WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports the development of full and equal quality of life for all citizens in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Hispanic Affairs Department (HAD) will have the authority to lay the foundations and processes to help focus, bridge and advance a coordinated and effective effort in aligning public and private interests addressing the unique issues facing Hispanics in this state; and

WHEREAS, the Hispanic Affairs Department’s mission will be to coordinate an effective system for improving educational achievement gaps; health care access and reducing poverty rates among Hispanics in New Mexico comprising 42% of the population; and

WHEREAS, the new HAD Secretary will receive and disseminate information on issues that impact the welfare of Hispanics in New Mexico and provide an opportunity for the presentation and exchange of ideas with respect to Hispanic affairs that promote the welfare of Hispanics in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, there appears to be no sustaining – or marginal at best – processes in state government that ensure Hispanics and other minorities have full and equal access to all facets of tax payer supported services; and

WHEREAS, there has been no significant gains and at time losing our meager gains in hoping to reach parity with our Anglo counterparts.

NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the LULAC 2008 State Convention send a letter to Governor Richardson, with copies to all legislators, strongly urging him to support a bill creating the Hispanic Affairs Department; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the State LULAC Office request a meeting with the Governor to present and discuss those issues that are of importance to LULAC and to our constituency.

Approved this 11th day of July 2008.
Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President