2000 LULAC Resolutions

The following resolutions were passed by the LULAC National Assembly on July 1, 2000 at the LULAC National Convention in Washington, DC:

Resolution 1: Public Parks

Whereas, LULAC supports the establishment and maintenance of public parks and recreation areas for youth in America as exemplified by the Culmore playing field in Fairfax, Virginia.

Whereas, the Culmore playing field is a scarce open space (1.45 acres) in the crowded inner suburb of Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia; and

Whereas, this is a substantial help in keeping many children away from prevalent local influences of alcohol, drugs and gangs; and

Whereas, the field also functions as a communal front yard and classroom where socialization and informal information generates essential help to "new Americans" who are struggling to adapt to their new circumstances; and

Whereas, open space is vital to the needs of children and adults, especially in crowded inner cities occupied by Latinos, is being lost to counterproductive commercial development; and

Therefore, LULAC calls for a moratorium on any construction on the site of said Culmore playing field until such time as the LULAC Board, National Staff and local LULAC officials of Virginia meet with J. C. Penny/Eckerd Corporation and other owners of the real estate in question to discuss and mediate the issue of construction on this site.

Submitted by J.Walter Tejada, VA State Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 2: Amnesty for Immigrant Workers

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) as a national advocate for the Hispanic community,

Whereas, some of our immigrant brothers and sisters have been denied basic human rights,

Whereas, many undocumented from all over the world, seek only to make significant contributions to their communities and workplaces,

Whereas, many immigrants and undocumented have built equities in our country and, therefore, should be provided legal status,

Whereas, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the President of the AFL-CIO are committed to working together to fundamentally reform U.S. immigration policy,

Therefore, the League of United Latin American Citizens calls on the Congress of the United States to pass legislation declaring a general amnesty for all immigrant workers that have been in the U.S. and working for at least one year which would then make them eligible to apply and qualify for the general amnesty provisions.

Submitted by Henry P. Vargas, Council 288
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 3: Opposition to Racial Profiling

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) through its investigataion of the United States vs. Lampazianie has been made aware that the FBI has conducted joint operations with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) for the benefit of the insurance industry and maintains a national allclaims insurance database, and

Whereas, the Judicial Criminal Law and Social Justice Committee of LULAC District XV (San Antonio, Texas) has found, through its investigation of this case that the FBI has engaged in racial profiling and targeting of minority owned businesses and professionals in "Operation Sudden Impact" and

Whereas, the FBI has been found to have engaged in sharing evidence it seized with the NICB and other insurance companies, and

Whereas, the FBI continues to engage in joint operations with the NICB for the benefits of the insurance industry

Therefore, LULAC opposes racial profiling. LULAC supports through statute, by regulation or by policy, a prohibition of the practice of discriminatory profiling and supports sensitivity training for all law enforcement personnel in order to stop racial profiling in America.

Submitted by Henry Rodriguez, District XV Director, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 5: Right to Decide by Citizens of the Island of Vieques

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has become aware of the high incidences of cancer in population that inhabits the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and

Whereas, the United States Navy has been holding military exercises which have polluted and endangered the fragile ecosystem on the island of Vieques and surrounding it,

Whereas, the United States Navy can find another location which is not inhabited in which to conduct its military exercises, and

Whereas, the United States Navy continues to engage in military exercises on the island of Vieques without any concern for the welfare of the inhabitants of this island in Puerto Rico,

Therefore, LULAC supports the agreement reached by the governments of the United States and Puerto Rico where the citizens of the Island of Vieques will have the right to decide the outcome of their relationship with the U.S. Navy.

Submitted by Henry Rodriguez, San Antonio, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 6: Diabetes-a community at risk

Whereas, LULAC since its birth in 1929 has sought to protect and defend the civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the areas of education, employment, housing, and social services, now is called upon to address a serious health issue among Hispanics, and

Whereas, research has declared Latinos a community at risk. Higher rates of diabetes and diabetes related complications, limited access to care, and cultural and language barriers present significant challenges to the Latino community, and

Whereas, a major effort needs to be launched to find the financial resources to fund research by Latino doctors to find a cure for diabetes and to find community diabetes testing to assure that people receive a proper diagnosis so Hispanics can start taking the proper health care, and

Therefore, that diabetes is a health issue and will be a top priority in the LULAC National Agenda.

Submitted by Councils 3417, 4630 and 612.
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 7: Moment of Silence for all departed LULAC Brothers and Sisters

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) owes its beginning to committed patriotic Latinos who had a yearning for justice, and

Whereas, LULAC has been distinguished and has become the national voice for the Latino people and because of the hard work and dedication of its members, and

Whereas, LULAC is the conscience of the world on behalf of the Latino peoples of the world, and

Whereas, it has been through the hard work, dedication and a deep commitment to equality that has kept the Latino spirit alive from generation to generation because of the dedication of its members, and

Therefore, that at the beginning of the annual general assembly from this convention forward, LULAC will observe a moment of silence for all departed LULAC member brothers and sisters.

