Quantcast
Channel: News Releases
Viewing all 1565 articles
Browse latest View live

Nuevas Regulaciones Impulsan A La Economía Y A Los Salarios De Los Trabajadores

0
0



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.

###


 


Eva Longoria and Mario Lopez to Co-Host the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards®”

0
0

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.


### 

NCLR: House Nutrition Bill Will Gut Food Assistance, Plunging More Latinos Into Hunger

0
0

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.

### 

Media Spotlight - August 2013

0
0

The Hill—Holder sentencing move shows new willingness to engage on race
Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement of significant changes in the Justice Department’s pursuit of mandatory minimum sentences highlights a new willingness on the part of the Obama administration to engage on issue of race. Read more here...

The Times-Picayune— National Council of La Raza annual conference was held in New Orleans: Nuestro Pueblo
The 2013 National Council of La Raza held its annual conference last month for the first time at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. It opened with the cutting of the ribbon at the free expo attended by a large group of children from New Orleans who shared the spotlight with Nickelodeon characters Dora the Explorer, her cousin Diego, NCLR's CEO Janet Murguia and Board Chairman Jorge Plasencia, the first Cuban-American to lead the organization Board. Read more here…

VOXXI— Immigration reform supporters tu ‘turn up the heat’
When House Republicans go home at the end of this week for the month-long summer recess, they will be greeted by immigration reform supporters who will be “turning up the heat” on their efforts to push for reform. Read more here…

NBC Politics—Immigration reform activists seize on 'moral tone' of civil rights movement
Fifty years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic call for racial equality in the March on Washington, immigration reform activists are seizing on his "moral tone" in their fight for laws easing a pathway to citizenship. Read more here...

Associated Press—Latinos inspired by 1963 march to push for rights
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — As thousands of marchers made their way to the nation's capital in August 1963 for what was officially billed as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Maria Varela stayed put in the Deep South with no plans to participate. Read more here…

NBC Latino— “We’ve got a crisis” – Obama reveals sweeping proposals to lower college costs
In an effort to lower rising college costs, President Obama is proposing sweeping changes, including a new ratings system designed to judge schools on affordability, rewarding colleges for enrolling and graduating low- and moderate-income students, and strengthening academic progress requirements for students receiving aid. Read more here...

The Hill—Business groups upbeat on fall deal to move immigration bill (video)
Business groups say their grassroots efforts to build support for an immigration overhaul are paying off and making them increasingly optimistic that Congress will complete comprehensive legislation this fall. Read more here...

The Kansas City Star—We have much to do to achieve the goals of 1963 March on Washington
Fifty years ago, black Americans struggled to overcome obstacles in order to vote. The thought of becoming president was a dream deferred. Until 2008. Read more here…

The Hill—Trayvon, voting rights expected to dominate MLK march event
Organizers say as many as 100,000 people will descend on the National Mall Saturday as a week of commemorations begin for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Read more here...

San Antonio Express-News—Immigration reform fight likely going to committee
WASHINGTON — After floor speeches, sound bites and town hall meetings, the fate of immigration reform in Congress could come down to this: A few senators and a few House members closeted together, away from the cameras, forging the details of a bill they believe they can get passed by each chamber. Read more here…

National Journal—Voting Rights Act, Immigration Reform on the Agenda for 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington
For black and Hispanic leaders, the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington offers not only a chance to commemorate the civil-rights movement, but also an opportunity to make a high-profile push for some of their top public-policy priorities. Read more here…

USA Today—March on Washington events have broader goals this time
It's been a half-century since Alix Dobkin, 73, came to the March on Washington. Now she is coming back to march again — albeit older and a bit changed, much like the modern-day civil rights movement. Read more here...

Huffington Post—New Report Uncovers Housing Discrimination Against the Latino Community
Every year, there are more than four million incidents of housing discrimination that occur in the United States. Yet these incidents are tremendously underreported, particularly within the Latino community. A new NCLR and Equal Rights Center (ERC) report, "Puertas Cerradas: Housing Barriers for Hispanics," takes a closer look at the housing experience of Hispanics in three Southern cities: Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Antonio, Texas. Read more here...

Variety—MSNBC To Broadcast Latino Entertainment Awards
MSNBC will air a two hours of live programming related to an awards program celebrating Latino contributions to entertainment as part of a broader partnership between parent NBCUniversal and the National Council of La Raza, a civil-rights and advocacy organization. Read more here...

Politico—Obama’s missed chances on housing
Barack Obama swept into office on the heels of a housing crisis, promising to help struggling homeowners meet their mortgage payments with the same vigor the government used taxpayer bailouts to help Wall Street banks survive. Read more here...

CNN—Immigration activists aren't taking a recess
Washington (CNN) - Several dozen town halls featuring Republican members of Congress will be one of the focuses this week for advocates pushing for comprehensive immigration reform, as well as those who will strongly fight to prevent it from passing the House this fall. Read more here...

FOX—House Republicans feel summer recess heat on immigration
House Republicans are facing heavy pressure from both sides of the immigration debate as they return to their home districts for August recess with no clear indication as to how they’ll vote on the issue. Read more here...

Chicago Tribune—Activists mobilize for busy August on immigration, Obamacare
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - August might not be much of a recess for U.S. lawmakers weary from bruising budget fights and nomination showdowns: the break promises a frenzy of meetings in their home districts with activists trying to pressure them on immigration and health care reform. Read more here...

USA Today—GOP will feel heat at home in August on immigration
WASHINGTON — As they prepare to leave the Capitol for a month-long August recess, Republican members of the House of Representatives are taking with them legislative summaries and informational packets to tackle tough questions in their districts about immigration. Read more here...

