El Semanario
Posted on 03-10-2010

Latinos gearing up for new election cycle

With significant issues such as the Census, immigration reform, and the state's economic recovery at stake, Latino voters will once again be a key demographic in the 2010 election cycle.

Latino civic engagement organizations -- Mi Familia Vota, Latina Initiative, Democracia USA and Reform Immigration FOR América -- are flexing the steadily growing political power at several events planned throughout March that demonstrates the statewide clout built over the past several electoral cycles.

Latinos' goal for the Census is to make sure they get counted, stated the organizations at a recent press conference. They also noted the importance of passing legislation for immigration reform this year. And in terms of the state's economic recovery, Latinos are making sure that budget cuts don't disproportionately harm their communities.

U.S. Census, held every 10 years, seeks to count everyone residing in the United States to determine Congressional representation and federal funding throughout the nation. Using Census data, the government decides which neighborhoods should receive funds for vital infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and roads depending on population size.

Latina/o Advocacy Day, (March 14-15) provides advocacy/lobby training and briefings on current policy issues such as civil rights/economic justice, the environment, education, immigration and healthcare by and for Latinas and Latinos in Colorado.

Colorado Caucuses, (March 16) Precinct Caucus participants have the opportunity to contribute and help determine the planks in the Republican and Democratic Party Platform; en encourage Latinos to participate and to submit resolutions in support of comprehensive immigration reform.

March For América (March 21 @ 1pm) will have over 100,000 individuals from across América, including dozens from Coloradans, will unite in Washington, DC to demand action on comprehensive immigration reform in 2010. In Denver, immigration reform advocates will Rally For América at Confluence Park (15th and Little Raven), across the river from Senator Michael Bennet's office in solidarity with the March For América in Washington. Info on the March: 303/893-3500 or www.WeMarchForAmerica.org.

For further info on events contact Julie Gonzales at jgonzales@reformimmigrationforamerica.org.