FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
May 12, 2015 Julian Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, at a briefing for reporters with representatives from Latino Decisions and the Center for American Progress, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) released “Investing in Our Future: A Latino Policy Agenda for the 114th Congress,” a comprehensive look at issues and legislation that affect the Latino community and recommendations for action at the federal and state levels. The guide provides policymakers with concrete steps they can take to improve educational and economic outcomes for Latino families, support enrollment in health insurance and move forward on passing comprehensive immigration reform. Latinos are a growing segment of the U.S. population and a critical part of our nation’s future workforce; their success is intrinsically tied to the success of our nation and our future economic prosperity.
The morning briefing also highlighted the growing geographic diversity of the electorate, how Congress has failed to address many of the community’s priorities and the political consequences of ignoring this increasingly influential voting bloc. The Latino electorate has grown exponentially in the last several election cycles; in fact, figures demonstrate that approximately 900,000 Latinos turn 18 each year and become eligible to vote, adding their voices to the 25 million eligible Hispanic voters in the country. That electorate is not simply growing in numbers—it is also expanding its influence. According to a recent study by the Center for American Progress, shifting state demographics mean that many candidates will likely need the support of racial and ethnic minority voters to get elected.
“The Latino vote continues to grow across every single state, and 2016 will see a record number of Latinos eligible to vote. However, the 2014 midterms demonstrated that turnout is not guaranteed. Candidates and campaigns need to work hard to win trust from Latino voters by showing that they stand with Latinos on the issues,” said Dr. Thomas Schaller, Political Director, Latino Decisions. “If the campaigns do a good job of meaningfully engaging the Latino community, we will see record Latino turnout in 2016.”
Despite this, many policymakers continue to ignore the Latino priorities outlined in NCLR’s policy agenda, such as enacting comprehensive immigration reform and advancing an economic agenda that bolsters working families. Moreover, many elected officials seek to undermine Latino priorities by rolling back the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Act and blocking or defunding the president’s immigration actions.
“For two years after the Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform with a bipartisan vote, House Republicans have failed to even take a vote, showing just one of many ways conservatives in Congress have stood in the way of Latino families getting ahead in America. The Latino community is woven into the American community now, a growing part of the electorate and our economy,” said Arkadi Gerney, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Strategies, Center for American Progress. “Unfortunately, GOP candidates and members of Congress oppose not just executive action on immigration but also increasing the minimum wage, the Affordable Care Act and many other policies that help Latino families—and all Americans—get ahead.”
While the performance has been underwhelming, policymakers and candidates have an opportunity in the coming months to engage Latino voters by making substantive progress on top issues in the lead-up to the 2016 elections. The Latino agenda released today provides a blueprint for action that will benefit not just those seeking office but the nation as a whole.
“Latinos are looking closely at those who are courting their vote in 2016. It’s not good enough to say the right thing; they need to do the right thing. That means passing critical reform measures on immigration and education, supporting policies that promote economic and employment opportunities for Latinos and protecting access to high-quality health care,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation, NCLR. “Candidates who ignore these priorities will discover that this pivotal voting bloc will throw its support behind others who back up their words with decisive action and a show of leadership.”
A summary of the policy agenda is available here.
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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