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Texas’ Rejection of Medicaid Expansion Leaves States’s Families, Economy Vulnerable

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Contact(s):

August 19, 2014                                                                                    Camila Gallardo, NCLR
                                                                                                            cgallardo@nclr.org
                                                                                                            (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                            Michael Vela, San Antonio Hispanic
                                                                                                            Chamber of Commerce
                                                                                                            michaelv@sahcc.org
                                                                                                            210-208-8208; 210-884-1377                                                                             

                                

TEXAS’ REJECTION OF MEDICAID EXPANSION LEAVES STATE’S FAMILIES, ECONOMY VULNERABLE
Report highlights missed economic opportunities and impact of lack of health coverage on Latinos in the state

SAN ANTONIO—Today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held an afternoon press conference to announce the findings of the NCLR report, “Closing the Health Care Coverage Gap in Texas: A Latino Perspective.” The report details the negative impact of not expanding Medicaid in Texas, particularly its effects on Latinos, who represent 50 percent of the state’s uninsured.

Texas is home to the nation’s highest population of uninsured Americans; nearly one quarter of the state lacked coverage in 2012. While the Affordable Care Act is helping to close the insurance coverage gap by offering affordable plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal aid to help expand eligibility for the Medicaid program, even though the funding would have fully covered the first three years of the program’s expansion. Already, eligibility for Medicaid in the state of Texas ranks among the most restrictive in the country: To qualify, a working family of four must make less than $4,500 in yearly income.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 600,000 Hispanics who would have otherwise qualified for Medicaid will be denied coverage as a result of the state’s rejection of federal funding to help expand the program’s eligibility requirements. Given the statistically higher rate of chronic diseases among Latinos, that population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the coverage gap. Supporters of Medicaid expansion include a cross-section of health, community and business leaders. As a recent poll conducted by the Texas Hospital Association demonstrated, 54 percent of Texas voters believe the state should expand health coverage, while 60 percent favored Medicaid expansion after learning it would be fully funded for the first three years by the federal government

“Despite broad public support and the clear economic benefits of Medicaid expansion—including an estimated boost in the state’s economic output by $67.9 billion during fiscal years 2014–2017 and generating an additional 231,000 jobs in Texas by 2016—the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal funding to expand the program and has yet to bring forth a viable alternative to bridge the coverage gap,” said Leticia de la Vara, Senior Strategist, NCLR. “It is unacceptable that our most vulnerable populations and the very workers we count on to stimulate the state’s economic engine lack the critical coverage that they need to remain healthy,” continued de la Vara.

“It’s time to take a step in the right direction and expand access to care for more Texans; it’s the right thing to do to move Texas forward,” said Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Expanding access to health care will help create robust communities, allowing opportunities to reduce incidences of persistent health concerns.”


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.

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is San Antonio’s leading resource and advocate for Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business, and provides premiere access to the Hispanic market. Founded in 1929, the Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to help small businesses grow, expand international trade, raise educational levels, develop new leaders and represent the interests of the growing Hispanic community. For more information on the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber, please visit www.sahcc.org.

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Texas’ Rejection of Medicaid Expansion Leaves State’s Families, Economy Vulnerable

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Contact(s):

August 19, 2014                                                                                    Camila Gallardo, NCLR
                                                                                                            cgallardo@nclr.org
                                                                                                            (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                            Michael Vela, San Antonio Hispanic
                                                                                                            Chamber of Commerce
                                                                                                            michaelv@sahcc.org
                                                                                                            210-208-8208; 210-884-1377                                                                             

                                

TEXAS’ REJECTION OF MEDICAID EXPANSION LEAVES STATE’S FAMILIES, ECONOMY VULNERABLE
Report highlights missed economic opportunities and impact of lack of health coverage on Latinos in the state

SAN ANTONIO—Today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held an afternoon press conference to announce the findings of the NCLR report, “Closing the Health Care Coverage Gap in Texas: A Latino Perspective.” The report details the negative impact of not expanding Medicaid in Texas, particularly its effects on Latinos, who represent 50 percent of the state’s uninsured.

Texas is home to the nation’s highest population of uninsured Americans; nearly one quarter of the state lacked coverage in 2012. While the Affordable Care Act is helping to close the insurance coverage gap by offering affordable plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal aid to help expand eligibility for the Medicaid program, even though the funding would have fully covered the first three years of the program’s expansion. Already, eligibility for Medicaid in the state of Texas ranks among the most restrictive in the country: To qualify, a working family of four must make less than $4,500 in yearly income.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 600,000 Hispanics who would have otherwise qualified for Medicaid will be denied coverage as a result of the state’s rejection of federal funding to help expand the program’s eligibility requirements. Given the statistically higher rate of chronic diseases among Latinos, that population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the coverage gap. Supporters of Medicaid expansion include a cross-section of health, community and business leaders. As a recent poll conducted by the Texas Hospital Association demonstrated, 54 percent of Texas voters believe the state should expand health coverage, while 60 percent favored Medicaid expansion after learning it would be fully funded for the first three years by the federal government

“Despite broad public support and the clear economic benefits of Medicaid expansion—including an estimated boost in the state’s economic output by $67.9 billion during fiscal years 2014–2017 and generating an additional 231,000 jobs in Texas by 2016—the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal funding to expand the program and has yet to bring forth a viable alternative to bridge the coverage gap,” said Leticia de la Vara, Senior Strategist, NCLR. “It is unacceptable that our most vulnerable populations and the very workers we count on to stimulate the state’s economic engine lack the critical coverage that they need to remain healthy,” continued de la Vara.

“It’s time to take a step in the right direction and expand access to care for more Texans; it’s the right thing to do to move Texas forward,” said Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Expanding access to health care will help create robust communities, allowing opportunities to reduce incidences of persistent health concerns.”


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.

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is San Antonio’s leading resource and advocate for Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business, and provides premiere access to the Hispanic market. Founded in 1929, the Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to help small businesses grow, expand international trade, raise educational levels, develop new leaders and represent the interests of the growing Hispanic community. For more information on the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber, please visit www.sahcc.org.

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USDA Misconstrues Federal Report at Congressional Budget Hearing

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For Immediate Release:

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

Agency’s Proposal Remains Threat to Worker Safety

During a House hearing this week, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials misconstrued the findings of a federal report examining work conditions at a South Carolina poultry plant, possibly leading lawmakers to wrongly believe that a USDA proposal to speed up evisceration lines at poultry plants won’t affect worker safety, according to a coalition of worker rights and food safety groups.

The misleading testimony was offered during a House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing this week. The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service cited a report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as evidence that their proposal to increase processing line speeds in poultry plants from the current maximum of 140 birds per minute to 175 birds per minute would not endanger workers.

USDA’s proposed new regulation also would endanger consumer safety by removing hundreds of federal food safety inspectors from plants, giving plant employees the responsibility for spotting and removing tainted chicken from the line.

The following statements can be attributed to the coalition:

“The supposed evidence the USDA offered to support its proposal to speed up poultry processing lines is a report that examined one poultry plant that wasn’t even operating under the conditions the agency has proposed. In other words, the USDA has yet to show their proposal won’t harm workers.”

