo@nclr.org
                               

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) today criticized a move by Florida Governor Rick Scott that would prevent residents of the state from accessing information related to the new health care law at County Health Department offices.  The Affordable Care Act open enrollment period for uninsured Americans begins October 1, 2013 and stretches through March 2014, standing to benefit millions of the state’s residents.  According to Census figures, Florida ranks number two in the nation among states with the largest population of uninsured; one in four Floridians and one in three Hispanics lack health coverage.

“The state directive to ban patient navigator outreach activities that would put more health care options in the hands of Florida’s 3.8 million uninsured is irresponsible,” said Jennifer Ng’andu, Director, Health and Civil Rights Policy Projects, NCLR.  “The political dynamics of Affordable Care Act implementation will once again prevent the public from receiving critical information that is meant to improve the health and well-being of Florida’s residents.  The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land; as a nation, we should be doing everything in our power to harness its assets for vulnerable communities.”

By law, the patient navigators involved with outreach are required to undergo significant training, perform their duties in an unbiased and culturally and linguistically appropriate manner and uphold the privacy of the individuals they assist.  The next step of implementation of the Affordable Care Act promises to benefit the Hispanic population most, yet a lack of information and outreach stand as barriers to the successful integration of many into the new insurance system.  The state directive adds yet another obstacle to those trying hardest to fix health care in the U.S., but groups supporting the law’s implementation won’t be deterred.

“NCLR will continue to work with partner groups and government stakeholders to maximize the benefit of the Affordable Care Act for vulnerable populations.  Our only imperative is that we deliver accurate and trustworthy information to the Latino community and eradicate the uninsurance problem in this country,” concluded Ng’andu. 

For more information on the Affordable Care Act and enrollment, please visit www.healthcare.gov (English) or www.cuidadodesalud.gov (Spanish), or call 1-800-318-2596 for assistance in English and Spanish.  NCLR also offers brochures in English and Spanish that provide an overview of the law.

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 INMEDIATA                                               Contacto:
13 de septiembre, 2013                                                                 Camila Gallardo
                                                                                                    (305)215-4259
                                                                                                    cgallardo@nclr.org
                               
                               
WASHINGTON, D.C.—El NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) hoy denunció una directiva del gobernador de la Florida que prohíbe acceso a información relacionada con la ley de cuidado de salud dentro de las oficinas de los Departamentos de Salud en los condados del estado.  La Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible (ACA por sus siglas en inglés), que comienza la temporada de inscripción el 1 de octubre del 2013 hasta el marzo del 2014, beneficiaría a millones de los residentes en el estado.  De acuerdo con números del Census, la Florida es el segundo estado de la nación con la cifra más altas de desasegurados; uno de cada cuatro floridanos y uno de cada tres hispanos carecen de seguro médico. 

“Es inaceptable el hecho de que el Gobernador prohíba el acceso a esta información y a la ayuda que podrían dar los consejeros certificados del gobierno federal, particularmente cuando saben que más de 3.8 millones de residentes del estado beneficiarían de estas nuevas opciones”, dijo Jennifer N’gandu, Director, Health and Civil Rights Policy Project, NCLR.  “El estado está actuando de manera irresponsable previniendo acceso a una información que solo tiene como propósito mejorar la salud y bienestar de la población.  El acceso al cuidado de salud es un derecho fundamental y es la ley del país; como comunidad, debemos de hacer todo dentro de nuestro alcance para que una máxima cantidad beneficie de la ley”.    

Por ley, los conocidos ‘navegadores de pacientes’ que proveen información sobre la ley son personas muy bien entrenadas a ejercer su trabajo de una manera sin prejuicios y de forma que es culturalmente y ligústicamente apropiada y que mantiene la privacidad de las personas a quienes les rindan información.  El próximo paso de la implementación del ACA beneficiaría enormemente a la población hispana, más que a ningún otro grupo étnico, pero la falta de información ha servido como barrera a la participación de muchos.  La directiva del estado es aún otro obstáculo más para aquellos que están trabajando arduamente para arreglar nuestro sistema de salud, pero los grupos que apoyan la implementación de la ley no se detendrán. 

“El NCLR continuará su trabajo con grupos aliados y representantes del gobierno para maximizar el beneficio de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible para nuestras comunidades más vulnerables.  Nuestro imperativo es hacer llegarles la información correcta a la comunidad y ayudar a erradicar el problema de los desasegurados en el país,” concluyó Ng’andu. 

Para más información sobre la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible (ACA) visite: www.healthcare.gov o www.cuidadodesalud.gov; o llame al: 1-800-318-2596.  NCLR también provee volantes informativos en inglés y español.

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.  Para más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Obama administration issues new regulations on minimum wage and overtime protections

NCLR (National Council of La Raza) applauds today’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Labor will extend minimum wage and overtime protections to nearly two million home care workers, 21% of whom are Latino. Home care work is the fastest-growing job in the U.S., projected to grow by 71% between 2010 and 2020. Final regulations announced today by Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez will go into effect on January 1, 2015.

“The regulations issued today are a breakthrough for Hispanic home care workers,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “For too long, our country neglected to care for those who care for our loved ones. These new rules will ensure that home care workers are fairly compensated for the important work they do to help seniors and people with disabilities live with dignity in their homes. Our local economies will also benefit, since most home care workers are the primary breadwinners for their families.”

