Los Latinos tienen poder politíco

La Communidad Latina de Maryland está entre las que están creciendo más rápidamente - con más influencia política

(English translation below)

El 9 de julio, la coalición latina de Maryland para la justicia ofreció un almuerzo en honor de legisladores que sirven a la comunidad, en un restaurante de Silver Spring. Durante la sésion legislativa de Maryland del 2002, la coalición logró pasar legislacíones desde la creacíon de aceso a agencies gubernamentales hasta el incremento de fondos para clases de ESOL.

"Por medio del trabajo de políticos excepcionales, como Chris Van Hollen, Rushern Baker, Ken Montague y Joe Vallario, fue posible para nosotros llegar a logros históricos en nuestra comunidad," dijo Gustavo Torres, presidente de la coalición.

En la foto el abogado Ricardo Flores galardona al político Chris Van Hollen.

On July 9, The Maryland Latino Coalition for Justice honored legislators who serve the community at a ceremony held in Silver Spring. During the 2002 legislative Maryland session, the MLCFJ successfully urged passage of bills meeting multiple challenges, from creating access to government agencies to increasing funding for ESOL classes.

"Through the work of exceptional politicians like Chris Van Hollen, Rushern Baker, Ken Montague and Joe Vallario, we were able to drive through historic gains for our community," said Gustavo Torres, president of the MLCFJ.

Here, Coalition Vice President Ricardo Flores presents an award to Chris Van Hollen. Other honorees included Perry Sfikas and Paul Pinsky.

El 2 de julio, la candidata para gobernador de Maryland, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, visitó a CASA de Maryland en Silver Spring, donde se ofrece servicio a familias y individuos de los condados de Prince George y Montgomery.

On July 2, Maryland gubernatorial candidate Kathleen Kennedy Townsend visited a Silver Spring employment and training center that serves low-income individuals and families throughout Montgomery and Prince Georges counties.

During the 2002 legislative session, several key pieces of legislation were passed that will benefit the Latino community. Among the legislation was Senate Bill 245, which created equal access to state agencies for people who do not speak English.

"Only five years ago we were fighting the passage of English-only legislation in this state. It is only through the lieutenant governor that we have succeeded in making Maryland a more inclusive state for everyone," said Johary Manserrate, a participant in CASA programs.