The NIOSH report – Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Traumatic Injuries Among Employees at a Poultry Processing Plant – evaluated working conditions at a South Carolina plant, which was not part of the USDA’s pilot program for its proposal. The plant was examined and a report issued after it requested a waiver from the USDA to combine two evisceration lines into one.

Key points that prevent this report from supporting the USDA’s proposal include the following issues with the report:

  • The South Carolina plant did not make the line-related changes that plants will likely make under the USDA’s proposed rule.
  • NIOSH’s report does not reflect the effects of an increase in work speed, but does show the hazards of consistently fast work speeds. After the plant combined two evisceration lines into one, the number of birds processed per minute by each worker did not change, and injury rates remained unacceptably high for workers.

“It is irresponsible for USDA to conclude that this single report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is a green light for increasing line speeds. There are critical differences at this poultry plant that make comparisons to the USDA’s proposal impossible.

“The report, however, confirms that poultry processing workers suffer extraordinarily high rates of painful and often permanently crippling injuries under current processing line speeds.” Key report findings include the following:

  • Forty-two percent of workers evaluated for the report had evidence of painful and often permanently disabling carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Moderate or severe mononeuropathy, a type of nerve damage, was found in 80 percent of workers with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Reports of hand or wrist symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders from workers on the evisceration line increased from 53 percent of the workers to 62 percent after the evisceration line reconfiguration.
  • NIOSH recommended that the employer design job tasks at the plant so that they are below the recommended repetition threshold limits to minimize the risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. NIOSH specifically recommended reducing the speed of processing lines to reduce repetition.

“The findings of the recent NIOSH report do not justify the USDA moving forward with its proposed rule to increase evisceration line speeds and the removal of food safety inspectors from those lines.”

Coalition members include the Center for Effective Government, Center for Progressive Reform, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Coalition of Poultry Workers, Food & Water Watch, Midwest Coalition for Human Rights, NAACP, NCLR, Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, Northwest Arkansas Worker Justice Center, Oxfam America, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Western North Carolina Worker Center.

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Texas’ Rejection of Medicaid Expansion Leaves State’s Families, Economy Vulnerable

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Contact(s):

August 19, 2014                                                                               Camila Gallardo, NCLR
                                                                                                            cgallardo@nclr.org
                                                                                                            (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                            Michael Vela, San Antonio Hispanic
                                                                                                            Chamber of Commerce
                                                                                                            michaelv@sahcc.org
                                                                                                            210-208-8208; 210-884-1377                                                                             

                                

TEXAS’ REJECTION OF MEDICAID EXPANSION LEAVES STATE’S FAMILIES, ECONOMY VULNERABLE
Report highlights missed economic opportunities and impact of lack of health coverage on Latinos in the state

SAN ANTONIO—Today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held an afternoon press conference to announce the findings of the NCLR report, “Closing the Health Care Coverage Gap in Texas: A Latino Perspective.” The report details the negative impact of not expanding Medicaid in Texas, particularly its effects on Latinos, who represent 50 percent of the state’s uninsured.

Texas is home to the nation’s highest population of uninsured Americans; nearly one quarter of the state lacked coverage in 2012. While the Affordable Care Act is helping to close the insurance coverage gap by offering affordable plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal aid to help expand eligibility for the Medicaid program, even though the funding would have fully covered the first three years of the program’s expansion. Already, eligibility for Medicaid in the state of Texas ranks among the most restrictive in the country: To qualify, a working family of four must make less than $4,500 in yearly income.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 600,000 Hispanics who would have otherwise qualified for Medicaid will be denied coverage as a result of the state’s rejection of federal funding to help expand the program’s eligibility requirements. Given the statistically higher rate of chronic diseases among Latinos, that population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the coverage gap. Supporters of Medicaid expansion include a cross-section of health, community and business leaders. As a recent poll conducted by the Texas Hospital Association demonstrated, 54 percent of Texas voters believe the state should expand health coverage, while 60 percent favored Medicaid expansion after learning it would be fully funded for the first three years by the federal government

“Despite broad public support and the clear economic benefits of Medicaid expansion—including an estimated boost in the state’s economic output by $67.9 billion during fiscal years 2014–2017 and generating an additional 231,000 jobs in Texas by 2016—the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal funding to expand the program and has yet to bring forth a viable alternative to bridge the coverage gap,” said Leticia de la Vara, Senior Strategist, NCLR. “It is unacceptable that our most vulnerable populations and the very workers we count on to stimulate the state’s economic engine lack the critical coverage that they need to remain healthy,” continued de la Vara.

“It’s time to take a step in the right direction and expand access to care for more Texans; it’s the right thing to do to move Texas forward,” said Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Expanding access to health care will help create robust communities, allowing opportunities to reduce incidences of persistent health concerns.”


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.

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is San Antonio’s leading resource and advocate for Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business, and provides premiere access to the Hispanic market. Founded in 1929, the Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to help small businesses grow, expand international trade, raise educational levels, develop new leaders and represent the interests of the growing Hispanic community. For more information on the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber, please visit www.sahcc.org.

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NCLR Señala El Aniversario De Daca E Insta Al Presidente A Tomar Medidas Adicionales

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA

Contacto:

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

Hoy hace dos años que la administración Obama empezó con la implementación del programa Acción Diferida para los Jóvenes Llegados en la Infancia (DACA, por sus siglas en inglés), una iniciativa que otorga protección temporal a los jóvenes indocumentados que han crecido en este país. A pesar de los continuos ataques de los extremistas antiinmigrantes, el programa –que ha aprobado caso por caso a más de medio millón de solicitantes– tiene el apoyo de la mayoría de los estadounidenses.

“En los últimos dos años, DACA ha sido un rotundo éxito, permitiendo que cientos de miles de jóvenes continúen estudiando y persiguiendo sus sueños profesionales sin miedo a ser deportados”, dijo Janet Murguía, presidenta y directora general del NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza). “Para estos jóvenes trabajadores que han crecido en Estados Unidos, asistiendo a la escuela y trabajando en este país, DACA ha mantenido viva la promesa del sueño americano y ha permitido que nuestro país se beneficie completamente de su talento y aportaciones”.

“Cuando el presidente utilizó su poder ejecutivo hace dos años, fue frente a la obstinación de los legisladores del Congreso que rechazaron la autorización de la Ley DREAM”, continuó Murguía. “Como muestra la vergonzosa votación reciente en la Cámara de Representantes, estamos de nuevo en un callejón sin salida en el Capitolio, con los mismos legisladores intransigentes oponiéndose a trabajar por una solución que arregle nuestro sistema disfuncional de inmigración. Ahora más que nunca, necesitamos que el presidente Obama ejercite su poder ejecutivo para ampliar la ayuda y limitar las deportaciones innecesarias para que estos estadounidenses trabajadores y con aspiraciones, se queden con sus familias”.