This victory is the result of collaboration by an unprecedented coalition of organizations, including NCLR, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the Direct Care Alliance, PHI, the National Employment Law Project, Caring Across Generations, the AFL-CIO, AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The federal regulations complement efforts in several states to improve wages and working conditions for home care workers, the majority of whom are women of color. Hawaii enacted a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, following an example set by New York in 2010. Due in part to pressure from NCLR Affiliates in California, the California Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (AB 241) passed the California Assembly and Senate and awaits the governor’s signature.

“We are proud of the strong collaborative effort that our coalition undertook to push for these regulations, and we look forward to helping ensure the swift and effective implementation of these changes,” concluded Murguía.

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA

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

Con un tributo especial a Robert Rodríguez, Rosario Dawson y Carlos Santana

Entre los honrados están el elenco de Dexter, Tony Plana and Wilmer Valderrama

Entre los presentadores están Jessica Alba, Alexa Vega, Gina Rodríguez, Rico Rodríguez, el elenco de Devious Maids y muchos más

El especial de una hora, en horario estelar, se emitirá en VIVO en MSNBC
Viernes 27 de septiembre a las 10:00 ET/7:00 PT

LOS ANGELES—La famosa actriz y activista latina Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives de ABC) volverá a presentar los “Premios ALMA 2013 de NCLR” junto con el actor y celebridad de televisión Mario López (Extra, de NBC y The X Factor de FOX). El espectáculo que rompe barreras será televisado en VIVO en MSNBC en horario estelar el viernes 27 de septiembre de 2013 a las 10:00 PM tiempo del este (ET)/7:00 PM tiempo del Pacifico (PT). El programa de entrega de premios también incluirá programación complementaria de MSNBC, mun2 y las plataformas digitales mun2.tv y Telemundo.com. 

Entre los galardonados de los “Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR” se encuentran:

• ROBERT RODRIGUEZ - Premio Anthony Quinn a la excelencia en la industria del entretenimiento
  
  Reconocido por remodelar el paisaje cultural con la inclusión de rostros, historias y temas latinos en obras innovadoras, tales como El Mariachi, From Dusk Till Dawn y Spy Kids. Robert Rodríguez recibirá el premio Anthony Quinn por la excelencia en la industria del entretenimiento de manos de Jessica Alba (Sin City), a quien se le unirán Tito Larriva de Machete y Daryl Sabara y Alexa Vega de Spy Kids como parte de homenaje especial. Los actores Cheech Marin, George López y Danny Trejo también participarán en la presentación.

• CARLOS SANTANA - Premio al extraordinario compromiso con la comunidad y las causas nobles
  
  La leyenda musical Carlos Santana será reconocido por su incansable labor para que los jóvenes desfavorecidos tengan acceso a las artes, la educación y la sanidad; así como por su lucha contra la pobreza y el sufrimiento infantil. Ganador de diez premios Grammy® y tres Latin Grammy®, Santana es un emblema de éxito y altruismo en la comunidad latina y a nivel mundial.
   
• ROSARIO DAWSON - Premio al extraordinario compromiso con la comunidad y las causas nobles
  
  La querida y éxito de taquilla Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Men in Black) será reconocida por su mérito al servicio, donde coinciden su talento en la gran pantalla con su pasión por el activismo en la comunidad latina. Dawson apoya el Lower East Side Girls Club, el Voto Latino y otras causas nobles y de beneficencia que hacen la diferencia en la vida de las mujeres, protegen el medio ambiente y tienen un impacto global.
   
• Entre los presentadores estarán: Jessica Alba (Sin City, Machete), Gina Rodríguez (Filly Brown), Rico Rodríguez (Modern Family), el elenco del nuevo programa de comedia de NBC Welcome to the Family (Ricardo Chavira, Justina Machado, Fabrizio Zacharee Guido y Joseph Haro) y el elenco de protagonistas latinas del programa de Lifetime Devious Maids (Roselyn Sánchez, Dania Ramírez, Judy Reyes, Ana Ortiz y Edy Ganem).

Además, el programa de los “Premios ALMA 2013 de NCLR” incluirá tres segmentos nuevos: un segmento de comedia con el invitado especial Al Madrigal (The Daily Show), un segmento sobre las redes sociales con Yarel Ramos de mun2 y Crash y la actuación especial del cantante joven Sebastien De La Cruz “El Charro de Oro” (America’s Got Talent).

El especial previo al programa, de una hora de duración, honrará al actor, escritor y director Tony Plana con el premio Ricardo Montalbán a la vida profesional; al actor Wilmer Valderrama con el premio al extraordinario activismo social y a la escritora y productora Nancy De Los Santos Reza con el premio al extraordinario servicio comunitario y a la industria del entretenimiento.

La transmisión por televisión de los Premios ALMA 2013 de NCLR –evento que se lleva a cabo durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana– celebrará las aportaciones de los latinos a la industria del entretenimiento televisión, cine y música. El especial será producido por Flavio Morales, Sergio Alfaro y John Ehrhard, productores ejecutivos de la empresa dirigida por latinos Big Vida Entertainment. También como productoras ejecutivas tenemos a Eva Longoria y Janet Murguía, presidenta y directora general del NCLR.

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

• Viernes 27 de septiembre a las 10:00 PM (ET)/7:00 PM (PT) en MSNBC

Transmisión en VIVO del especial de una hora de los “Premios ALMA 2013 del NCLR”.

