Hispanic News Articles

President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients Hispanic Agents of Change to Receive Top Civilian Honors

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – President Obama today named Hispanic recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities.

President Obama said, "These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way.

"Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom."

President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 12.

The following Hispanic individuals will receive the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom:

Pedro José Greer, Jr.
Dr. Pedro Jose Greer is a physician and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the Florida International University School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chair of the Department of Humanities, Health and Society. Dr. Greer is the founder of Camillus Health Concern, an agency that provides medical care to over 10,000 homeless patients a year in the city of Miami. He is also the founder and medical director of the St. John Bosco Clinic which provides basic primary medical care to disadvantaged children and adults in the Little Havana community. He has been recognized by Presidents Clinton, Bush, Sr., and Carter for his work with Miami's poor . He is also the recipient of three Papal Medals as well as the prestigious MacArthur "genius grant". He currently has a joint private practice with his father, Pedro Greer, Sr.

Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera is an accomplished and versatile actress, singer, and dancer, who has won Two Tony Awards and received seven more nominations while breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of women to follow in her footsteps. In 2002, she became the first Hispanic recipient of the coveted Kennedy Center Honor. Propelled to stardom by her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story, Rivera went on to star in additional landmark

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Appoints Pauline Medrano As Vice Chair of 2010 Census Advisory Committee

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke has named Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano as vice chair of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 Census Advisory Committee, which provides advice on the design and implementation of the 2010 Census.

“Pauline worked on the 1980 Census and her background, education and work experiences will be invaluable to the work of the 2010 Census Advisory Committee,” Locke said.

Twenty organizations are represented on the 2010 Census Advisory Committee, including data users and experts in the statutory and constitutional uses of decennial census data. The committee membership also includes ex-officio members representing the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

“The 2010 Census Advisory Committee provides important advice and guidance to the U.S. Census Bureau,” said Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves. “I look forward to working with Pauline and the rest of the committee to ensure a complete and accurate 2010 Census.”

Medrano has served on the Dallas City Council since 2005. She is also a board member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund and a member of the National League of Cities. A graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington, she worked as a crew leader during the 1980 Census. She remains actively involved in all aspects of the Dallas community.

ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to distribute congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history, consisting of 10 questions and taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict laws protect the confidentiality of respondents and the information they provide.

REYES SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO HELP END PAY DISCRIMINATION

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REYES SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO HELP END PAY DISCRIMINATION

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Restores American Workers' Rights to Challenge Employers Against Discrimination

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in supporting S. 181, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a measure that will help end pay discrimination in the workplace. The legislation passed by a vote of 250 - 177 and now goes to President Obama for his signature.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act restores the law as it was intended prior to the narrowly-decided (5-4) Supreme Court Ledbetter decision in 2007. That decision tossed aside longstanding prior law and made it much harder for women and other workers to pursue pay discrimination claims - stating a pay discrimination charge must be filed within 180 days of the employer's initial decision to pay an employee less. The bill restores the original intent of Congress - providing that a pay discrimination charge must simply be filed within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck.

"On average, women continue to earn less than men despite having the similar qualifications and performing the same type of work," said Congressman Reyes. "The Supreme Court's decision in the 2007 Ledbetter case made it very difficult for workers to challenge their employers in pay discrimination cases. This legislation will help ensure workers are fairly compensated for their hard work," Reyes added.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would clarify that each discriminatory paycheck or compensation constitutes a violation of the Civil Rights Act. As long as workers file their charges within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck, their charges would be considered timely. This was the law prior to the Supreme Courtâ€™s May 2007 decision. The legislation would apply to workers who file claims of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

Lilly Ledbetter worked for nearly 20 years at a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. She sued the company after learning that she was paid less then her male counterparts at the facility, despite having more experience than several of them. A jury found that her employer had unlawfully discriminated against her on the basis of gender.

However, the Supreme Court said that Ledbetter had waited too long to sue for pay discrimination, despite the fact that she filed a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as soon as she received an anonymous note alerting her to pay discrimination.

While Ledbetter filed her charge within 180 days of receiving discriminatory pay, the court ruled that, since Ledbetter did not raise a claim within 180 days of the employerâ€™s decision to pay her less, she could not receive any relief. Under this Supreme Court decision, employees in Ledbetterâ€™s position would be forced to live with discriminatory paychecks for the rest of their careers. The Ledbetter decision has already been cited in hundreds of discrimination cases.

Despite claims from critics, the Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2007 that since the bill would essentially return the law to where it stood before the Supreme Court ruling, the legislation will not lead to an onslaught of costly new litigation.

Solis Nomination Applauded Hilda L. Solis for Secretary of Labor

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Solis Nomination Applauded

( Washington D.C.)-The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) applauded President-elect Obama’s nomination of Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis for Secretary of Labor. Today’s nomination completed the President-elect’s Cabinet, creating an extraordinarily diverse, representative, and qualified Administration. Of particular significance to the over 45 million Latinos in the United States, this cabinet will include 3 outstanding Hispanic leaders from our community along with many allies.