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Texas’ Rejection of Medicaid Expansion Leaves State’s Families, Economy Vulnerable

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Contact(s):

August 19, 2014                                                                               Camila Gallardo, NCLR
                                                                                                            cgallardo@nclr.org
                                                                                                            (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                            Michael Vela, San Antonio Hispanic
                                                                                                            Chamber of Commerce
                                                                                                            michaelv@sahcc.org
                                                                                                            210-208-8208; 210-884-1377                                                                             

                                

TEXAS’ REJECTION OF MEDICAID EXPANSION LEAVES STATE’S FAMILIES, ECONOMY VULNERABLE
Report highlights missed economic opportunities and impact of lack of health coverage on Latinos in the state

SAN ANTONIO—Today, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held an afternoon press conference to announce the findings of the NCLR report, “Closing the Health Care Coverage Gap in Texas: A Latino Perspective.” The report details the negative impact of not expanding Medicaid in Texas, particularly its effects on Latinos, who represent 50 percent of the state’s uninsured.

Texas is home to the nation’s highest population of uninsured Americans; nearly one quarter of the state lacked coverage in 2012. While the Affordable Care Act is helping to close the insurance coverage gap by offering affordable plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal aid to help expand eligibility for the Medicaid program, even though the funding would have fully covered the first three years of the program’s expansion. Already, eligibility for Medicaid in the state of Texas ranks among the most restrictive in the country: To qualify, a working family of four must make less than $4,500 in yearly income.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 600,000 Hispanics who would have otherwise qualified for Medicaid will be denied coverage as a result of the state’s rejection of federal funding to help expand the program’s eligibility requirements. Given the statistically higher rate of chronic diseases among Latinos, that population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the coverage gap. Supporters of Medicaid expansion include a cross-section of health, community and business leaders. As a recent poll conducted by the Texas Hospital Association demonstrated, 54 percent of Texas voters believe the state should expand health coverage, while 60 percent favored Medicaid expansion after learning it would be fully funded for the first three years by the federal government

“Despite broad public support and the clear economic benefits of Medicaid expansion—including an estimated boost in the state’s economic output by $67.9 billion during fiscal years 2014–2017 and generating an additional 231,000 jobs in Texas by 2016—the state of Texas has chosen to reject federal funding to expand the program and has yet to bring forth a viable alternative to bridge the coverage gap,” said Leticia de la Vara, Senior Strategist, NCLR. “It is unacceptable that our most vulnerable populations and the very workers we count on to stimulate the state’s economic engine lack the critical coverage that they need to remain healthy,” continued de la Vara.

“It’s time to take a step in the right direction and expand access to care for more Texans; it’s the right thing to do to move Texas forward,” said Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Expanding access to health care will help create robust communities, allowing opportunities to reduce incidences of persistent health concerns.”


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.

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is San Antonio’s leading resource and advocate for Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business, and provides premiere access to the Hispanic market. Founded in 1929, the Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to help small businesses grow, expand international trade, raise educational levels, develop new leaders and represent the interests of the growing Hispanic community. For more information on the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber, please visit www.sahcc.org.

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NCLR Statement on President Obama’s Decision to Delay Relief to Millions of Families

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             Contact:
September 6, 2014                                                                                           Julian Teixeira
                                                                                                                       (202) 776-1812
                                                                                                                        jteixeira@nclr.org

WASHINGTON—Today, President Obama announced that administrative action on immigration will be delayed until after the November elections. In news reports, White House officials cited Democrats’ concerns about the impact of executive action on the party’s electoral prospects as the reason for the delay.

“When candidate Obama asked our community for support in 2008 and 2012, he urged us all to vote based on our hopes, not our fears. Today, President Obama gave in to the fears of Democratic political operatives, crushing the hopes of millions of hard-working people living under the constant threat of deportation and family separation,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.

“Tens of thousands of human beings are likely to be separated from their families between now and the election. These families have embraced and contributed to this country. All they ask is for a chance to get right with the law, step out of the shadows and further contribute to a nation where most of them have lived for more than a decade. Their suffering, and that of their family members, who include U.S.-citizen children and spouses, should weigh on the consciences of each and every person responsible for this delay,” Murguía continued.

“President Obama, Senate Democrats and House Republicans have all succumbed to their political fears, avoiding what they all privately acknowledge is the right thing to do, not just for the Hispanic community, but for the country they are sworn to serve. They might rest easier tonight knowing they’ve avoided another inconvenient political problem, but I guarantee that the dreams they have shattered today will haunt them far into the future,” 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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Declaración de la Presidenta del NCLR Janet Murguía sobre la Decision del Presidente Obama

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA:                                            Contacto:
8 de septiembre, 2014                                                                   Julian Teixeira
                                                                                                        (202) 776-1812
                                                                                                        jteixeira@nclr.org

WASHINGTON—Hoy, el Presidente Obama anuncio que no tomaría acción administrativa sobre la política de inmigración hasta después de las elecciones de noviembre. Según reportajes, oficiales de la Casa Blanca han señalado que miembros del partido demócrata habían expresado su preocupación con el impacto que podría tener un anuncio antes de las elecciones y por esta razón la Casa Blanca decidió esperar. 

“Cuando el candidato Obama nos pidió nuestro apoyo en el 2008 y el 2012 como comunidad latina, nos dijo que votáramos basado en nuestras esperanzas para el futuro y no basado en nuestros temores. Hoy, el presidente Obama ha accedido a los temores de operativos políticos demócratas, derribando a la vez las esperanzas de millones de inmigrantes trabajadoras que viven bajo el miedo constante de ser deportados o separados de sus familias,” dijo Janet Murguía, Presidenta y Gerente General del NCLR

“Miles de seres humanos serán separados de sus familiares entre hoy y el día de las elecciones. Estas familias han contribuido enormemente a este pais. Lo único que piden es la oportunidad de salir de las sombras y seguir contribuyendo a la nación donde muchos han vivido por más de una década. Su sufrimiento y el de sus familiares, quienes incluyen hijos y esposos/esposas ciudadano-americanos, debe de caer sobre las conciencias de cada persona responsable por este aplazamiento,” continuo Murguía.

“El Presidente Obama, los demócratas del senado y los republicanos de la cámara, todos se han entregado a sus temores políticos, evitando lo que ellos saben muy bien qué es lo correcto hacer y lo mejor para el pais al que han jurado servir. Ellos no deben de dormir más tranquilos esta noche sabiendo que han evitado un problema político inconveniente, al contrario, garantizo que los sueños que han destruido hoy es algo que los perseguirá hasta el futuro,” concluyo 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.

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Civil Rights and Housing Groups to Host Convening on Housing Finance System

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact:
April 10, 2014                                                                                    Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                                                          (202) 776-1566
                                                                                                           jrendeiro@nclr.org

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the current housing finance system is in need of an overhaul. While the Senate Banking Committee has already released a draft of their proposed reform bill, many groups are concerned that this legislation fails to adequately address the needs of Latinos and other underserved communities. Join NCLR (National Council of La Raza), as well as other allies leading the charge to keep homeownership affordable, for a convening about housing finance reform and the implications for communities of color. 

To cover this event, please RSVP to Joseph Rendeiro at jrendeiro@nclr.org or by calling (202) 776-1566.


MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:     Rebuilding Our Communities Through Sustainable Homeownership

WHEN:     Wednesday, April 16, 2014

WHERE:   NPR Headquarters
                1111 North Capitol Street, NE
                Studio 1
                Washington, DC 20002

SCHEDULE:

9:00–9:05 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
   - Wade Henderson, President and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

9:05–9:35 a.m. Keynote Address and Q&A
   - Secretary Shaun Donovan, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

9:35–10:15 a.m. Panel Discussion: Getting Housing Reform Right for Communities of Color
   - Janet Murguía, President and CEO, National Council of La Raza
   - Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League
   - Hilary Shelton, Director, Washington Bureau, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy, NAACP
   - Seema Agnani, Former Board Chair, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development

10:15–11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: A Closer Look at Johnson-Crapo and the Impact on Communities of Color
   - Enrique Lopezlira, Senior Policy Advisor, National Council of La Raza
   - Nikitra Bailey, Executive Vice President, Center for Responsible Lending
   - Alys Cohen, Attorney, National Consumer Law Center
   - Julia Gordon, Director of Housing Finance and Policy, Center for American Progress

11:30–11:45 a.m. Closing and Wrap-Up

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 http://www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

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Latino Poverty Declines While Household Financial Anxiety Remains High

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     Contact:
September 16, 2014                                                                  Joseph Rendeiro
                                                                                                   (202) 776-1566
                                                                                                   jrendeiro@nclr.org

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Earlier today, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing that Latinos’ hard work is translating into higher income and lower poverty. There were 900,000 fewer Latinos, including 500,000 fewer Latino children, living in poverty in 2013 compared to the previous year. However, wide disparities remain. The Latino poverty rate remains high at 23.5 percent for 2013, nearly twice the national poverty rate of 14.5 percent. Prior to the Great Recession, the poverty rate for Latinos was 20.6 percent. In 2013, a four-person family was considered poor if income fell below $23,624.

“We are pleased to see an improvement in these indicators of economic well-being. Half a million fewer Latino children in poverty is a testament to our community’s commitment to hard work and sacrifice,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “However, all American workers, including Latinos, would have experienced greater gains had it not been for the congressional choices that have stunted economic growth and slashed investments in education, housing and nutrition services. This austerity agenda, together with stagnant wages, has left too many working families without sufficient income or supports to meet their basic needs.”

In a July poll by NCLR and Latino Decisions, Latino voters acknowledged that the economy is improving, but they remain anxious about their personal finances. Ahead of the midterm elections, large shares of Latino voters are anxious about losing a job, and 70 percent of respondents say they are not earning enough to cover their basic expenses. The Latino unemployment rate is 7.5 percent, compared to 6.1 percent for all workers.

“We are encouraged to see many Latinos returning to the labor market; however, wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living and too many people are struggling to work their way out of poverty,” continued Rodriguez. “Meanwhile, raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would boost the income of nearly seven million Latino workers.”

Policymakers’ support of a higher minimum wage and restored investment in Latino priorities will factor into how Latinos vote in November. A majority (55 percent) of Latinos in the July poll said that they were more likely to vote for a candidate who supports raising the minimum wage. Nearly half (47 percent) of those polled on the eve of the federal budget agreement last year said that they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who voted for continuing budget cuts to government programs. Social safety net programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Social Security are especially important to lowering Latino child poverty.

“As with other Americans, job security and personal finances top the list of concerns for Latino voters this election season,” concluded Rodriguez. “Our community will support leaders who demonstrate that they are listening and support action that results in lifting wages and helping families make ends meet.”

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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Tasa de Pobreza en la Comunidad Latina Disminuye Mientras que la Ansiedad Financiera Sigue Elevada

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                                   PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN:
17 de septiembre, 2014                                                                    Camila Gallardo
                                                                                                        (305) 215-4259
                                                                                                        cgallardo@nclr.org

WASHINGTON, D.C.—c. Comparado al año anterior, en el 2013 se reportó que 900,000 adultos y 500,000 niños lograron salir de la pobreza. A pesar de esto, todavía existen disparidades significantes.. La tasa de pobreza entre los latinos se mantiene alta en un 23.5% en el 2013, casi el doble del nivel nacional de 14.5%. Antes de la Gran Recesión, la tasa de pobreza para los hispanos fue de un 20.6 %. En el 2013, una familia de cuatro personas era considerada en nivel de pobreza si su ingreso total sumaba menos de $23,624.

“Estamos satisfechos de ver que estos indicadores económicos han mejorado para nuestra comunidad. Medio millón de niños hispanos en el país han salido de la pobreza y esto es un testamento del de la ética de trabajo y los sacrificios que han hecho las familias hispanas por sus hijos,” dijo Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation en el Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR por sus siglas en inglés). “A pesar de esto, todos los trabajadores americanos, incluyendo a los latinos, hubiesen visto aumentos aún más significantes si no fuera por las decisiones tomadas por el congreso que han retrasado el crecimiento y han cortado inversiones en la educación y servicios de vivienda y nutrición. Esta agenda austera en conjunto con ingresos estancados han dejado a demasiadas familias con ingresos insuficientes para proveer sus necesidades básicas.”

En una encuesta del NCLR y Latino Decisions tomada este julio entre votantes latinos, los encuestados reconocieron que la economía está mejorando pero siguen con altos niveles de ansiedad sobre sus finanzas personales. En víspera de las elecciones, un gran número de votantes hispanos están preocupados de perder su empleo y el 70% de encuestados dicen que no están ganando lo suficiente para proveer sus necesidades básicas. La tasa de desempleo entre los latinos es un 7.5% comparado con la tasa de 6.1% entre todos los trabajadores al nivel nacional.

“Es alentador ver a tantos latinos regresar al mercado laboral, a la vez, los ingresos no están creciendo al mismo paso que el costo de vida y muchos están luchando para mantenerse fuera de la pobreza,” continuó Rodriguez. “Mientras tanto, subiendo el salario mínimo nacional a $10.10 ayudaría a aumentar el ingreso de casi siete millones de trabajadores latinos.”

El apoyo a un salario mínimo más alto y un aumento en inversiones en áreas de prioridad para los latinos, jugarán un papel clave en cómo y por quien votan los latinos en noviembre. Una mayoría (el 55%) de los encuestados en julio dijeron que serían más propensos a votar por un candidato que apoya a aumentar el salario mínimo. Casi la mitad (el 47%) de los encuestados dijeron que serían menos propensos a votar por un candidato que votaría a favor de seguir cortando el presupuesto de programas gubernamentales. Programas como el SNAP y el Crédito Tributario de Niños, el Programa de Seguro de Salud de Niños (CHIP por sus siglas en inglés), y el Seguro Social son esenciales para ayudar a disminuir la tasa de pobreza entre los niños hispanos.

“Como otros americanos, la seguridad de empleo y las finanzas personales son temas de prioridad para los votantes hispanos,” concluyó Rodriguez. “Nuestra comunidad apoyará a líderes que demuestren que nos están escuchando y que apoyen acciones que suban los ingresos y amplien las oportunidades de familias para que provean sus necesidades básicas.”