Charlotte Observer—She’s head of Latin American Coalition – and doesn’t speak much Spanish
The head of Charlotte’s Latin American Coalition intends to be arrested Thursday in Washington, D.C. Read more here…

Las Vegas Sun—National Hispanic group rethinks voter turnout strategy
Last week, various civic organizations announced plans for turning out Hispanic voters for the 2014 election. Read more here…

EFE—Telemundo entregará premios especiales a Daddy Yankee y Eva Longoria
Miami.- La actriz Eva Longoria y el reguetonero Daddy Yankee recibirán dos galardones especiales durante la gala de los Premios Tu Mundo, que tendrá lugar el próximo jueves en Miami y está organizada por la cadena Telemundo. Read more here…

Huffpost Voces—Premios Tu Mundo 2013: Eva Longoria recibirá un galardón especial 'ALMA de Tu Mundo'
Telemundo anunció una sorpresa: Eva Longoria y Daddy Yankee recibirán dos premios especiales en los "Premios Tu Mundo" 2013. Read more here…

La Opinion—EEUU crea red para informar sobre reforma de salud
Washington - El Departamento de Salud anunció hoy que concederá $67 millones a 105 organizaciones y centros médicos de la mayor parte del país para que informen en persona a los ciudadanos que tengan dudas sobre las nuevas opciones de seguros de salud que estarán disponibles el 1 de octubre. Read more here…

Associated Press—Conmemoración de marcha de 1963 abordará migración
WASHINGTON (AP) — La conmemoración de la marcha que Martin Luther King Jr. encabezara hace 50 años en la capital estadounidense destacará la necesidad de una reforma migratoria que incluya la opción de la naturalización para 11 millones de inmigrantes sin papeles, dijeron el miércoles sus organizadores. Read more here…

Univision—Católicos escriben a congresistas para que aprueben la reforma migratoria comprensiva
Faltando dos semanas para que concluya el receso de verano, católicos del estado de Florida (sureste de Estados Unidos) anunciaron una campaña nacional de mensajes al Congreso para que la Cámara de Representantes apruebe una reforma migratoria comprensiva. Read more here…

NBC Latino—Progressives announce launch to fight back Obamacare opponents
As Congress heads into summer recess, progressives want to take the health care debate to the grassroots – and fight back opposition the landmark health legislation. Read more here…

New Haven Register —Latinos More Likely to Face Discrimination in Housing
Latinos seeking to buy or rent a home are more likely to encounter discrimination, according to recent reports, which has prompted a state housing agency to investigate the severity of trend in Connecticut. Despite federal laws against housing discrimination, the problem persists around the state, officials said. Read more here…

The Times-Picayune Online—New Orleans personalities honored by National Council of La Raza: Nuestro Pueblo
Two New Orleans personalities were honored at the National Council of La Raza's awards gala, the closing event of the 2013 NCLR annual conference, on July 23 at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans. Read more here…

NBC Latino—In Congress, looming battle over food stamps program
Guadalupe Bernal, a 42-year-old mother of two from San Antonio, Texas, never had to rely on food stamps until the recent recession. She used to work a factory job in Ohio with a steady income but relocated to Texas after losing her job. Bernal works part-time as a cashier at Walmart and is trying to enroll in school so she can acquire new skills to get a better-paying job. Read more here…

The Times-Picayune Online—Girl Scouts CEO is honored in New Orleans for promoting the interests of Hispanic Americans: Nuestro Pueblo
Girl Scouts Louisiana East welcomed its national chief executive officer Anna Maria Chávez to New Orleans at a luncheon on July 24 at the council’s headquarters in Jefferson. Chávez was in New Orleans for the National Council of La Raza's annual convention where she was honored with the Graciela Olivarez La Raza Award for her contribution in promoting the interests of Hispanic Americans. Read more here…

NBC Latino—Latinos among those hit the hardest by Head Start cuts
Mary Capello is President and CEO of the Texas Migrant Council, an organization under the Migrant Head Start Association umbrella. Their program is one of the top ten largest in the nation but couldn’t escape the hardships striking Head Starts everywhere. They had to get rid of 338 slots and cut spending by $4 million. But that’s not all, Capello says. The school day will now end two hours earlier and the summer term will end two weeks early. Read more here…

NBC Latino—Latino leaders push for civil rights at March on Washington 50th anniversary
Five decades after Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his seminal “I Have a Dream” speech, Latino leaders are standing in the same spot to call for civil rights for Hispanics. Read more here…

Huffpost Latino Voices—Michelle Obama Heads To 'Sabado Gigante' To Address Childhood Obesity Among Hispanics
Michelle Obama is planning to reach out to the Hispanic community in a ‘giant’ way.
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…

NCLR and ACLU to Host Community Roundtable: Immigration Reform and Benefits for Business

0
0

                                                          

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.

###
       

Eva Longoria and Mario Lopez to Co-host the “2013 NCLR ALMA Awards®”

0
0



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 KidsDaryl 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.

###
 


 

NCLR Applauds Nominations of Walter Ulloa and Amanda Perea Mahoney to Kennedy Center Board

0
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

On the heels of the announcement that opera singer Martina Arroyo and legendary musician Carlos Santana will be recognized at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors, President Obama has appointed two accomplished Latinos to serve on the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Walter F. Ulloa, Chairman and CEO of Entravision Communications Corp., and Amanda Perea Mahoney, former Director of Galeria Amalia Mahoney, an art gallery in Chicago specializing in Latin American Art. Both of these distinguished individuals were chosen for the prestigious honor, joining current board member Giselle Fernandez as the only three Latinos on the Kennedy Center’s board.

