On Thursday, February 4th, Hispanic Federation and the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) of the Connecticut General Assembly hosted Latino Policy Day at the Connecticut State Capitol. Connecticut is home to more than 500,000 Latinos accounting for 15 percent of the state’s population and since 2012 Hispanic Federation’s Connecticut office has been representing the state’s Latino nonprofits. State State Representatives Robert Sánchez, Jason Rojas, Christopher Rosario and Edwin Vargas were among those in attendance.
Latino Policy Day 2016 was focused on highlighting and advancing policies and investments that are essential to the well-being of our community. This year’s sessions focused on dual language immersion in schools, criminal justice reform, fair school funding, political representation parity, the need for housing investments, and the importance of healthcare.
“The collection of subjects being discussed at Latino Policy Day are critical issues. All of them require action, whether we are talking about housing, health or how our district lines are drawn,” Said Secretary of the State Denise Merrill.
“Latino Policy Day is crucial for the Latino community throughout Connecticut. It is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the issues that matter most to our families, and strategize on the best ways to engage both government officials and members of the community,” said Ingrid Alvarez-DiMarzo, Hispanic Federation’s Connecticut State Director. “We are committed to continuing to partner with key stakeholders who are invested in the advancement of policies that improve the lives of Connecticut’s half-million Latinos.
“Community engagement in our democratic process is essential for strengthening our participation in state government,” said Rep. Bobby Sanchez (D-New Britain). “Every effort we make to educate and help our community understand the political process is a mutual win for our constituents and those of us who have the honor of serving them.”
“I commend all the stakeholders, local leaders, and elected officials for fully participating in today’s Latino Policy forum intended to raise awareness of critical issues for the Latino and Puerto Rican population of our state,” said Werner Oyanadel, LPRAC Executive Director.