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 www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

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NCLR Hails Successful Challenge to Block Key Provision of Anti-Immigrant SB 1070

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Supreme Court upholds lawsuit led by NCLR Affiliate Valle del Sol and other Latino leaders in Arizona

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied review of a provision in Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, SB 1070, which would have made it illegal to transport or harbor undocumented immigrants. The provision had been blocked by the U.S. District Court in Phoenix in 2012, an injunction that was later upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

“The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold this injunction unequivocally affirms what we have known to be true since this law was passed in 2010: SB 1070 is an unconstitutional infringement on the civil rights of all Arizonans,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “This legislation is a reckless attempt to make racial profiling and discrimination the law of the land in Arizona, tarnishing the state’s reputation and needlessly costing millions of dollars to defend it in the courts. We applaud the efforts of our Affiliates in Arizona, including the lead plaintiff in this court case, Valle del Sol, and the supporting plaintiff, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as our allies throughout the state. They have all tirelessly pushed back against this legislation in order to ensure that all Arizonans, especially Latinos, are treated by law enforcement fairly, with dignity and respect.”

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NCLR: Senate Missed an Opportunity to Help the American Workforce by Raising the Minimum Wage

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate took a procedural vote on the “Minimum Wage Fairness Act” (S. 2223), legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour by the year 2016. The bill would also adjust the minimum wage each year to keep pace with the rising cost of living beginning in 2016 and substantially raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, who currently earn just $2.13 per hour. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is disappointed that the bill failed to move forward within the chamber, despite the broad bipartisan support that exists among the majority of Americans who favor raising the federal minimum wage.

“As the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce, Latinos understand the value of hard work. Unfortunately, there are far too many hardworking individuals in this country who struggle to provide basic necessities for their families because they aren’t paid decent, livable wages,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “The Senate had the opportunity to remedy this situation and instead turned its back on the millions of American workers who needed this wage boost to help lift themselves out of poverty. It’s past time that our lawmakers listen to the American people, who overwhelmingly support raising the minimum wage to a level that respects and rewards hard work.”

Although Latinos are overrepresented in several high-growth occupations, those occupations also tend to pay below-median wages, leaving full-time workers unable to cover basic family needs. Raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 would boost wages for nearly 28 million workers, including approximately seven million Latinos. The legislation would also be a boon to the economy, increasing consumer spending and spurring job growth.

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Rate of Latinos Without Health Insurance Drops Slightly, but Wide Gap Remains

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact:
September 19, 2014                                                                         Kathy Mimberg
                                                                                                         (202) 776-1714
                                                                                                         kmimberg@nclr.org

New data emphasize need to expand coverage and amplify outreach efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau show that between 2012 and 2013 the number of uninsured Latinos declined slightly, from 15.6 million to 15.3 million, or by about 300,000 individuals. However, the health coverage rate for U.S. Hispanics still lags far behind that of other groups. In 2013 the Hispanic uninsurance rate was 28.4 percent, compared to 10.2 percent for non-Hispanic Whites and 14.5 percent nationwide.

“It is encouraging to see a decline in the number of uninsured Latinos in the United States. Every drop in the uninsurance rate in our community means more families who can get regular, affordable care and live healthier lives,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “However, with nearly one-third of our community still uninsured, these numbers underscore the need to further remove enrollment barriers, amplify outreach efforts to get eligible Latinos enrolled in health coverage and inform families that they can enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program at any time during the year.”

The data also show that Texas, Florida and Nevada had the three highest uninsurance rates, with Texas leading the nation in residents without health insurance (22.1 percent). Texas and Florida, which have two of the largest Hispanic populations in the country, have refused to expand their Medicaid programs, a move that would extend coverage to more low-income families, including Hispanics.

Of great concern to NCLR is the number of Latino children who lack health coverage compared to their non-Hispanic White peers. According to the new data, in 2013 the national uninsurance rate for Hispanic children was 12.1 percent, or nearly two million children, compared to 5.4 percent for non-Hispanic White children. NCLR recently released two issue briefs highlighting the impact that Medicaid expansion would have on increasing the number of Latinos with health coverage in Texas and Florida.

“These numbers do not reflect any gains that were made through the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, but they tell us why health care reform has been important for the Latino community, especially as the next open enrollment period nears,” said Rodriguez.

NCLR works with community partners throughout the nation to inform and encourage Latinos to determine their eligibility for insurance programs and enroll in health coverage. Open enrollment for 2015 through the Affordable Care Act begins on November 15, 2014. More information can be obtained at www.HealthCare.gov and www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov.

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

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NCLR Applauds Nomination of Maria Echaveste as U.S. Ambasador to Mexico

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR (The National Council of La Raza) applauded the announcement that President Obama is nominating Maria Echaveste as the next U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Echaveste has served with distinction in government, in the private sector, with nonprofit groups and in academia. During her tenure in the Clinton administration—where she worked in the U.S. Department of Labor and later served as White House deputy chief of staff—she demonstrated a powerful commitment to advancing public interest.

“Having known and worked with Maria for many years, both during our tenure together in the Clinton White House and since then, on issues of concern to the Latino community, I know she will bring her considerable expertise, vast experience and deep understanding of U.S.-Latin American relations to one of our country’s top diplomatic posts at a critically important time in the history of U.S.-Mexico relations,” stated NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía.

Most recently, Echaveste co-founded a successful consulting business representing nonprofit organizations and has been a lecturer and senior fellow at the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, one of the most respected legal think tanks in the country. Echaveste also has considerable foreign policy expertise, having worked on the North American Free Trade Agreement, the very first Summit of the Americas, and as special representative of the U.S. government to Bolivia in 2009. She was also a board member of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, an American institution promoting positive reforms in Mexico.

“Maria Echaveste exemplifies the American Dream. She is the child of farmworkers who, through talent and hard work, ascended to the very highest levels of the government, business, nonprofit and educational sectors of U.S. society. For these reasons, Maria Echaveste is the ideal ambassador to Mexico and we urge the Senate to confirm her expeditiously,” 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.

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NCLR Applauds Gov. Brown for Signing Sentencing Reform Bill

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

LOS ANGELES—Earlier this week, Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Fair Sentencing Act (SB 1010), legislation that will help end sentencing disparities for communities of color who frequently face harsher penalties within California’s justice system. This legislation, which NCLR (National Council of La Raza) co-sponsored, will reduce penalties for the sale of crack cocaine to the same levels as those for the sale of powdered cocaine. NCLR applauds Gov. Brown, State Sen. Holly Mitchell, who introduced the bill, and her co-author, State Sen. Ricardo Lara, for working to make certain that all Californians are treated fairly by the courts.

“We commend Governor Brown for signing this pragmatic sentencing reform bill which helps ensure that everyone across California is treated equally under the law. For years California’s judicial system has been unfair to some of our most vulnerable socioeconomic communities, and too often it targets people of color,” said Delia de la Vara, NCLR Vice President, California Region. “Today’s progress is a direct result of community leaders, nonprofit organizations and families working together for a just sentencing law. Though we celebrate this incredible accomplishment, we recognize that more work is needed to build a stronger community.”

Between 2005 and 2010, Latinos accounted for close to 20 percent of those in jail for possession with the intent to sell crack cocaine, while blacks accounted for more than 75 percent. Previous sentencing guidelines often resulted in people of color receiving longer prison sentences. SB 1010, which will be implemented in January, will not only equalize sentencing for the two offenses, it will also give judges more discretion to sentence a person to probation.