• Viernes 27 de septiembre a las 11:00 PM (ET)/8:00 PM (PT) en MSNBC
  
  Transmisión en vivo de un especial de noticias, de una hora, sobre los asuntos que afectan a la comunidad latina. Alex Wagner de la cadena MSNBC será la anfitriona del programa y tendrá como invitadas especiales a Janet Murguía y María Teresa Kumar colaboradora de MSNBC. 
   
• Sábado 28 de septiembre a las 4:00 PM (ET) en mun2
  
  El “Especial de Noticias de mun2 Hecho en América” presentará a los latinos que están cambiando la política, la cultura y los negocios en EE.UU. Con la aparición de la actriz Jessica Alba; Janet Murguía; el senador Marco Rubio (R–Fla); la directora general de Girls Scouts of the USA Anna María Chávez; el comediante George López; la boxeadora Marlene Esparza y la cantante Christina Aguilera.
• Sábado 5 de octubre a las 4:00 PM (ET)/3:00 PM (CT) en mun2: “Especial de la Alfombra Roja de los Premios ALMA 2013 de NCLR” que presentará a los artistas, presentadores, anfitriones y ganadores sobre la alfombra roja, seguido de la retransmisión de los “Premios ALMA 2013 de 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 en mun2 durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana 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 e Instagram en #ALMA13.

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 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

MSNBC es el principal destino para el análisis profundo de las noticias diarias, comentario político, y perspectivas informadas. MSNBC llega a más de 95 millones de hogares al nivel mundial y ofrece una programación completa de noticias en vivo, opinión política y programación de documentales premiados—24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana. Los televidentes pueden encontrar información adicional en: www.tv.msnbc.com

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA

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

La administración Obama presenta nuevas regulaciones sobre el pago mínimo y extiende protecciones de horas extras

NCLR (Consjeo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) hoy aplaudió el anuncio del Departamento del Trabajo que extenderá el pago mínimo y protecciones de horas extras a casi dos millones de trabajadores de atención domiciliaria. Los trabajadores de atención domiciliaria representan el sector de trabajo más creciente de los estados unidos; la proyección es que crezcará un 71% entre el 2010 y el 2020. Las últimas regulaciones anunciadas hoy por el Secretario del Trabajo Thomas Perez entrarán en vigor el 1 de enero, 2015.

“Las regulaciones anunciadas hoy representan un gran adelanto para los trabajadores hispanos de atención domiciliaria,” dijo Janet Murguía, Presidenta y Gerente General del NCLR. “Por mucho tiempo nuestro país a desatendido a aquellos quienes atienden a nuestros seres queridos. Estas nuevas regulaciones aseguraran que los trabajadores de este sector están recibiendo un pago justo y que son compensados por el trabajo tan importante que ejercen para ayudar a que los ancianos y personas deshabilitadas vivan con dignidad en sus hogares. Nuestras economías locales también beneficiarán dado que estos trabajadores comúnmente son los que más aportan económicamente a sus hogares.”

Esta victoria es resultado de una colaboración entre organizaciones incluyendo al NCLR, el National Domestic Workers Alliance, Direct Care Alliance, PHI, National Employment Law Project, Caring Across Generations, el AFL-CIO, AFSCME y el Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Las regulaciones federales complementan esfuerzos en varios estados para mejorar las condiciones de estos trabajadores, la gran mayoría de ellos mujeres de grupos minoritarios. Hawáii extendió protecciones bajo la Ley Para Los Derechos de Trabajadores Domiciliarios después que pasó una ley similar en New York en el año 2010. Dado en parte a la presión de las organizaciones Afiliadas del NCLR en California, la ley de Derechos Para Los Trabajadores Domiciliarios (AB 241) paso la Asamblea de California y el Senado y ahora espera la firma del gobernador.

“Estamos orgullosos de la fuerte colaboración que nuestra coalición logró para impulsar a estas regulaciones y estamos ansiosos de asegurar la implementación exitosa de estos cambios,” concluyó Murguía.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Robert Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson and Carlos Santana to receive special tributes

Tony Plana and Wilmer Valderrama among honorees

Jessica Alba, Alexa Vega, Gina Rodriguez, Rico Rodriguez, the cast of Devious Maids
and more to present

One-hour prime-time special to air LIVE on MSNBC
Friday, Sept. 27 at 10:00 ET/7:00 PT

LOS ANGELES—Leading Latina actress and activist Eva Longoria (ABC’s Desperate Housewives) will return once again as co-host of the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards,” joined this year by actor and television personality Mario Lopez (NBC’s Extra, FOX’s The X Factor). The barrier-breaking awards show will broadcast LIVE on MSNBC as a one-hour televised prime-time special on Friday, September 27, 2013, at 10:00 ET/7:00 PT. The awards show will also include complementary programming on MSNBC and mun2 and on digital platforms including mun2.tv and Telemundo.com. 

The “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” honorees include:

• Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence: ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
  Credited with reshaping the cultural landscape by integrating Latino faces, stories and themes into the mainstream with groundbreaking works such as El Mariachi, From Dusk Till Dawn and the Spy Kids franchise, Robert Rodriguez will be presented the Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence by Jessica Alba (Sin City), who will be joined onstage by Machete’s Tito Larriva and Spy Kids’ Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega as part of the special tribute. Actors Cheech Marin, George Lopez and Danny Trejo will also take part in the presentation. 