“We are pleased to see the Obama administration taking yet another step to recognize the amazing accomplishments and contributions that Latinos have made to American culture and the fine arts,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “It is important that the Kennedy Center, America’s national cultural center, becomes more inclusive not just in their honoree choices, but also institutionally. A more diverse board better reflects and celebrates the wealth of talent that exceptional artists from all of America’s communities bring to this country. We congratulate all on this tremendous achievement.”

###

NCLR Urges Latinos to Take Advantage of Historic Opportunity to Purchase Health Coverage

0
0



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Today, millions of Latinos across the country will be able to purchase health insurance for the first time as open enrollment begins in the new health insurance marketplaces. Applicants for health insurance will be given the opportunity to compare and choose between private market plans in order to gain coverage that begins on January 1, 2014. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will be working tirelessly to urge all eligible consumers to take advantage of this historic opportunity, which has the potential to drastically increase health care coverage among Latinos.

“Latinos have so much to gain through these new options, and NCLR will be using every free resource to ensure that the community has the full opportunity to access health coverage,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “The opening of the marketplaces marks a turning point for millions of Latinos who work incredibly hard but either aren’t offered coverage options or simply can’t afford health insurance. By finally giving them a place to go, we are giving Latinos the power to take care of their health care needs.”

In 2012, more than 15.5 million Latinos, including 2.5 million children, were uninsured. Despite having high workforce participation rates, Latinos are the least likely racial or ethnic group to be offered coverage through their employer.

However, within the first few years of implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), conservative estimates indicate that at least six million nonelderly Hispanics will gain access to coverage. Latinos could see an almost 20 percent jump in insurance rates after full implementation.

“It is vitally important that we protect the gains that Latinos and all Americans have made under this law. The ACA is already delivering for Latinos, and there will be millions more who will benefit from affordable health coverage,” Murguía added.

To learn more about how to apply, visit www.nclr.org/basicsofhcr.

###
 


NCLR Insta a los Latinos Que Tomen Ventaja de la Oportunidad de Obtener Cobertura Médica

0
0

PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                      Contacto: 
1 de octubre, 2013                                                             Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                                          jrendeiro@nclr.org
                                                                                          (202) 776-1566
 
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hoy, millones de Latinos en el país tendrán la oportunidad de comprar seguro médico por primera vez gracias al comienzo del periodo de inscripción de los mercados de intercambio de seguro médico.  Los que aplican para el seguro médico tendrán la oportunidad de elegir entre planes del mercado privado para poder obtener la cobertura que comienza el 1 de enero, 2014.  El NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) estará trabajando incansablemente para instar a los consumidores elegibles que tomen ventaja de esta oportunidad histórica que podrá incrementar drásticamente la cobertura entre la comunidad hispana. 

“Los latinos tienen mucho que ganar a través de estas nuevas opciones y el NCLR utilizará cada recurso gratuito para asegurar que la comunidad tenga pleno acceso a la cobertura médica,” dijo Janet Murguía, Presidenta y Gerente General del NCLR.  “La apertura de estos mercados marca un momento significativo para los latinos que trabajan muy duro pero no son ofrecidos opciones de cobertura médica o simplemente no tienen los recursos para obtenerlo.  Al fin tendrán un lugar donde acudir y tener la posibilidad de cuidar de su salud.”

En el 2012, más de 15.5 millones de latinos, incluyendo a 2.5 millones de niños hispanos, carecían de seguro médico.  Aunque representan un segmento activo de la fuerza laboral, los hispanos son el grupo que son menos propensos a ser ofrecidos cobertura a través de su empleador. 

Sin embargo, dentro de los primeros años de la implementación de la ACA (Acto de Cuidado de Salud Asequible por sus siglas en inglés), los estimados indican que al menos seis millones de hispanos no-ancianos tendrán acceso a cobertura.  Los latinos podrían ver un incremento de casi 20 por ciento en tasas de seguro después de la implementación completa de la ley. 

“Es vital que protejamos las ganancias para los latinos y para todos los americanos bajo esta ley.  La ACA ya está beneficiando a los latinos, y millones más beneficiarán de cobertura médica asequible como resultado,” concluyó Murguía. 

Para aprender cómo aplicar, visite www.nclr.org/basicsofhcr.

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.


###
 

Juventud Latina se Reune en Los Angeles para Instituto de Liderazgo

0
0

PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                                          Contacto:
2 de octubre, 2013                                                                                    Feliza Ortiz-Licon
                                                                                                                (213) 787-9603; flicon@nclr.org
                                                                                                                Kathy Mimberg
                                                                                                                (202) 776-1714; kmimberg@nclr.org


Programa del Consejo Nacional de La Raza tiene como propósito capacitación y fortalecimiento de valores comunitarios

LOS ANGELES—Del 7 al 8 de octubre, el NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés), reunirá en Los Angeles a jóvenes latinos de varias ciudades a través del país incluyendo a Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Houston, Tex.; Austin, Tex.; Lorain, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; y Kansas City, Mo., para que participen en un foro intensivo de abogacía y liderazgo titulado: “National CASA Instutute: Fostering Leadership to Transform Latino Communities.”  Representando a 12 organizaciones comunitarias que pertenecen a la red de Afiliados del NCLR, los participantes explorarán temas como la identidad cultural, el desarrollo del liderazgo, abogacía, conciencia comunitaria y servicio a la comunidad en el Millenium Biltmore Hotel. 

