|
Press Release: LULAC Applauds President-Elect Obama’s Nomination Of Representative Hilda Solis For U.S. Secretary Of Labor. Proven leader, strong advocate for America’s Working Men and Women – Solis Will Play a Key Role in Revitalizing America’s Economic and Getting People Back to Work. December 19, 2008 For more information contact: Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) applauds President-Elect Obama’s nomination of Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA) to be America ’s next Secretary of Labor, she will become the first Hispanic in our country’s history to be selected for this important Cabinet post. Representative Solis’ unparalleled commitment to America ’s working men and women will be extremely valuable at a time when our nation desperately needs to stimulate the creation of new jobs and increase wages. “We congratulate Representative Solis and applaud President-Elect Obama for recognizing the importance of Latinos, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and a powerful force for much-needed positive change in America . “The record Latino voter turnout for the 2008 elections has reshaped the political landscape in America ,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. A member of the House environment and commerce committee, and the House select committee on energy independence and global warming, Rep. Solis’ signature legislative achievement was the 2007 “Green Jobs Act.” The bill signed into law as part of the broader 2007 energy act, provides federal money for “green collar” job training.” Green-job training could create as many as 3 million new jobs in the next decade. The LULAC National Board had recommended Rep. Solis as an outstanding candidate for a nomination to the President’s cabinet. In 2007, LULAC bestowed the Legislative Courage Award to Solis for her principled positions on issues of critical importance to Latinos. She has been a pioneer and friend to LULAC for many years. This year, LULAC National President Rosa Rosales received the Congressional award from Representative Hilda Solis. Throughout her illustrious career, Congresswoman Solis has made job creation and economic empowerment her top priority. That is exactly the kind of experience, leadership and vision that we need in our next Secretary of Labor. Congresswoman Solis will join two other prominent Latino leaders in important Cabinet positions in the Obama Administration. Solis is the daughter of Mexican and Nicaraguan immigrants, has focused on immigration and environment issues while in the House. She is the only Member of Congress of Central American descent. First elected in 2000, Solis is serving her fourth term in the U.S. House of
Representatives. She represents California 's 32nd Congressional District,
which includes portions of East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley .
Prior to her election to Congress, Solis served eight years in the
California state Legislature. The League
of United Latin American Citizens advances the economic condition,
educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of
Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than
700 LULAC councils nationwide. # # # |