• Outstanding Commitment to Cause and Community Award: CARLOS SANTANA
  Music legend Carlos Santana will be recognized for his tireless advocacy for increased access to the arts, education and health care for underprivileged youth, as well as the fight against child poverty and suffering. A ten-time Grammy Award® winner and three-time Latin Grammy Award® winner, Santana is an emblem of success and altruism in the Latino community and worldwide.

• Outstanding Commitment to Cause and Community Award: ROSARIO DAWSON
  The box-office darling Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Men in Black) will be recognized for distinction in service, where she matches her talents on the big screen with an equal passion for activism in the Latino community. Dawson supports the Lower East Side Girls Club, Voto Latino and other causes and charities that make a difference in the lives of women, protect the environment and have global impact.

• Presenters also include: Jessica Alba (Sin City, Machete), Gina Rodriguez (Filly Brown), Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family), the cast of NBC’s new comedy Welcome to the Family (Ricardo Chavira, Justina Machado, Fabrizio Zacharee Guido and Joseph Haro) and the Latina-led cast of Lifetime’s Devious Maids (Roselyn Sanchez, Dania Ramirez, Judy Reyes, Ana Ortiz and Edy Ganem).

In addition, the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” will feature three new segments, including a comedic segment with special guest Al Madrigal (The Daily Show), a social media segment with mun2’s Yarel Ramos and Crash and a special performance segment featuring the young singer Sebastien De La Cruz, “El Charro de Oro” (America’s Got Talent).

A special one-hour pre-show telecast will honor actor, writer and director Tony Plana with the Ricardo Montalban Award for Lifetime Achievement, actor Wilmer Valderrama with the Outstanding Social Activism Award and writer and producer Nancy De Los Santos Reza with the Outstanding Industry and Community Service Award.

The 2013 NCLR ALMA Awards telecast—a National Hispanic Heritage Month event—celebrates America’s favorite Latinos in the entertainment industry, television, film and music. The special will be produced by Flavio Morales, Sergio Alfaro and John Ehrhard, executive producers of Latino-led Big Vida Entertainment. Also serving as executive producers are Longoria and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR.

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 awards special. 
   
• Friday, September 27 at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT on MSNBC
  Live broadcast of a one-hour news special on issues affecting the Latino community hosted by MSNBC’s Alex Wagner with featured guests Janet Murguía and MSNBC contributor Maria Teresa Kumar.
   
• Saturday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m. ET on mun2
  The “mun2 News Special Hecho en America” featuring Latinos who are changing politics, culture and business in the U.S., including actress Jessica Alba, Janet Murguía, Sen. Marco Rubio (R–Fla.), Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Anna Maria Chávez, comedian George Lopez, boxer Marlene Esparza and recording artist Christina Aguilera. 
   
• 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” featuring performers, presenters, hosts and honorees on the red carpet 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 using our handle on Twitter: @almaawards and on Instagram: instagram.com/almaawards, or hashtag #ALMA13.

About NCLR

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. The NCLR ALMA 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 on Twitter.

About Comcast Corporation
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.

About MSNBC
MSNBC is the premier destination for in-depth analysis of daily headlines, insightful political commentary and informed perspectives. Reaching more than 95 million households worldwide, MSNBC offers a full schedule of live news coverage, political opinions and award-winning documentary programming – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Viewers can find more information on MSNBC’s programming at www.tv.msnbc.com.

### 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The House of Representatives today passed the “Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act” (H.R. 3102), which contains devastating cuts to the nation’s most successful food assistance program. Although nutrition policy has historically been included in a larger Farm Bill, this bill will slash $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next ten years and dramatically restrict eligibility for those who need the program most. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is appalled that the House of Representatives has agreed to these massive reductions in SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, despite its proven value as the one of the most effective tools to prevent hunger and keep families out of poverty in this nation.

“This bill takes an axe to one of the most important lifelines that families, and particularly Latino families, rely on to provide basic nutrition for their children. One out of every six Americans currently uses SNAP, with Latinos accounting for about 17 percent of participants. The program is a critical buffer from hunger for children, especially Latino children, who are less likely to have access to food than their non-Hispanic White counterparts,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO, NCLR.

SNAP also plays a crucial role in reducing poverty, an important concern since one in three Hispanic children currently lives in poverty. The Census Bureau reported this week that SNAP kept four million people out of poverty in 2012, and half of those helped by SNAP are children. Moreover, cutting SNAP is not popular with Latino voters.

“Congress should reject these drastic and misguided attempts to defund one of our most valuable assets to protect our children’s health. Cuts to programs that invest in the nutrition of our children run counter to the values of this nation and put our country’s future needlessly in jeopardy,” Murguía added. “At a time when hardworking families are still struggling to put food on the table, we should be lifting them out of poverty, not pushing them deeper into it.”

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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In an appearance on Univision’s variety show “Sábado Gigante” (Giant Saturday) this weekend, the First Lady plans to promote her Let’s Move! national initiative and address the high obesity rates among Hispanic children, according to the Associated Press. Read more here...