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Eva Longoria and Mario Lopez to Co-Host the “2014 NCLR ALMA Awards®”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                               Contact:
September 30, 2014                                                                                            Julian Teixeira
                                                                                                                             (202) 776-1812
                                                                                                                             jteixeira@nclr.org

EVA LONGORIA AND MARIO LOPEZ TO CO-HOST THE
 “2014 NCLR ALMA AWARDS®”

Honorees Include Cast of “Orange is the New Black,” Guillermo del Toro, 
the film “Cesar Chavez” and Pitbull

Presenters include Zoe Saldaña, Michael Peña, Aubrey Plaza and José Diaz-Balart

One-hour prime-time special to air LIVE on MSNBC
Friday, Oct 10 at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST


LOS ANGELES—Acclaimed Latina actress, advocate and producer Eva Longoria will be gracing the stage once again with television personality and actor Mario Lopez to co-host the “2014 NCLR ALMA Awards.” The ground-breaking awards show will simulcast live on MSNBC and mun2 as a one-hour prime-time special on Friday, October 10, 2014, at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST, followed by “After the ALMAs with Alex Wagner,” live on MSNBC at 11 p.m. EST/8 p.m. PST.

The “2014 NCLR ALMA Awards” telecast—a National Hispanic Heritage Month event—celebrates America’s favorite Latinos in the entertainment industry, television, film and music. With programming on multiple platforms, the “mun2 All Access: Road to the ALMAs 2014 Special” hosted by Melissa “Crash” Barrera, featuring exclusive celebrity interviews, kicks off the ALMAs at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. Telemundo.com will livestream the “NCLR ALMA Awards Pre-Show” hosted by Yarel Ramos (mun2) and Jorge Bernal (Telemundo, “La Voz Kids”) with additional Telemundo.com live digital coverage hosted by Jessica Carrillo (Telemundo, “Al Rojo Vivo”) and Christian Acosta (Latinogossip.com) at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. The awards show and post-show will stream live on MSNBC. 

In honor of the 15th edition of the NCLR ALMA Awards, NCLR is launching “ALMA’s 15/Los Quinces,” a group of 15 “ambassadors” for the NCLR ALMA Awards. ALMA’s 15 will share unique moments from the past 15 shows as well as the value and impact ALMA is having through recognizing and celebrating diversity and inclusion in American entertainment and media. The cast of “Devious Maids,” including Ana Ortiz, Judy Reyes, Edy Ganem, Maria Canals-Barrera and Gina Rodriguez, and Fatima Ptacek, the voice of Dora the Explorer, will participate in a special presentation introduced by Telemundo and MSNBC News Anchor and Host José Diaz-Balart

The “2014 NCLR ALMA Awards” honorees include:

• Award for Industry Excellence: GUILLERMO DEL TORO presented by Zoe Saldana
Credited with spearheading Latino stories and themes into mainstream media and known for his visual aesthetic touch, Guillermo del Toro is an exceptional director and producer. His diverse body of work ranges from Spanish-language dark fantasy such as “The Devil’s Backbone” and “Pan’s Labyrinth” to action films such as “Hellboy,” “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” and “Pacific Rim.”

Special Achievement in Television: The Cast of “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK” Selenis Leyva and Dascha Polanco will be honored for their riveting portrayals of characters Gloria Mendoza and Dayanara Diaz on Netflix’s critically acclaimed comedic drama “Orange is the New Black,” set in a women’s prison. This remarkably successful show, which just finished filming its third season, accentuates the work of its multicultural bevy of talented Latino actresses, whose roles have broken barriers and put human faces on the issues that confront those, including women of color, who are affected by our country’s criminal justice system. 

• Special Achievement in Film: “CESAR CHAVEZ”
Recognized for its artistic achievements and sweeping impact in bringing the story of a Mexican American hero to the forefront, “Cesar Chavez” is honored for Special Achievement in Film. Directed by Diego Luna and featuring an all-star cast including Michael Peña, America Ferrera and Rosario Dawson, the film focuses on several of the most famous actions taken by Chávez and United Farm Workers, whose efforts helped win improved living and working conditions, contracts and better pay for farm workers.

• Special Achievement in Music: PITBULL 
Pitbull’s incredible international successes and fierce work ethic confirm his well-earned title of “Mr. Worldwide” and this year’s honoree in music. Pitbull is also a generous supporter of education through his support of a charter school that focuses on athletics as a way to excite youth about education. With business, philanthropy and musical success, he transcends both genres and generations in his collaborations. Yet his music remains reflective and celebratory of his deep pride in his Latino heritage.

• Special Tribute: 2014 Hispanic Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor presented by Michael Peña
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are commending President Obama’s action to give long-overdue honors to servicemembers who fought heroically for our country, but were denied recognition at the time, with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. Seventeen of the 24 members honored this past March are Latinos who served with remarkable valor and courage—even at the cost of their lives—in our nation’s military.

During the one-hour livestreamed pre-show, Charo, the flamboyant and unforgettable actress and comedienne who became a crossover star and household name when there were few Latinos on television, will be presented with the Ricardo Montalban Award for Lifetime Achievement. Legendary rock en espanol band Café Tacuba will receive the NCLR ALMA de Tú Mundo Award, a joint award presented by NCLR and Telemundo in recognition of the band’s 25th anniversary of fusing rock, language and culture in to a global alternative rock scene.

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. Kelly Brock serves as producer.

Advertising sponsors for this year’s show include Comcast, Chevrolet, ConAgra Foods, McDonald’s, Prudential, State Farm, and Wells Fargo. Target returns as the Red Carpet Sponsor. Encore presentations of the “2014 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 with the hashtag #ALMA14.

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 the cause of showing 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, seven days a week. Viewers can find more information on MSNBC’s programming at www.tv.msnbc.com.

About mun2
NBCUniversal’s Hispanic cable network mun2 offers a thrilling mix of original dramas, exclusive premium sports, blockbuster movies, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions. Mun2 is the home for current and unique content produced and presented for the fastest-growing audience, U.S. Hispanics. The network’s content can also be found on its award-winning website, mun2.tv, and across various digital distribution platforms.

About Telemundo.com
Telemundo, a division of NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo’s multiple platforms include the Telemundo Network, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 16 owned stations, broadcast and MVPD affiliates; Telemundo Digital Media, which distributes Telemundo’s original content across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices and www.telemundo.com; an owned and operated full-power station in Puerto Rico that reaches 99% of all TV households in that DMA; and Telemundo Internacional, the international distribution arm that has positioned Telemundo as the second-largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in more than 35 languages.

