FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kathy Mimberg
(202) 776-1714
kmimberg@nclr.org
Julian Teixeira
(202) 365-2273 (cell)
jteixeira@nclr.org
NCLR California Latino Advocacy Day will bring together over 300 Latino leaders
Sacramento—More than 300 advocates from throughout the state, representing over 57 California community-based organizations, will convene on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday, May 11 and ask members of the California State Legislature to pass the “California Dream Act.”
If enacted, the bill will allow undocumented students who were brought to California as young children and have grown up in the state to qualify for in-state tuition rates and state financial aid programs. Passing the “California Dream Act” is essential for California, which will need highly educated and skilled professionals to recover from the recession. Undocumented students who move on to higher education will provide the labor necessary for a competitive global workforce.
We all must share the responsibility of helping California pull itself back up. These advocates will urge legislators to balance the state’s budget without significantly reducing funding from programs that specifically benefit Latinos. Legislators also will be encouraged to support the advancement of English language learners in California schools, funding for education, easier access to health care, and workforce development benefits such as an increase in California’s minimum wage—measures that will benefit not just the Latino community but all residents of the state.
NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will hold a press conference and rally on the north steps of the State Capitol to discuss the importance of passing the “California Dream Act.” Speakers will also address why supporting legislation that impacts California’s Latino population is so essential to the economic health and stability of the state.
After the rally conference, attendees will meet with their local representatives and ask them to pass these legislative measures to ensure a better future for all Californians and Latinos.
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Rally urging the passage of the “California Dream Act”
WHO: Janet Murguía, President and CEO, NCLR & California Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes
WHEN: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 11:00–11:30 a.m. PDT
WHERE: California State Capitol
North Capitol Steps
Sacramento, CA 95814
Great Photo Opportunity!
For further information or questions, or to schedule an interview, please contact Julian Teixeira, Director of Communications, NCLR, at jteixeira@nclr.org.
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