Washington, DC – The Secretaries of Labor and Housing and Urban Development joined Senate Democrats in convening a summit with grassroots advocates to talk about civic engagement and economic advancement in Hispanic communities.
Senate Democrats are advocating legislation to increase access to affordable health insurance and close the pay gap for Latino families. Senate Democrats continue to champion comprehensive immigration reform, which economists say is vital to long-term economic growth in America.
Opening Remarks
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman, Hispanic Task Force
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Assistant Democratic Leader
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Hawaii
Panel I: Civic Engagement for the New Latino Electorate
Opening Remarks by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) & Senator Tom Udall (D-NM)
Moderator: Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Senior Deputy Director of Public Engagement, White House Office of Public Engagement
Panelists:
- Bob Sakaniwa, Senior Associate Director of Advocacy, American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Andrea Senteno, Legislative Staff Attorney, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- Maria Urbina, Vice President of Politics and National Campaigns, Voto Latino
- Adela de la Torre, Communications Director, National Immigration Law Center
Introductory Remarks: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Keynote Speaker: Secretary Julián Castro, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Panel II: A Growing Community in a Changing Workplace
Moderator: Hector Sanchez, Chair, National Hispanic Leadership Agenda
Panelists:
- Ann Marie Benitez, Senior Director of Government Relations, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
- Cid Wilson, President & CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility
- Luis Maldonado, Chief Advocacy Officer, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation, National Council of La Raza
- Angela Maria Kelley, Executive Director, Center for American Progress Action Fund
Introductory Remarks: Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Vice Chairman of the Democratic Conference
Closing Speaker: Secretary Tom Perez, U.S. Department of Labor