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Eva Longoria y Mario Lopez Copatrocinarán los “Premios ALMA 2014 del NCLR®”

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PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA                                                              Contacto:
30 de septiembre, 2014                                                                                  Julián Teixeira
                                                                                                                        (202) 776-1812
                                                                                                                        jteixeira@nclr.org

Entre los homenajeados figuran el elenco de "Orange Is the New Black", Guillermo del Toro, la película “César Chávez” y Pitbull

Entre los presentadores estarán Zoe Saldaña, Michael Peña, Stephanie Beatriz, Melissa Fumero, Aubrey Plaza, José Díaz-Balart y Enrique Iglesias

MSNBC transmitirá, durante una hora, el evento en VIVO en horario estelar el Viernes 10 de octubre a las 10 p.m. (hora del este) y 7 p.m. (hora del Pacífico)

LOS ANGELES- Eva Longoria, la aclamada actriz, activista y productora latina volverá a presentar los "Premios ALMA 2014 del NCLR" junto con el actor y celebridad de televisión Mario López. El espectáculo se transmitirá simultáneamente en vivo por MSNBC y mun2 en horario estelar el viernes 10 de octubre 2014, a las 10 pm (hora del Este) y 7 pm (horario del Pacífico). Al terminar esa presentación seguirá el programa "Después de los premios ALMA con Alex Wagner" en MSNBC a las 11 pm (hora del Este) y 20:00 p.m. (hora del Pacífico).

La transmisión televisa de los "Premios ALMA 2014 del NCLR" — evento que se lleva a cabo en el Mes de la Herencia Hispana—celebra los aportes de los artistas latinos favoritos en los Estados Unidos en la industria del entretenimiento, la televisión, el cine y la música. Con la programación de múltiples plataformas de mun2, Melissa "Crash" Barrera estará a cargo del inicio del evento dando la bienvenida y entrevistando a grandes personalidades en el programa "Especial de la Alfombra Roja de los Premios ALMA 2014 del NCLR" a las 7 pm (hora del Este) y a las 4:00 p.m.(hora del Pacífico). Telemundo.com transmitirá teniendo como presentadores a Yarel Ramos (mun2) y Jorge Bernal (Telemundo, La Voz Kids) y las coberturas adicionales de Jessica Carrillo (Telemundo, Al Rojo Vivo) y Christian Acosta (Latinogossip.com) a las 9 p.m. (hora del Este) y 6 p.m. (hora del Pacífico). La entrega de premios y el espectáculo posterior se transmitirán en vivo por MSNBC.

Para honrar la decimoquinta celebración de los Premios ALMA se presentarán "Los Quinces de los Premios ALMA", un grupo compuestos por quince "embajadores", quienes compartirán en pantalla momentos únicos de los últimos 15 espectáculos donde se pone de relieve el valor y el impacto que los premios ALMA tienen mediante el reconocimiento, la celebración de la diversidad cultural y la inclusión de esos espectáculos en el mundo del entretenimiento estadounidense y en los medios de comunicación. El elenco de "Devious Maids", donde figuran Ana Ortiz, Judy Reyes, Edy Ganem y Maria Canals-Barrera, y Fatima Ptacek—la voz de Dora la Exploradora—participará en una presentación especial de Telemundo y MSNBC News Anchor, teniendo a José Diaz-Balart como anfitrión.

Los homenajeados a los "Premios ALMA 2014 del NCLR" son los siguientes:

• Premio Anthony Quinn a la excelencia en la industria del entretenimiento: GUILLERMO DEL TORO. Presentadora del premio: Zoe Saldaña
Guillermo del Toro es un director y productor excepcional de reconocida fama por su toque estético visual al llevar a cabo historias y temas latinos para que lleguen a ser parte de la comunidad en general y de los medios de comunicación. Su diversidad laboral abarca desde temas en español de oscura fantasía, tales como "El espinazo del diablo" y "El laberinto del fauno" hasta películas de acción como "Hellboy", "Hellboy II: El ejército dorado" y "Pacific Rim". Zoe Saldaña (que trabajó en "Guardianes de la Galaxia") será quien otorgue el Premio Anthony Quinn a Guillermo del Toro por su excelencia en la industria del entretenimiento honrando de este modo su inspirador trabajo y legado.

• Reconocimiento Especial en Televisión: El elenco de "Orange Is the New Black". Los premios serán presentados por Stephanie Beatriz y Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn 99)
Se honrará a Selenis Leyva y Dascha Polanco por caracterizar los fascinantes personajes de Gloria Mendoza y Dayanara Díaz en la aclamada comedia dramática de Netflix "Orange is the New Black", ambientada en una cárcel de mujeres. Este espectáculo tiene un increíble éxito, cuyo rodaje acaba de terminar su tercera temporada. Esta comedia acentúa la labor de talentosas actrices latinas multiculturales donde se rompen barreras y se ponen rostros a quienes sufren las injusticias del sistema penal de este país, especialmente las mujeres de color.

• Reconocimiento Especial en Cine: "CÉSAR CHÁVEZ"
Reconocido por su logro artístico y el impacto que causó la producción fílmica sobre la historia de un héroe americano mexicano de vanguardia, se otorgará el Premio Especial en Cine por la producción dela película "César Chávez", dirigida por Diego Luna que cuenta con un reparto estelar en el que actúan Michael Peña, América Ferrera y Rosario Dawson. La película enfoca algunas de las interacciones más famosas entre Chávez y la United Farm Workers. La obra de Chávez sirvió para que los trabajadores agrícolas ganaran mejores convenios, salarios y condiciones laborales.

• Reconocimiento Especial en Música a PITBULL. Presentador: Enrique Iglesias
Los increíbles éxitos internacionales de Pitbull y su ética de duro trabajo confirman su bien ganado título de "Mr. Worldwide" y que este año haya sido galardonado por su contribuciones musicales. Pitbull es un artista que apoya generosamente a la educación apoyando a una escuela charter que enfoca al atletismo como una manera de educar a los jóvenes. A través de sus éxitos comerciales y musicales y su filantropía, Pitbull trasciende no sólo los géneros, sino también otras generaciones. La música de Pitbull sigue siendo reflexiva y de celebración que conlleva un profundo orgullo de su herencia latina.

• Especial tributo: las Medallas de Honor del Congreso 2014 otorgadas a soldados hispanos. Presentador: Michael Peña

En este Mes de la Herencia Hispana deseamos felicitar al Presidente Obama, que en el mes de marzo pasado, entregó a diecisiete de los 24 soldados hispanos la Medalla de Honor del Congreso, la condecoración militar más alta de la nación. A pesar de haber transcurridos muchos años, finalmente se reconocieron a diecisiete de los 24 soldados hispanos que con notable valor y coraje, a costa de sus propias vidas, lucharon heroicamente por nuestro país en el ejército de los Estados Unidos.

Durante la hora previa a la presentación de los premios ALMA, Charo recibirá el Premio Ricardo Montalbán por su Trayectoria Artística. Charo es la inolvidable y extravagante comediante, que se convirtió en una estrella familiar y multifacética en las épocas que habían pocos latinos en espectáculos televisivos. Café Tacuba, la legendaria banda de rock en español recibirá el Premio ALMA NCLR Tu Mundo. Este es un premio presentado conjuntamente por NCLR y Telemundo en reconocimiento del 25 aniversario de la banda de rock de fusión musical, idioma y cultura en un escenario global de rock alternativo.

El especial será producido por Flavio Morales, Sergio Alfaro y Juan Ehrhard, productores latinos de Big Vida Entertainment. También como productoras ejecutivas del evento tenemos a Eva Longoria y Janet Murguía, presidenta y CEO de NCLR. Kelly Brock fue el productor.

