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January 15, 2013: Latinos across the state have the opportunity to
have their concerns heard directly by state lawmakers next
month.
The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA)
and the Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (OHCC) have
partnered to present the Ohio Hispanic Legislative Day in
Columbus on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The annual event brings Latino leaders together with Ohio
legislators to discuss important policy issues and to foster
dialogue about the challenges and opportunities facing the
state’s Latino population. The day-long event will be held at
the Ohio Statehouse and at the Vern Riffe Center for Government
and the Arts, 77 South High Street, Columbus. The theme of this
year’s
Ohio Hispanic Legislative Day
is “Many Topics, One Voice.”
“It is our role to make sure legislators and our constituents
have an opportunity to exchange ideas and thoughts, and to give
each other feedback as to the state of Latinos in the state,”
said Lilleana Cavanaugh, OCHLA executive director. “This
is an opportunity for us to grow civic engagement on one hand,
and on the other side, we want to make sure the legislators hear
directly from the community we represent.”
Last year’s event drew 250 Latino leaders from across Ohio,
mainly because the guest speaker was U.S. Secretary of Labor
Hilda Solis, who recently announced her retirement from
President Barack Obama’s Cabinet. But commission staffers
believe a similar number will attend this year’s event. The
biggest draw for state legislators is a networking event over
the lunch hour where one-on-one conversations develop.
“They’re always excited and happy to meet people from all
regions of the state,” said Ms. Cavanaugh. “Many of them do know
already some of the leaders from their home visits and work that
they do regionally.”
Many of the issues expected to be discussed center on education,
healthcare, economic and workforce development, and access to
services.
“People will always mention the subject matter of immigration,”
said Ms. Cavanaugh. “However, given that that is a federal
issue, there is very little we can directly do and accomplish
with the state. Some of the associated topics that come up in
discussions between legislators and constituents are civil
rights issues and normally they try to address those by working
with the different state agencies.”
“Immigration is such a broad issue that sometimes it’s easier to
look at it in the context of education or health,” said Nolan
Stevens, OCHLA policy liaison officer. “Immigration will be
brought up in legislative meetings, I’m sure all throughout the
day. We’re not ignoring it.”
The series of events include an advocacy training session,
reception with state legislators, two afternoon workshops
(economic/workforce development and health—focusing mainly on
the requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act), and a lunchtime keynote address from the state’s
only two Latino state legislators, Republican Rep. Rick
Perales (Beavercreek) and Democratic Rep. Dan Ramos
(Lorain).
“We definitely look forward to introducing them to our
community, and also hearing what their perspective is and what
role they see themselves playing now that they are in office,”
said Ms. Cavanaugh. “We now have representation from both sides
of the aisle, so I’m hoping that will be a great opportunity for
us to hear two different perspectives.”
Attendees who want to meet individually with a specific
legislator, committee chair, or a representative from their home
district, they’re urged to call OCHLA ahead of time so that can
be set up. Because of redistricting and new state lawmakers just
being sworn in, OCHLA staffers also are requesting participants
to list their zip code-plus-four, so they can identify what
legislative districts are represented at the event.
“We’re especially hoping legislators will be particularly
receptive based on the Hispanic voter turnout in November,” said
Stevens.
“They’re anxious. They have a clean slate. They’re ready to
tackle important projects,” said Ms. Cavanaugh. “We as a
Hispanic community have an incredible opportunity now. I think
we can create a very positive impression on all of them.”
If time permits, attendees also will attend a House session late
in the morning to see their legislators in action. The
commission also is planning a statewide education symposium on
education March 1.
Not only is the legislative day an important one because of a
new session of the Ohio General Assembly and a biennial budget
to be introduced in the next few weeks, but the demographics of
Latinos in Ohio is growing by leaps and bounds.
“I think it will be good for the legislators to see how
proactive our community is,” said Ms. Cavanaugh. “We are here
and want to have face-to-face time with them and we want to make
sure we provide our community with whatever tools are necessary
so they can have meaningful conversations with their
representatives.”
According to the
U.S. Census Bureau,
Ohio’s Latino population has grown by
63.4 percent since 2000, accounting for
350,000, or 3.1 percent, of Ohio’s total
population. Census figures also show the number of
Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. has
increased by
43.7 percent
since 2000.
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to register in advance at: www.hld13.eventbrite.com
or call Nolan Stevens at (614)
466-8333 or email:
nolan.stevens@ochla.state.oh.us
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