Decenas de jóvenes participarán en actividades interactivas como el taller “LA Starts Here,” conducido en colaboración con La Plaza de Cultura y Artes .  El taller se enfoca en enseñarle a los estudiantes los eventos que ayudaron a formar a la cuidad de Los Angeles y como ese proceso impactó a la identidad latinoamericana. 

El evento de dos días es parte del programa del NCLR Cultura, Aprendizaje, Servicio, Acción (CASA) que fue establecido en el 2009 con el generoso apoyo de State Farm.  El proyecto CASA del NCLR es el único modelo de servicio-aprendizaje que reconoce la importancia de fundar las actividades de servicio y aprendizaje en las experiencias, cultura y valores de los estudiantes.  Este programa de un año de duración capacita a los jóvenes para que actúen como agentes del cambio y puedan abogar por los intereses propios y de sus comunidades y así lograr un sentido profundo de conciencia cultural y ejercerse como líderes confiados. 

Los participantes vienen de las siguientes organizaciones comunitarias:  Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, Monsignor Oscar Romero Charter School and Youth Policy Institute in Los Angeles, Calif.; Lighthouse Community Charter School in Oakland, Calif.; MAAC Community Charter School in Chula Vista, Calif.; Bert Corona Charter School in Pacoima, Calif.; Alta Vista Middle School in Kansas City, Mo.; Sanchez Charter Middle School and Sanchez Charter High School in Houston, Tex.; East Austin College Prep Academy in Austin, Tex.; Instituto del Progreso Latino in Chicago, Ill.; and El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc., in Lorain, Ohio.

AVISO A LA PRENSA

QUÉ:              “National CASA Institute: Fostering Leadership to Transform Latino Communities”   

QUIÉN:           Feliza Ortiz-Licon, Ed.D., Director of Education, California and Far West    Regions, NCLR
                        Doce organizaciones comunitarias de California, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio y Texas                   

CUÁNDO:       Lunes, 7 de octubre, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
                         Martes, 8 de octubre, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
   
DÓNDE:           Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles
                         506 South Grand Avenue
                         Los Angeles, CA 90071

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.

###

 

Latino Youth to Convene in Los Angeles for Leadership Institute

0
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Contact:
October 2, 2013                                                                                 Feliza Ortiz-Licon
                                                                                                          (213) 787-9603; flicon@nclr.org
                                                                                                          Kathy Mimberg
                                                                                                          (202) 776-1714; kmimberg@nclr.org


National Council of La Raza program aims to strengthen advocacy skills and community values

LOS ANGELES—On October 7–8, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will gather Latino youth in Los Angeles from cities across the nation including Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Houston, Tex.; Austin, Tex.; Lorain, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; and Kansas City, Mo., to participate in an intensive forum focused on advocacy and leadership entitled “National CASA Institute:  Fostering Leadership to Transform Latino Communities.”  Representing 12 community-based organizations that belong to NCLR’s vast Affiliate Network, youth attendees will explore issues such as cultural identity, leadership development, community awareness, advocacy and service at the Millenium Biltmore Hotel.

Dozens of youth are expected to participate in forum activities, such as an interactive workshop called “LA Starts Here,” conducted in partnership with La Plaza de Cultura y Artes and focused on teaching students about the events that shaped the Los Angeles and how this process impacted the Latino American identity.

The two-day event is part of NCLR’s Cultura, Aprendizaje, Servicio, Accíon (CASA) program, which was established in 2009 with the generous support of State Farm.  NCLR’s CASA project is the only known service-learning model to incorporate a culturally relevant and linguistically responsive perspective to their Latino-focused projects.  The CASA service-learning model recognizes the importance of grounding service and learning opportunities in students’ backgrounds, culture and values.  This one-year program empowers youth to be agents of change, advocate for themselves and their communities, gain a deeper sense of cultural awareness and develop into confident leaders. 

The participants come from the following community organizations:  Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, Monsenor Oscar Romero Charter School and Youth Policy Institute in Los Angeles, Calif.; Lighthouse Community Charter School in Oakland, Calif.; MAAC Community Charter School in Chula Vista, Calif.; Bert Corona Charter School in Pacoima, Calif.; Alta Vista Middle School in Kansas City, Mo.; Sanchez Charter Middle School and Sanchez Charter High School in Houston, Tex.; East Austin College Prep Academy in Austin, Tex.; Instituto del Progreso Latino in Chicago, Ill.; and El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc., in Lorain, Ohio.


MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:      “National CASA Institute: Fostering Leadership to Transform Latino Communities”   

WHO:         Feliza Ortiz-Licon, Ed.D., Director of Education, California and Far West Regions, NCLR
                  Twelve community-based organizations from California, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Texas (listed above)                       

WHEN:       Monday, October 7, 2013, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
                  Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
   
WHERE:
    Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles
                  506 South Grand Avenue
                   Los Angeles, CA 90071

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.

###
 

Walmart Foundation Grant to Boost NCLR Immigrant Integration Work

0
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

New Bienvenidos project will benefit integration of new Americans


WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR is pleased to announce that it has received a significant grant from the Walmart Foundation to help fund the organization’s new Bienvenidos project. The project will provide vital services to the organization’s network of Affiliate organizations that are working to help integrate immigrants in the U.S., allowing these individuals to become citizens and fully participate in and contribute to every aspect of American society.

“We are grateful to the Walmart Foundation for their commitment and support of our new Bienvenidos project,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO, NCLR. “As the Congress continues to debate immigration reform, we must not forget the millions of immigrants who are aspiring Americans seeking to become U.S. citizens and want to become fully invested in this great nation and continue to contribute to our country's future prosperity.”