The White House Blog—The President’s Plan to Tackle College Costs – An Early Look at What Stakeholders are Saying
Yesterday at the University of Buffalo, as part of his plan to offer a better bargain for the middle class, President Obama announced an ambitious new agenda to combat rising college costs, make college more affordable, and improve value for students and their families. As the President said in his speech, just tinkering around the edges won’t be enough. If we’re really serious about making sure that all qualified students have access to a quality and affordable college education, we have to fundamentally rethink how higher education is paid for in this country, shake up the system and build on innovation. Read more here...

Latinos Post —Hispanic Heritage Foundation to Honor Eva Longoria and Diego Luna
Actress and entrepreneur Eva Longoria and actor and director Diego Luna will receive the 26th Hispanic Heritage Awards, the Huffington Post reported. Among the winners are chef José Andrés and musical group Los Tigres del Norte, according to Fox News Latino. Read more here…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              Contact:
September 24, 2013                                                                                          Camila Gallardo
                                                                                                                        (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                                        cgallardo@nclr.org


LOS ANGELES—On Friday, September 27, 2013, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and ACLU of Sand Diego and Imperial Counties (American Civil Liberties Union) will host a community roundtable to discuss the impact of immigration reform on the business community.  Engaging business leaders, community advocates, and expert panelists, the event will highlight the advantages of passing comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for many of the over two million of undocumented immigrants living in California.  There is ample consensus among business groups that legalizing their status will provide an economic windfall that will positively advance the state’s recovering economy.  Legalization would increase the earning power of would-be citizens, in turn, generating additional tax revenue and boosting consumer spending.   

As the United States House of Representatives continues to debate the issue, attendees at the roundtable will engage in constructive dialogue about how to move the issue forward and work together towards a commonsense solution to fix our broken immigration system.  Research conducted by California State University San Marcos that provides up-to-date state projections on the benefit of reform will inform the morning’s discussion. 

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:     Panelists:
               Bill de la Fuente, North County Regional Director, Comerciantes Latinos Asociados
               Arcela Nuñez-Alvarez, Ph.D., Research Director, National Latino Research Center, California State University San Marcos
               Susana Serrano, Board Member, National Latina Business Women Association–San Diego
               Elena Cruz, Program Manager, Microcredit Program, La Maestra Community Health Centers

WHAT:    “Immigration Reform and Benefits for Business” Community Roundtable

WHEN:     Friday, September 27, 2013
                 8:30–9:30 a.m.

WHERE:     Oceanside Public Library Civic Center
                   Community Room
                   330 North Coast Highway
                   Oceanside, CA 92054

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Special tributes include Robert Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson and Carlos Santana

Filly Brown, the cast of Dexter, Tony Plana and Wilmer Valderrama among honorees

Jessica Alba, Alexa Vega, Gina Rodriguez, Rico Rodriguez, Danny Trejo, the cast of Devious Maids, Daisy Fuentes, Diego Boneta, Melonie Diaz and Christina Milian to present

With special performances by Al Madrigal, Sebastien de la Cruz and Aloe Blacc featuring Grammy Award–winning Quetzal

Featuring a special appearance by Lady Gaga

One-hour prime-time special to air LIVE on MSNBC

Friday, September 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT

LOS ANGELES—Leading Latina actress and activist Eva Longoria (ABC’s Desperate Housewives) will return as co-host of the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards,” joined this year by actor and television personality Mario Lopez (Extra, FOX’s The X Factor). The barrier-breaking awards show will broadcast LIVE on MSNBC as a one-hour prime-time special on Friday, September 27, 2013, at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The awards show will also include complementary programming on MSNBC and mun2 and on digital platforms including mun2.tv and Telemundo.com.

The “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” honorees include:

• Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence: ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
Credited with reshaping the cultural landscape by integrating Latino faces, stories and themes into the mainstream with groundbreaking works such as El Mariachi, From Dusk Till Dawn and the Spy Kids franchise, Robert Rodriguez will receive the Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence. The award will be presented by Jessica Alba (Sin City), who will be joined onstage by Machete’s Tito Larriva and Danny Trejo and Spy Kids’ Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega as part of the special tribute. Lady Gaga, Cheech Marin and George Lopez will also take part in the presentation.

• Outstanding Commitment to Cause and Community Award: CARLOS SANTANA
Music legend Carlos Santana will be recognized for his tireless advocacy for increased access to the arts, education and health care for underprivileged youth, as well as the fight against child poverty. A ten-time Grammy Award® winner and three-time Latin Grammy Award® winner, Santana is an emblem of success and altruism in the Latino community and worldwide.

• Outstanding Commitment to Cause and Community Award: ROSARIO DAWSON
The popular and acclaimed actress Rosario Dawson (Men in Black II, Sin City) will be recognized for distinction in service, where she matches her talents on the big screen with an equal passion for activism in the Latino community. Dawson supports the Lower East Side Girls Club, Voto Latino and other causes and charities that make a difference in the lives of women, protect the environment and have global impact.