For Congresswoman Solis, this nomination is recognition of her leadership on the issues related to labor, healthcare, and the environment. A recent achievement of hers came just one year ago today when her legislation, The Green Jobs Act of 2007, was included in H.R. 6. Through the investment in renewable energy outlined in her legislation, 3 million new jobs will be created over the next decade and $125 million will be invested in work force training targeted to veterans, displaced workers, at risk youth, and individuals under 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

As a California State Senator, she was on the frontlines in the fight to secure a living wage, raising the state’s minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.75. She was trailblazer in the area of environmental justice, redefining the way low income and minority communities were assessed as potential locations for waste disposal and other polluting facilities. She authored legislation that sought to protect and improve working conditions and rights for farm workers, garment workers, the construction industry, janitors, state and local employees, and many others.

 "The CHC is losing one of the hardest working Members in Congress,” said Congressman Joe Baca (CA-43), Chair of the CHC. “As a champion of healthcare, environmental issues, and workers rights, there is no better person than Congresswoman Solis to lead our Labor Department. I look forward to working with the Labor Secretary-designate in ensuring fair and just labor standards for our nation.”   

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA-08) affirmed, “I applaud President-elect Obama’s selection of my colleague and friend Congresswoman Hilda Solis to serve as America’s next Labor Secretary. Congresswoman Solis has been a tireless advocate on behalf of Hispanic and all working families and will make an excellent Secretary of Labor. While we are all thrilled about her nomination, her leadership on health and environmental issues and her voice in the Hispanic Caucus will be missed in Congress.”

“With today’s announcement, Hilda Solis makes history as the first Latina appointed Secretary of Labor. From her upbringing as the child of immigrant laborers to her leadership in Congress, she has a lifelong commitment to supporting our nation’s working families,” CHC Chair-elect Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-12) said. “President-elect Obama continues to select a highly-qualified Cabinet with diverse experiences and backgrounds. The growing strength of the Latino community will be well represented in the next Administration with Hispanic leaders guiding the Commerce, Interior and Labor Departments.”

Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), 1st Vice Chair of the CHC stated, “Congresswoman Solis is an outstanding choice for Secretary of Labor. She brings an understanding of working families and a progressive outlook to their needs.”

“Congresswoman Solis is yet another exceptional addition to the President-elect’s cabinet,” saidCongressman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20), 1st Vice Chair-elect of the CHC. “Her commitment to workers’ rights is unparalleled but does not come at the expense of business and industry, and her ability to strike that balance is crucial during these challenging economic times. Her lifelong experience in public service is a tremendous asset, and she will serve our country well as Labor Secretary.”

"Our President-elect could not be doing better at the outset of his incumbency. In designating Hilda Solis, Barack Obama shows, once again, that he knows how to recognize and motivate the best talent that our nation can offer,” added Congressman-elect Pedro Pierluisi (PR). “This is a bright day for all Latinos in America.”

“I congratulate my colleague and dear friend, Congresswoman Hilda Solis for this very deserving appointment,” stated Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-04). “In selecting Hilda, President-elect Obama has chosen wisely someone whose entire life has been dedicated to waging and winning battles in defense of children, women, union members and the environment. I know that she will carry on this commitment in her new duties as Secretary of Labor, where she will likely make history with her strong defense and commitment to workers’ rights everywhere.

“I applaud President-elect Obama for appointing such an outstanding public servant to lead the Department of Labor. Congresswoman Hilda Solis is a vigorous advocate of low- and middle-income families and has a deep understanding of the hardships currently confronting many of America’s workers. I look forward to working with her in her new role as the Congress and the new administration work together to move our economy forward,” Congressman Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)stated.

“The nomination of Congresswoman Hilda Solis is wonderful news for our Hispanic community and nation as whole,” said Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15). “It has been a great privilege to work with Congresswoman Solis for the past eight years and witness her passion for bringing about much-needed change to our workforce investment and job training programs. I look forward to working with her as she continues to advocate for America’s working families.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) added, ““In today’s economic crisis, it’s more important than ever that American workers have a wise and dedicated voice at the Department of Labor. In Hilda Solis, they have found that voice. Representative Solis has impressed her colleagues in Congress as a gifted woman and a devoted representative, and I have every confidence that she will bring that strength and intelligence to her new role in the administration.”

“I commend the President-Elect for his excellent nomination of my friend and colleague Hilda Solis to be the next Secretary of Labor. Secretary Solis will be an outstanding advocate for working men and women, and all America’s families impacted by our current economic turmoil,” added Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34).

Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27), the Dean of the CHC, stated, "I commend President-elect Obama for selecting Congresswoman Solis to be the new Secretary of Labor. She has a strong record of advocating for the health, safety, and well being of working people. In the wake of rising unemployment figures, Congresswoman Solis will no doubt promote job development and training for all Americans."

"Congresswoman Solis is an excellent choice for Secretary of Labor. She will continue to be a strong advocate for working families and improve the economic health of our country,” stated Congressman-elect Ben Ray Luján (NM-03). “I look forward to working with Congresswoman Solis in her new role as Secretary of Labor."

Congresswoman Solis has chaired the CHC’s Health and the Environment Task during the 110th Congress, and was elected as the CHC’s 2nd Vice Chair for the 111th.

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