The Bienvendios project will continue NCLR’s work to integrate Latino immigrants in the U.S. Working with 10 NCLR Affiliates across the country, Bienvenidos will support English-as-a-second-language and civics classes and provide guidance in citizenship instruction and the naturalization process, including application services.

“The integration programs offered by trusted organizations, like NCLR, help us work together to reduce the social and economic barriers immigrants face every day,” said Lee Culpepper, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Walmart. “Through these partnerships we hope to ultimately enable families to fully participate in the civic and economic life of our great country.”

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

About NCLR
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 follow us on Facebook and Twitter

 

###
  

NCLR Welcomes House Democrats’ Immigration Reform Proposal

0
0



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

NCLR WELCOMES HOUSE DEMOCRATS’ IMMIGRATION REFORM PROPOSAL, URGES REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TO PUSH REFORM FORWARD

Today, Reps. Joe Garcia (D–Fla.), Judy Chu (D–Calif.), Jared Polis (D–Colo.), Steven Horsford (D–Nev.) and Suzan DelBene (D–Wash.) introduced the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act,” a bill that contains bipartisan-backed provisions from the Senate immigration bill as well as the border security bill passed unanimously by the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security.

“It has been nearly 100 days since the Senate passed bipartisan immigration reform legislation, yet the House remains a stumbling block. However, we welcome today’s promise of hope in the form of a proposal by House Democrats,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “Now is the time for the House to deliver the solutions America needs, and one thing is clear: America deserves a vote. Today’s proposal reaffirms that restoring the rule of law requires a functioning, modern immigration system.

“As with any compromise, this proposal includes painful concessions. However, our community will continue to actively engage in this process to ensure we reach a solution that guarantees accountability, effective enforcement and, most importantly, an earned roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans,” noted Murguía.

The movement to enact immigration reform grows larger every day across all segments of American society. Over 100 events are taking place throughout the country this week, culminating in Washington, D.C. next Tues., Oct. 8, when advocates will deliver a categorical call for the House of Representatives to pass immigration reform this year.

“For America’s Latinos, this issue is a litmus test that will shape the political attitudes of our community,” Murguía stated. “The voices of our electorate were heard loud and clear last November. How Congress moves forward with immigration reform will have lasting effects on the approximately 900,000 Latino citizens who will become eligible to vote every year between now and 2028.”

###
 

Latino Leaders Call on Congress to End Government Shutdown

0
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                             Contact:
October 8, 2013                                                                                                                Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                                                                                      (202) 776-1566
                                                                                                                                       jrendeiro@nclr.org

Shutdown adds to existing strain on economic recovery, puts politics above Latino voters’ priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The government shutdown is the latest attempt by an obstinate group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives to hold the economy hostage for a self-serving political agenda. In the 2012 election, the economy and jobs were the top priority for Latino voters. Yet the shutdown and the looming fight over the debt ceiling will only hurt the economy and worsen the harm that sequestration and previous budget cuts have already dealt Latinos. Latino children and youth bear the brunt of the current budget cuts, which gut investments in health, education and housing.

Join representatives of NHLA’s (National Hispanic Leadership Agenda) “Latinos United for a Fair Economy” campaign for a press conference about the effects of the federal budget battle on Latinos and hear them make the case for Congress to change course. The event, hosted by NHLA, will cover the impact of sequestration and the government shutdown on Latinos and will outline Hispanic priorities for the federal budget.

To RSVP, please contact Joseph Rendeiro at (202) 776-1566 or jrendeiro@nclr.org.

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:         Press Conference: Latinos and the Federal Budget

Who:           Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation, National Council of La Raza
                   Hector Sanchez, Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement
                   Brent Wilkes, Vice Chair of NHLA and National Executive Director of the League for United Latin American Citizens
                   Rosie Hidalgo, Director of Public Policy, Casa de Esperanza

When:        Thursday, October 10, 2013
                    1:00–2:00 p.m.

Where:       NCLR Headquarters
                   ABC Conference Room
                   1126 16th Street NW
                   Washington, DC 20036

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.

Established in 1991, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of, the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org and follow @NHLAgenda.


###
 

Latino Leaders Call on Congress to Avert Economic Crisis

0
0



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

LATINO LEADERS CALL ON CONGRESS TO AVERT ECONOMIC CRISIS AND RESTORE INVESTMENTS IN CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Today, leaders of member organizations of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) called on Congress to end the government shutdown and pass a federal budget that invests in our future and creates jobs. The government is in its tenth day of shutdown and lawmakers have made little progress toward a deal to reopen it before the nation reaches its borrowing limit on October 17.

As part of NHLA’s “Latinos United for a Fair Economy” campaign, Latino leaders at today’s press conference warned that the shutdown and the looming fight over the debt ceiling will only hurt the economy and worsen the harm that sequestration and previous budget cuts have already inflicted on Hispanics.

“After suffering some of the worst effects of the Great Recession, such as higher rates of unemployment and foreclosure than most of the population, Latinos were hit again as budget cuts and sequestration took effect, eroding the programs that provide Latinos opportunity and important basic services. Now the shutdown is making a difficult situation even worse,” said Hector Sanchez, Chair of NHLA and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. “The votes are there in Congress to end this shutdown. Speaker Boehner and other congressional leaders need to simply allow a vote to reopen the government with no strings attached.”