• Special Achievement in Film: FILLY BROWN
Executive producer Edward James Olmos and director Michael D. Olmos, along with lead cast members Gina Rodriguez and Lou Diamond Phillips, will be on hand to accept this year’s honor for Special Achievement in Film for the poignant Lionsgate film Filly Brown (2013). An inspiring and gritty portrait of a young artist striving to find her voice and seize her dreams without compromising her values, Filly Brown is propelled by the powerful Latino themes of family, integrity, honor and sacrifice that resonate universally. The award will be presented by past NCLR ALMA Award–winner Diego Boneta and Melonie Diaz (Fruitvale Station)

• Special Achievement in Television: Cast of DEXTER
Lauren Vélez, David Zayas and Aimee Garcia will be honored for their gripping portrayals of fan-favorite characters “Maria LaGuerta,” “Angel Batista” and “Jamie Batista,” respectively, on Showtime’s critically acclaimed drama Dexter about “America’s Favorite Serial Killer.” The phenomenally successful show, which just bid adieu to its audiences after an eight-season run, highlighted these standout Latino talents whose roles have upended the boundaries of multicultural visibility today. The award will be presented by the Latina-led cast of Lifetime’s Devious Maids (Roselyn Sanchez, Dania Ramirez, Judy Reyes, Ana Ortiz and Edy Ganem).

• Presenters include: Jessica Alba (Sin City, Machete), Gina Rodriguez (Filly Brown), Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family), Daisy Fuentes (Telemundo’s La Voz Kids), Diego Boneta (Fruitvale Station), Melonie Diaz (Fruitvale Station), Christina Milian (NBC’s The Voice), the cast of NBC’s new comedy Welcome to the Family (Ricardo Chavira, Justina Machado, Fabrizio Zacharee Guido and Joseph Haro) and the Latina-led cast of Lifetime’s Devious Maids (Roselyn Sanchez, Dania Ramirez, Judy Reyes, Ana Ortiz and Edy Ganem).

Billboard chart–topping Latino recording artist Aloe Blacc and Grammy Award–winning Latin/funk/rock group Quetzal will take the stage for a show-stopping musical performance. House music will be provided by famed KCRW DJ Raul Campos and popular percussionist Peter Michael Escovedo.

In addition, the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” will feature three new segments, including a comedic segment with special guest Al Madrigal (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), a social media segment with mun2’s Yarel Ramos and Crash and a special performance segment featuring the young singer Sebastien De La Cruz, “El Charro de Oro” (America’s Got Talent).

A special one-hour pre-show telecast will honor actor, writer and director Tony Plana with the Ricardo Montalban Award for Lifetime Achievement, actor Wilmer Valderrama with the Outstanding Social Activism Award and writer and producer Nancy De Los Santos Reza with the Outstanding Industry and Community Service Award.

The 2013 NCLR ALMA Awards telecast—a National Hispanic Heritage Month event—celebrates America’s favorite Latino talents in the entertainment industry, television, film and music. The special will be produced by Flavio Morales, Sergio Alfaro and John Ehrhard, executive producers of Latino-led Big Vida Entertainment. Also serving as executive producers are Longoria and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR.

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 awards special.

• Friday, September 27 at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT on MSNBC
Live broadcast of a one-hour news special on issues affecting the Latino community hosted by MSNBC’s Alex Wagner with featured guests Janet Murguía and MSNBC contributor Maria Teresa Kumar.

• Saturday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m. ET on mun2
The “mun2 News Special Hecho en America” featuring Latinos who are changing politics, culture and business in the U.S., including actress Jessica Alba, Janet Murguía, Sen. Marco Rubio (R–Fla.), Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Anna Maria Chávez, comedian George Lopez, boxer Marlene Esparza and recording artist Christina Aguilera.

• 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” featuring performers, presenters, hosts and honorees on the red carpet followed by mun2 rebroadcasts of the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards.”

Sponsors for this year’s show include Target, supporting the NCLR ALMA Awards for the sixth year. As an extension of their ongoing commitment to the Hispanic community and culture, Target is honored to once again be part of the celebration and recognition of Hispanic talent and contributions.

Other returning sponsors include Pepsi, Comcast, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Prudential, McDonald’s and General Motors.

Encore presentations of the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards” will air throughout Hispanic Heritage Month on mun2, and exclusive content will be available through Comcast Video on Demand and on Telemundo.com/ALMA.

For additional information, including announcements about the hosts, presenters and performers at this year’s ceremony, visit www.almaawards.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and with #ALMA13.

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PARA DIVULGACION INMEDIATA

Contacto:
Camila Gallardo
(305)573-7329/(305)215-4259
cgallardo@nclr.org
NCLR Conference Press Office
(504) 670-5602

A la Presidenta y CEO de NCLR se le unirán Cecilia Muñoz, Directora del Consejo de Política Nacional de la Casa Blanca, Eva Longoria, actriz y activista y otros distinguidos oradores

Durante su Conferencia Anual 2013 que se realiza en Nueva Orleans, el Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR, por sus siglas en inglés) auspiciará una gran reunión pública el sábado 20 de julio de 2013 titulada "Más allá de la Reforma Migratoria: Cómo la educación es el catalizador de la integración" (Beyond Immigration Reform: How Education is the Catalist for Integration"). Mientras la nación espera la aprobación de una ley de reforma migratoria integral que proporcione la oportunidad de legalizar a millones de inmigrantes que viven actualmente en los EE.UU., ninguna institución ocupará el mismo lugar en la historia ni tendrá el mismo impacto en las familias de los inmigrantes como lo harán las escuelas de este país. Este evento servirá para reunir investigadores, funcionarios de gobierno y líderes para discutir las implicaciones de la reforma migratoria para todo el sistema educativo, desde la educación preescolar hasta la universidad. Se ha invitado todos los miembros de la comunidad para que, en forma gratuita, asistan a esta reunión pública para que tengan la oportunidad de interactuar, compartir impresiones y preocupaciones y formular preguntas.

MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

QUIENES:   Moderador: José Díaz-Balart, Periodista, Noticiero Telemundo
                     Panelistas: Janet Murguía, Presidenta y CEO de NCLR
                     Dr. Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, Decano, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
                     Reyna Hernández, Sub Superintendent, Center for Language and Early Child Development, Illionis State Board of Education
                     Cecilia Muñoz, Directora, White House Domestic Policy Council
                     Eva Longoria, Actriz, Activista y Filántropa
                     Emilio Vicente, Soñador (Dreamer)
                     Gina Pupo Walker, Executive Director of Family and Community Partnerships, Metro Nashville Public Schools and Board Member of Conexión Américas

QUÉ:            Foro Publico --
                     "Beyond Immigration Reform: How Education is the Catalyst for Integration"
                     Patrocinador exclusivo, Comcast/NBS Universal/Telemundo a 10:30 a.m.

CUÁNDO:    Sábado, 20 de julio de 2013, de 3:00 a 4:30 p.m. CDT

DÓNDE:       Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
                      Riverside Rooms R02-R04
                      900 Convention Center Blvd.
                      New Orleans, LA 70130

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                 Contacto:
22 de julio de 2013                                                         Camila Gallardo
                                                                                    (305) 573-7329/(305) 215-4259
                                                                                    cgallardo@nclr.org
                                                                                    NCLR Conference Press Office
                                                                                    (504) 670-5602 (19-23 de julio)

NEW ORLEANS-- El lunes 22 de julio de 2013, el Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Equal Rights Center (ERC, por sus siglas en inglés) revelaron un nuevo informe, "Puertas Cerradas: Barreras de Vivienda para los Hispanos", sobre las prácticas discriminatorias de vivienda en un taller durante la Conferencia Anual NCLR 2013 en New Orleans. La investigación sobre el tema de la vivienda justa -- encargada por NCLR y realizada por ERC en Birmingham, Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, y San Antonio, Texas -- exploró el grado en que los latinos están sujetos a un trato desfavorable y diferenciado cuando se trata de conseguir una vivienda de alquiler o comprar una casa. La investigación utilizó una metodología "de comparación de datos", donde hispanos y blancos no hispanos teniendo perfiles prácticamente idénticos interactuaron con representantes de compañías de bienes raíces en diferentes escenarios. Los resultados arrojaron una visión crítica sobre cómo persisten las prácticas de discriminación contra los latinos en el mercado inmobiliario.

"Dado que los hispanos se ven afectados desproporcionadamente por la crisis inmobiliaria y representan una importante porción de las víctimas de préstamos abusivos, es importante entender si su proceso de recuperación estaría siendo obstaculizado además por el tratamiento diferencial. Desafortunadamente, nuestra investigación puso de manifiesto que los latinos siguen lidiando con la discriminación en la búsqueda de adquisición y alquiler de viviendas -- discriminación prohibida por la Ley Federal de Vivienda Justa ", dijo Lindsay Daniels, Directora Asociada, Iniciativas de Viviendas y Creación de Riqueza de NCLR.

Esta investigación sobre vivienda justa reveló que los latinos experimentaron al menos un tipo de trato desfavorable debido al trato diferencial de 95 entre las 225 pruebas (42%) que se realizaron en las tres ciudades. Tanto en San Antonio como en Atlanta, ERC realizó 50 investigaciones por teléfono y 25 entrevistas a personas. Para esta investigación se entrenaron personas que simulando tener interés en comprar viviendas se contactaron con representantes de inmobiliarias que en Internet tenían listas en línea . En Birmingham, las personas entrenadas por ERC se realizaron 75 entrevistas con agentes inmobiliarios sobre un apartamento listado para alquilar.

Varios estados del sur con poblaciones hispanas de muy rápido crecimiento han luchado contra las más duras leyes anti-inmigrantes, como Georgia y Alabama. Como resultado de estas leyes se observa que en general se produjo un aumento de un sentimiento anti-latino, y más específicamente, en relación a la discriminación de viviendas. Los resultados de estas pruebas demuestran que los hispanos en Birmingham, Atlanta y San Antonio están experimentando uno o más de los siguientes tipos de trato diferencial y desfavorable en la búsqueda de vivienda:

   -- Los representantes de inmobiliarias estuvieron menos dispuestos o receptivos para establecer citas con los supuestos compradores o inquilinos hispanos que con los blancos.
   -- Los representantes de inmobiliarias ofrecieron menos opciones a los hispanos que a los blancos en relación a casas para la venta o al número de unidades disponibles para alquiler.
   -- Para las supuestas ventas, los agentes ofrecieron recomendaciones sobre préstamos u otras informaciones sobre financiamiento ventajoso a los candidatos blancos, pero no ofrecieron la misma información a los hispanos.

   -- Para las casas para alquilar, los vendedores cotizaron tarifas más altas, costos y/o requisitos de solicitud con mayores exigencias a los supuestos candidatos hispanos que a los blancos.
   -- En promedio, los agentes de las inmobiliarias siempre hicieron un contacto de seguimiento por teléfono o por correo electrónico a los supuestos candidatos blancos, pero no a los hispanos.