Los anunciantes a cargo de la publicidad del espectáculo este año son: Comcast, Chevrolet, ConAgra Foods, McDonald, Prudential, State Farm, y Wells Fargo. Target nuevamente fue el patrocinador de la Alfombra Roja. Las presentaciones del espectáculo de los "Premios ALMA 2014 del NCLR" se retransmitirán durante todo el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en mun2 y habrá exclusivo contenido a través de los servicios disponibles en Comcast Video On Demand y en Telemundo.com/ALMA.

Para obtener información adicional, incluyendo los anuncios de los anfitriones, presentadores y artistas de la ceremonia de este año, visite www.almaawards.com o siga el espectáculo en:Twitter en @almaawards, y en Instagram: instagram.com/almaawards, o con la hashtag #ALMA14.

Acerca del NCLR

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 que trabaja para mejorar sus oportunidades. La presentación de los premios ALMA NCLR es una parte integral de esa misión: un programa especial de entretenimiento a nivel nacional emitido en cadena de televisión en horario estelar con una causa: demostrar cómo la diversidad fortalece nuestro país y cómo la inclusión fortalece la industria del entretenimiento estadounidense. Para obtener más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y en Twitter.

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

Acerca de MSNBC
MSNBC es la red de televisión de mayor prestigio que ofrece el análisis profundo de los titulares de los diarios, comentario sobre política y perspectivas informadas. Llegando a más de 95 millones de hogares a nivel mundial, MSNBC ofrece una programación completa de noticias en vivo, opiniones políticas y documentales las 24 horas del día, siete días a la semana. Los televidentes pueden encontrar más información sobre la programación de MSNBC en www.tv.msnbc.com.

Acerca de mun2
Esta es la red hispana de cable de NBCUniversal que ofrece una mezcla emocionante de originales dramas, deportes exclusivos, películas de gran taquilla, eventos en vivo y adquisiciones estratégicas. Mun2 es la red de contenido actual y único elaborado y presentado para la audiencia de hispanos estadounidenses, la minoría de mayor y rápido crecimiento en esta nación. El contenido de la red también se puede encontrar en su galardonado sitio web mun2.tv, y a través de diversas plataformas de distribución digital.

Acerca de Telemundo.com
Telemundo, una división de NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content, es una compañía de medios de difusión mundial que lidera la industria la producción y la distribución de contenido de alta calidad en español a través de su portafolio de multiplataformas para los hispanos en EE.UU. y el público de todo el mundo. Las múltiples plataformas de Telemundo ofrecen la cadena Telemundo—una cadena de televisión en español—que ofrece producciones originales, películas, noticias y eventos deportivos de primera categoría. La cadena llega a los hogares hispanos en 210 mercados a través de sus 16 estaciones locales, difusión y afiliados de MVPD. Telemundo Media Digital distribuye el contenido original de la estación de Telemundo a través de plataformas digitales y emergentes incluyendo dispositivos móviles y www.telemundo.com; una estación de alta potencia en Puerto Rico que alcanza el 99% de todos los hogares en esa región; y Telemundo Internacional, una rama de distribución internacional que ha posicionado a Telemundo como el segundo mayor proveedor de contenido en Español en todo el mundo atreves de sus transmisiones en más de 100 países en más de 35 idiomas. 

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NCLR Applauds Minimum Wage Hike for Employees of Federal Contractors

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule to boost the minimum wage for employees of federal contractors to $10.10 per hour. The rule fulfills an executive order that President Obama announced in his State of the Union Address last January, which was enthusiastically cheered by NCLR (National Council of La Raza).

“NCLR commends the administration for raising the wages of employees who do business with the federal government,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR. “Not only is this the right thing to do to lift working families out of poverty and to help them keep pace with the rising cost of living, but it should also be a catalyst for Congress to boost the federal minimum wage.”

According to the Economic Policy Institute, this mandate on the minimum wage will set a floor on wages for the nearly 20 percent of all federal contractors earning less than poverty-level wages, who are disproportionately minority and female. The new wage level will apply to employees who work on new or renewed contracts issued on or after January 1, 2015. The Department of Labor estimates that 200,000 new workers would see their wages rise as a result of the rule.

Congress failed to advance legislation this year to raise the federal minimum wage for all workers from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour. Enacting a hike in the federal minimum wage would provide higher wages for nearly 28 million people, about one-quarter of who are Hispanic. In a poll conducted earlier this year by NCLR and Latino Decisions, more than half of Latino voters (55 percent) said that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports raising the minimum wage. That same poll found that nearly 70 percent of Latino voters were concerned that they were not earning enough to cover their basic expenses.

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NCLR: Latino Voters Will Decide Key Races this Election Cycle

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Earlier this week, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) convened a panel discussion to highlight the power of the Latino vote and the potentially game-changing role that Hispanic voters will play in the upcoming midterm elections. The event, which also featured leading national experts from Latino Decisions, Voto Latino and the Center for American Progress, looked at the major races where Latino turnout will be key to deciding who wins.

“There is a misconception that Latinos won’t matter this election cycle because it’s a midterm election and they are apathetic toward both parties,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. We are continuing to grow our voting numbers in areas where critical races could be determined by less than a 1 percent margin of victory. How candidates engage in outreach toward our community and handle issues important to Latinos, such as immigration, will undoubtedly impact this high-stakes election cycle in which both parties are fighting for control of the Senate.”

Analysis from Latino Decisions shows that Hispanic voters have the potential to decide 24 races for the House of Representatives, based on calculations for races where the population of eligible Latino voters is greater than the 2012 margin of victory. They also have the potential to influence four tossup Senate races this election cycle—in Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina and Georgia—along with races for governor in nine states, including Illinois and Florida. One state that demonstrates the potential impact of the Latino vote is Kansas, where the Latino population has grown 143 percent and Hispanics now compose 5.5 percent of all eligible voters, making a difference in the state’s election outcomes.

“It is a myth that Latinos won’t matter and, in fact, they have many opportunities to be a critical electorate in 2014,” said Matt Barreto, Co-Founder of Latino Decisions. “However, both parties need to increase investment in Hispanic outreach and mobilization and take meaningful steps to address Latino policy priorities. Republicans and Democrats have room to improve with Latino voters, especially when it comes to the issue of immigration.”

There are more than 12 million active Latino voters, and more than 900,000 Latino citizens turn 18 and become eligible to vote every year. However, more than 11 million Latinos are currently eligible to vote but inactive. To help close this gap, NCLR and the Mi Familia Vota Education Fund launched a joint campaign, “Mobilize to Vote 2014,” aimed at registering tens of thousands of new Hispanic voters in 2014.

“Latinos will play a key role in many elections this cycle, but if we want our voices to be heard in our state capitals and in Washington, D.C., then we need to boost our turnout,” added Murguía. “Potential translates to power only when we get registered and cast our ballots on Election Day. This November, we need to build on our record turnout in 2012 and send a clear message that the Latino vote and Latino voters matter in every election cycle. We must register, vote and participate.”

To register today, visit www.nclr.us/register.

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