“Over the last two elections Latino voters have sent a clear message to our lawmakers that we need to focus on jobs and fixing our economy,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “Yet over the past two years, Congress has dithered on the budget, deepening already painful cuts that hurt families and stifle economic growth. To continue aggressively pursuing an agenda that is at direct odds with the interests of the Latino community has political and economic ramifications. Lawmakers must change course soon to avert an economic crisis, stop the cuts and restore investments in children and working families.”

The government shutdown comes on top of the irrational and arbitrary budget cuts known as sequestration, which took effect earlier this year and have gutted critical health, education and housing programs for struggling communities. As many as 21,000 Latino children may be kicked out of Head Start, 1.2 million low-income public school children could be cut off from reading and math help due to cuts in Title I funding and almost 300,000 adults and youth could lose out on job training and employment services.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which makes it all the more tragic that we find ourselves in the midst of a government shutdown where many domestic violence service programs will need to lay off staff and reduce services to those in critical need,” said Rosie Hidalgo, Director of Public Policy for Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network. “Congress needs to pass legislation that restores access to funding for these lifesaving services as well as funding for many other important services for vulnerable populations.”

The Latino leaders insisted that there is a way out of the current predicament—pass a federal budget that invests in our future and creates jobs.

“First, House Republican leadership should allow members of Congress to vote on a clean funding bill to reopen the federal government. Second, both parties should work together to replace the sequester with investments in education, job training and other programs that provide opportunity and put our economy on a solid path toward growth well into the future,” said Brent Wilkes, NHLA Vice Chair and National Executive Director of the League for United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

###
 


Latinos Piden al Congreso que Evite la Crisis Económica y Restaure la Inversión en Familias

0
0

PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                       Contacto:
10 de octubre, 2013                                             Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                           (202) 776-1566
                                                                           jrendeiro@nclr.org


WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hoy, líderes de organizaciones miembros de la Agenda Nacional de Liderazgo Hispano (NHLA, por sus siglas en inglés) pidió al Congreso que de fin al cierre del gobierno y autorice un presupuesto federal que invierta en nuestro futuro y cree empleos. Ya es el décimo día del cierre del gobierno, y los legisladores han avanzado muy poco para llegar a un acuerdo para reabrir la Administración antes de que el país alcance su límite de deuda el 17 de octubre.

Como parte de la campaña “Latinos Unidos por una Economía Justa” del NHLA, los líderes latinos en la conferencia de prensa de hoy advirtieron que el cierre del gobierno y la inminente lucha por el tope de la deuda no solamente afectará la economía sino que aumentará el daño que el ‘sequester’ y los recortes previos al presupuesto han impuesto a los hispanos.

“Los latinos después de haber sufrido más que la mayoría de la población algunos de los peores efectos de la Gran Recesión, tales como los altos índices de desempleo y ejecuciones hipotecarias, se vieron afectados nuevamente cuando el ‘sequester’ y los recortes del presupuesto entraron en vigor, mermando los programas que proveen oportunidades e importantes servicios básicos a los latinos. Ahora el cierre esta empeorando una situación que ya es difícil”, dijo Héctor Sánchez, presidente de la junta directiva de NHLA y director ejecutivo del Consejo Sindical para el Avance del Trabajador Latinoamericano. “Los votos están en el Congreso para dar fin a este cierre. El portavoz Boehner y otros importantes congresistas necesitan simplemente permitir que se haga una votación para reabrir la Administración sin restricciones”.

“En las dos elecciones los votantes latinos han enviado un mensaje claro a los legisladores y es que necesitamos enfocarnos en la creación de empleos y en arreglar la economía”, dijo Eric Rodríguez, vicepresidente de la oficina de investigación, defensa y legislación del NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza). “En los últimos dos años, el Congreso ha titubeado con el presupuesto, intensificando los recortes que dañan a las familias y suprimen el crecimiento de la economía. Seguir persiguiendo una agenda agresiva que va directamente en contra de los intereses de la comunidad latina, tiene ramificaciones políticas y económicas. Los legisladores deben cambiar de curso pronto para evitar una crisis económica, detener los recortes y restaurar las inversiones en los niños y las familias trabajadoras ".

El cierre del gobierno se suma a los irracionales y arbitrarios recortes del presupuesto conocidos como el ‘sequester’, que entraron en vigor a principios de este año y que han destrozado los importantes programas de salud, educación y vivienda para las comunidades en aprietos. Casi 21,000 niños latinos pueden ser sacados del programa Head Start, 1.2 millones de escuelas públicas de niños de bajos ingresos podrían cortar la ayuda en lectura y matemáticas debido a los recortes en la financiación del Título 1 y casi 300,000 adultos y jóvenes podrían perder los servicios de empleo y capacitación laboral
 
“Octubre es el Mes de la Concienciación de la Violencia Doméstica, lo que hace todavía más trágico que estemos en medio de un cierre del gobierno donde los programas de violencia doméstica necesitarán despedir empleados y reducir los servicios a aquellos que los necesitan”, dijo Rosie Hidalgo, directora de políticas públicas para la Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network. "El Congreso debe aprobar una ley que restaure el acceso a la financiación de estos servicios que salvan vidas, así como la financiación de muchos otros servicios importantes para las poblaciones vulnerables".
 
Los líderes latinos insistieron que hay una manera de salir de la situación actual: autorizar un presupuesto federal que invierta en nuestro futuro y cree empleos.

“Primero, el líder de la Cámara de Representantes debería permitir que los miembros del Congreso voten por un proyecto de ley de financiación limpio para reabrir la Administración. Segundo, ambos partidos deberían trabajar juntos para reemplazar el ‘sequester’ con inversiones en educación, capacitación laboral y otros programas que proveen oportunidades y ponen nuestra economía en el camino correcto para que siga creciendo”, dijo Brent Wilkes, NHLA vicepresidente de la junta directiva de NHLA y director ejecutivo a nivel nacional de la Liga de Ciudadanos Latinoamericanos Unidos (LULAC, por sus siglas en inglés).