"La Ley de Vivienda Justa prohíbe expresamente la discriminación basada en el origen nacional, esta discriminación no ha desaparecido, y hoy día esta situación se ha empeorado debido un clima político altamente cargado ", dijo el panelista Don Kahl, Director Ejecutivo de Equal Rights Center. "Este informe y las pruebas demuestran claramente que la comunidad latina sigue siendo descriminada. Es fundamental que se informe a la comunidad cómo identificar y reportar incidentes de discriminación y que la comunidad sepa que tiene defensores, como CEI, para ayudarlos a maniobrar a través del proceso”.

"Una creciente comunidad latina en New Orleans ha ayudado a jugar un papel importante en la reconstrucción de la ciudad después del huracán Katrina. Necesitamos asegurarles que no los abandonaremos sino que seguiremos ofreciendo nuestra ayuda para contribuir al enriquecimiento de nuestras comunidades. Aún más cuando la comunidad latina está siendo sometida a un trato injusto o desigual en el mercado inmobiliario ", dijo el panelista James Perry, Director Ejecutivo del Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center.

En el taller de hoy, un panel de expertos en vivienda dio a conocer las conclusiones del informe y se hizo hincapié sobre la intersección importante de las leyes de vivienda justa y la discriminación contra los inmigrantes. El panel también proporcionó información crítica sobre cómo los participantes pueden trabajar para crear más conciencia sobre la discriminación de viviendas justas en sus propias comunidades y presentar demandas cuando ocurran violaciones por discriminación de viviendas.

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 mayor información sobre NCLR, visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter. Siga las conversaciones de la Conferencia Anual NCLR 2013 en #NCLR13 de Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                Contact:
July 22, 2013                                                                                                      Camila Gallardo
                                                                                                                         (305) 573-7329/(305) 215-4259
                                                                                                                         cgallardo@nclr.org
                                                                                                                         NCLR Conference Press Office
                                                                                                                         (504) 670-5602 (July 19-23)

NEW ORLEANS—On Monday, July 22, 2013, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and the ERC (Equal Rights Center) unveiled a new report, “Puertas Cerradas: Housing Barriers for Hispanics,” on discriminatory housing practices at a workshop during the 2013 NCLR Annual Conference in New Orleans. The fair housing investigation—commissioned by NCLR and conducted by ERC in Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Antonio, Texas—explored the extent to which Latinos are subject to adverse and differential treatment when trying to secure rental housing or buy a home. The investigation utilized a “matched pair” methodology, where Hispanic and White non-Hispanic testers with virtually identical profiles interacted with housing agents in a variety of scenarios. The results provide critical insights into how discrimination practices against Latinos persist in the housing market.

“Given that Hispanics were disproportionately affected by the housing crash and represented a significant portion of those victimized by predatory lending, it was important to understand if their recovery process was being impeded further by differential treatment. Unfortunately, our investigation discovered that Latinos are still contending with discrimination in their home and rental search—discrimination that is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act,” said Lindsay Daniels, Associate Director, Housing and Wealth-Building Initiatives, NCLR.

This fair housing investigation revealed that Latino testers experienced at least one type of adverse, differential treatment in 95 of the 225 tests (42%) that were conducted in the three cities. In both San Antonio and Atlanta, the ERC conducted 50 phone tests and 25 in-person tests, in which trained testers contacted real estate agents about buying a home that had an online listing. In Birmingham, the ERC conducted 75 in-person tests, in which trained ERC testers contacted housing providers about an apartment listed for rent.

Several southern states with the fastest-growing Hispanic populations have pursued the harshest anti-immigrant laws, including Georgia and Alabama. These laws have resulted in a rise in anti-Latino sentiment generally, and more specifically, in housing discrimination. The results of these tests demonstrate that Hispanics in Birmingham, Atlanta and San Antonio are experiencing one or more of the following types of adverse, differential treatment when looking for housing:

   –Housing agents were less willing or receptive to schedule an appointment with Hispanic testers than they were with their matched White testers.
   –Agents provided Hispanic testers with fewer options than their matched White testers in terms of other homes for sale or number of units available for rent.
   –In sales tests, agents provided White testers with lender recommendations or other advantageous financing information that was not provided to their matched Hispanic testers.
   –In rental tests, agents quoted higher fees, costs and/or more extensive application requirements to Hispanic testers than to their matched White testers.
   –On average, agents provided follow-up contact via phone or email to the White testers but not to their matched Hispanic testers.

“While the Fair Housing Act expressly prohibits discrimination based on national origin, this discrimination has not gone away, and in today’s highly charged political climate, it has gotten worse,” said panelist Don Kahl, Executive Director, Equal Rights Center. “This report and its underlying testing clearly show that the Latino community continues to be targeted. It is critical that the community is informed about how to identify and report incidents of discrimination and that the community knows that there are advocates, such as the ERC, to help them maneuver through the process.”

“A growing Latino community has helped play an important part in rebuilding a post-Katrina New Orleans. We need to ensure that they are not being kept from helping to enrich our communities further because they are being subjected to unfair or unequal treatment in the housing market,” said panelist James Perry, Executive Director, Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center.

At today’s workshop, a panel of housing experts unveiled the report’s findings and addressed the important intersection of fair housing laws and discrimination against immigrants. The panel also provided critical information for how attendees can work to create more awareness about fair housing discrimination within their own communities and file fair housing complaints when violations occur.

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. Follow the conversation about the 2013 NCLR Annual Conference on Twitter at #NCLR13.

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