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.

La Agenda Nacional de Liderazgo Hispano (NHLA), establecida en 1991, reúne a líderes hispanos para establecer las prioridades políticas que se deben abordan así como aumentar la conciencia del público sobre los principales problemas que afectan a la comunidad latina y la nación en general. A principios de este año, la NHLA lanzó la campaña “Latinos Unidos por una Economía Justa”. Para más información, por favor visite www.latinosunited.org/faireconomy o www.nationalhispanicleadership.org y siga @NHLAgenda.

###

 

With Immediate Crisis Averted, NCLR Calls on Congress to Prevent Painful Budget Cuts

0
0



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Today, Congress voted to pass a bipartisan deal brokered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D–Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R–Ky.) that will fund the government through January 15 at sequestration levels and extend the debt limit until February 7. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is profoundly relieved that the costly government shutdown has ended and that the country has avoided defaulting on its obligations. However, as Congress heads into the next round of budget negotiations, we implore our lawmakers to restore investments in health, education, housing and workforce programs that are threatened by further painful budget cuts.

“On the eve of a potential economic catastrophe, common sense finally prevailed and our government will get back to work,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “While an immediate crisis was averted, we are still very much concerned about where budget negotiations are headed in the coming months. Sequestration is still the law of the land. Congress must act to prevent a second round of budget cuts that will cost the Hispanic community and many others jobs and cut off access to critical health and education programs.”

In addition to funding the government for the next three months and raising the nation’s borrowing authority, the deal provides a path forward for a budget conference to negotiate larger fiscal issues. Unless an agreement is reached to replace or alter the Budget Control Act, sequestration will remain intact and the next round of deep cuts will take effect after January 15.

“Lawmakers’ approach to reducing the deficit has overwhelmingly relied on spending cuts that hit vulnerable children and low-income communities the hardest,” added Murguía. “Slashing funds for everything from preschool education to small business assistance is an unsustainable way to deal with the budget and threatens families and the overall economy. It’s time for Congress to pass a budget that stops the cuts for good, creates jobs and restores critical investments in our children.”

###
 

NCLR Joins National Hispanic Week of Action to Boost Latino Health Insurance Enrollment Under ACA

0
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                Contact:
October 16, 2013                                                                                                                 Camila Gallardo
                                                                                                                                          (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                                                          cgallardo@nclr.org

¡Inscríbete! Campaign to promote enrollment, highlight benefits of coverage for Hispanic community

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is announcing a reinvigorated effort to get Latinos enrolled in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act through its ¡Inscríbete! (Enroll) campaign. NCLR is joining the efforts of the National Hispanic Week of Action, to be held Oct. 21–28, which is a concentrated effort to promote the benefits of the Affordable Care Act among the nation’s largest group of uninsured Americans. Marketplaces that allow Americans to compare and purchase coverage plans have been open since Oct. 1 and will remain open for new subscribers until March 31, 2014. Given that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified 10.2 million Latinos eligible for benefits through the marketplaces, NCLR is urging Latinos to begin exploring their options now and start the enrollment process to ensure that their health care needs are met.

“Obstacles such as language barriers, fear and confusion about eligibility rules may get in the way of the Latinos who stand to benefit the most from this law,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “That is why we’re joining the National Hispanic Week of Action and the Obama administration to ensure that Latinos have accurate, credible information about the Affordable Care Act and know how they can enroll before the Mar. 31 deadline.”

As the kickoff to its ongoing outreach campaign, NCLR will initiate a series of webinars with members of its Affiliate Network—groups who are actively promoting enrollment within Latino communities throughout the U.S.—to discuss best practices for outreach, strategies for effective communication with Latinos about the Affordable Care Act and challenges that groups are encountering on the ground. Next Wednesday, Oct. 23, NCLR will host a telephonic press conference to provide insight on how Latino enrollment is progressing in key states.

“The Affordable Care Act at long last provides an historic opportunity for millions of uninsured Americans to get high-quality health care. These new opportunities in the marketplaces are the gateway to lasting change, so we’re doing our part to ensure that the administration reaches each of the 10.2 million individuals who are eligible in our community,” concluded Murguía.

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.

###
 

NCLR se Une a la Semana Nacional de Acción Hispana para la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible

0
0

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


La campaña ¡Inscríbete! promoverá la inscripción de los hispanos, recalcará los beneficios de esta cobertura para nuestra comunidad

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hoy, el NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) anuncia un esfuerzo vigorizado para promover la inscripción de los latinos en los nuevos planes de seguro médico disponibles como resultado de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible (ACA por sus siglas en inglés).  NCLR se une a los esfuerzos de la Semana de Acción Hispana que tomaáa lugar el 21 de octubre al 28 de octubre—un esfuerzo enfocado en promover los beneficios del ACA entre el grupo más grande de americanos desasegurado—los hispanos.  El portal del mercado de seguro que permite que los estadounidenses comparen planes de seguro está abierto desde el 1 de octubre y se mantendrá disponible hasta el 31 de marzo del 2014.  Dado al hecho que el Departamento de Salud ha identificado a 10.2 millones de latinos elegibles para los beneficios, el NCLR está instando a los latinos que comiencen a explorar sus opciones ahora y empezar con el proceso de inscribirse para asegurar que sus necesidades de salud estén cubiertas. 

“Obstáculos como el idioma, el miedo y la confusión sobre la elegibilidad pueden causar a que no se beneficien ampliamente los latinos que son los que más carecen de cobertura médica,” dijo Janet Murguía, Presidenta y Gerente General del NCLR.  “Es por esto que nos unimos a la Semana de Acción Hispana y a la administración Obama para asegurar que los latinos tengan la información correcta sobre el Acto de Cuidado de Salud Asequible y como pueden inscribirse antes de la fecha límite del 31 de marzo.” 

Mientras que la campaña comienza, el NCLR iniciará una serie de reuniones a través de la web con miembros de su Red de Organizaciones Afiliadas—grupos quienes están activamente promoviendo la inscripción de los latinos en los Estados Unidos—para discutir estrategias para llegar a personas en nuestra comunidad, como mejor comunicarse con los latinos sobre la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible, y los retos a que se enfrentan los grupos en su trabajo diario.  El próximo miércoles, 23 de octubre, el NCLR patrocinará una conferencia de prensa telefónica para presentar información sobre cómo está progresando la inscripción de los latinos en estados claves. 

“El Acto de Cuidado de Salud Asequible provee una oportunidad histórica para que los millones de americanos sin cobertura médica reciban cuidado de salud de alta calidad.  Estas nuevas oportunidades en los mercados presentan el camino hacia un cambio duradero y por eso estamos haciendo todo lo posible en el NCLR para asegurar que la administración llegue a los 10.2 millones de individuos en nuestra comunidad que son elegibles,” concluyó Murguía. 

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.

###


 

Estudiantes Latinos de Houston Participarán en Congreso de Líderes

0
0

PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                           Contacto:
17 de octubre de 2013                                                              Ricky Garza
                                                                                               (202)-776-1732
                                                                                                rgarza@nclr.org  


HOUSTON— La Asociación para el Avance de los mexicano-americanos (AAMA, por sus siglas en inglés) y NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza por sus siglas en inglés) reunirá a 100 jóvenes latinos de Houston, el viernes, 18 de octubre, en una convocatoria llamada “2013 NCLR Líderes Congreso Youth Safety and Community Summit.”  La cumbre comenzará a las 9:00 a.m. en el AAMA George I. Sanchez Charter School, localizada en 6001 Gulf Freeway en Houston, y consistirá en talleres educativos sobre el liderazgo, “bullying” y el manejo defensivo.

A los jóvenes les hablarán líderes de la comunidad local, incluyendo a David D. Medina, director of Multicultural Community Relations at Rice University.  En los talleres también participarán organizaciones como  CASEY, la cual se especializa en la prevención del “bullying”, y Eleváre, un grupo dedicado a la labor humanitaria.  La cumbre se hizo posible gracias al apoyo de FedEx Corporation y el Allstate Foundation.

“El éxito que tiene el congreso de Líderes en sus participantes ha sido posible porque son actividades organizadas por jóvenes, para jóvenes.  Por medio de estos eventos, dirigidos al desarrollo del liderazgo, los participantes pasan por la experiencia de generar un cambio positivo y adquieren conocimiento sobre sus propias habilidades para hacer la diferencia cuando se tengan que enfrentar a necesidades más serias,” dijo Berenice Bonilla, quien maneja el programa de Líderes en el NCLR.

El evento le brindará a los participantes la oportunidad de desarrollar sus destrezas de liderato y de crear contactos con otros jóvenes Latinos del área de Houston.  Esta cumbre forma parte de una serie de conferencias que se extenderá alrededor de los Estado Unidos, como parte del programa de liderato de NCLR, Líderes Empowered.

“Por más de cuatro décadas, AAMA ha sido una de las organizaciones en la nación que más ha ayudado a los Latinos a convertirse en contribuyentes productivos en sus comunidades. Este congreso apoya nuestro modelo de: Leading Self, Leading Others and Leading Community. 
Nos sentimos honrados de poder participar junto a NCLR para poder brindarle a estos jóvenes oportunidades de liderazgo” comentó  Beatrice G. Garza, Presidente y CEO de AAMA.

La iniciativa Líderes del NCLR es un programa de liderazgo a nivel nacional diseñado para incrementar las oportunidades para los jóvenes latinos y estos puedan aumentar su influencia como líderes en los Estados Unidos.  Por medio de una gran variedad de esfuerzos de liderazgo y servicio comunitario, Líderes facilita que jóvenes Latinos sirvan como agentes de cambio en sus comunidades.

Para obtener información sobre Líderes, se puede contactar a Berenice Bonilla por bbonilla@nclr.org.


AVISO DE PRENSA

QUÉ:    2013 NCLR Líderes Congreso “Youth Safety and Community Summit”

QUIÉNES:    David D. Medina, director of Multicultural Community Relations, Rice University
                      CASEY, una organizacion la cual se especializa en la prevención del “bullying”
                      Eleváre, un grupo dedicado a la labor humanitaria
                      100 jovenes Latinos de Houston
   
CUÁNDO:    Viernes, 18 de octubre de 2013
                      9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

DÓNDE:     AAMA George I. Sanchez Charter School
                   6001 Gulf Freeway
                   Houston, TX 77023
   
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

Por más de 40 años, AAMA ha ayudado a los Latinos a alcanzar su potencial.  Por medio de una gran variedad de programas, AAMA se ha dedicado a motivar a jóvenes en peligro a culminar sus estudios; inclusive, ha llevado a varios a la universidad.  Hoy, AAMA continúa ayudando a jóvenes y adultos a romper con sus adicciones y a hacer cambios para mejorar su calidad de vida.

###


 

Viewing all 1565 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images