Submitted by Henry Rodriguez, District XV Director, San Antonio, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 8: Support to free political prisoners in other countries

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) always fights for freedom and justice of all American minorities and especially Latino minorities (Americans of Latin American background), and

Whereas, for example, Ernestino Abreu and Vicente Martinez, elderly gentlemen who have been productive members of a southern Florida community for 37 years, and

Whereas, their imprisonment for two years, for daring to write a document with intention to distribute to the Cuban people in the Island, exhorting them to make the necessary changes for democracy, is more than enough punishment for someone their age, and

Whereas, their health has been deteriorating rapidly due to the condition in which they have been held for the last two years and especially in recent months, reasons for which we fear for their lives, and

Therefore, LULAC supports the release and prompt return to their families in the United States of these two political prisoners of conscience and contingent upon further review by legal counsel.

Submitted by Armando Pomar, Council 7063, Miami, Florida
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 9: Moratorium on the Death Penalty

Whereas, the American Bar Association has concluded that administration of the death penalty is a "haphazard maze of unfair practices with no internal consistency," and has called for a moratorium on executions.

Whereas, capital punishment costs more than life imprisonment, a single death penalty case, averaging 2.3 million dollars compared to life imprisonment, averaging $540,000, and

Whereas, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association on March 25,2000, passed a resolution supporting a moratorium on capital punishment in Texas, and

Whereas, 87 people have been released from death row since 1972 in the U.S. (seven in Texas) as a result of being wrongly convicted and Federal and state legislation have so accelerated the execution process that most of these persons would have been executed under today's law, and

Whereas, there are unfair applications in our system of justice which threaten legitimacy and need to be studied and corrected, and

Whereas, LULAC respects law and order and wishes to uphold the highest standards of democracy with full protection of human rights all of which are undermined by the current practice of the death penalty, and

Therefore, be it resolved that LULAC supports a moratorium of all pending death penalty cases until such time as it is determined that the sentences in these cases have not been improperly obtained (i.e., Victor Hugo Saldano vs. the State of Texas), and

Be it further resolved that this moratorium continue until such time as a system is developed to ensure that no innocent person be executed.

Submitted by Henry Rodriguez, District XV Director, San Antonio, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 10: Support for Funding the Inter-American Fund

Whereas, Congress created the Inter-American Fund (IAF) thirty years ago to provide American assistance directly to the poor people of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the IAF is the only U.S. government foreign assistance agency financing self-help projects designed by poor people's organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean, and since 1971, has funded over 4,300 projects, and

Whereas, the Inter-American Fund (IAF) is a very cost-effective investment that requires grantees to contribute their own resources, and

Whereas, the IAF, during the past 10 years has generated grants that have mobilized $357 million in counterpart contributions, and a total of 21.8 million people have benefited, and

Whereas, the President of the United States has requested $120 million dollars of funding for the agency that provides an alternative to poverty and migration, and

Therefore be it resolved, that LULAC supports the request to Congress for funding in the amount of $120 million to the Inter-American Fund for the benefit of the Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Submitted by Robert Trevino, Arkansas State Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 11: To oppose escalation of vigilantism on the Arizona Border

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens is this nation's oldest and largest Latino organization, founded in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 24, 1929, and,

Whereas, LULAC throughout its history has committed itself to the principal that Hispanic Americans have equal access to opportunities in employment, education, housing, and health care, and,

Whereas, LULAC has supported the principles of equal opportunities for economic development, political influence, civil rights, and the general welfare for all Latinos in the United States, and,

Whereas, Mexican Consul Miguel Escobar has reported publicly that his office in Douglas, Arizona has documented 24 human rights abuses by Arizona ranchers against Mexicans in the last year, and,

Whereas, Arizona ranchers such as Roger Barnett have publicly claimed to be taking the law into their own hands, and they have vowed to arm themselves and protect their lands from all trespassers, and,

Whereas, adding to the fear of this frontier justice has been the recent documents sent through the Internet and U.S. mail asking tourists to join area ranchers in staking out the border, and,

Whereas, local law enforcement such as Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever have publicly stated that the Arizona Ranchers are violating no laws in defending their properties against trespassers, and with the increase in incidents and the local authorities not willing to protect these illegal immigrants, and,

Whereas, an increasing assortment of militia, anti-immigrant, Klu Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups are joining in with the vigilantism on the border and where Latino organizations are fearful that this issue is a time bomb waiting to explode into violence,

Therefore, be it resolved that LULAC supports civil and criminal investigation of incidents involving civil rights violations along the U.S./Mexico border.

Submitted by Mary Fimbres, AZ LULAC State Deputy Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 12: Supporting the Confirmation of Enrique Moreno

Whereas, Enrique Moreno, a Latino attorney from El Paso, Texas, was nominated by President William Jefferson Clinton on September 16, 1999, to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit,

Whereas, the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary gave Enrique Moreno an unanimous rating of "well qualified," the highest ranking the ABA awards to judicial nominees,

Whereas, Enrique Moreno's qualifications for the Fifth Circuit vacancy include such factors as his ABA rating, his degrees from Harvard University and Harvard Law School, his legal experience spans from 1981 to the present, covers criminal and civil law, includes state and federal court practice, includes trial and appellate court experience, and involves regular and consistent court appearances, and his support from the law enforcement, business and legal community,

Whereas, the vacancy for which Enrique Moreno has been nominated has been vacant since January 23, 1997, and

Whereas, the last nominee for the vacancy for which Enrique Moreno has been nominated, Jorge Rangel, another highly qualified Latino nominee, waited from the time he was nominated in July 1997 until October 1998 and was initially forced to withdraw his name from consideration when the Senate failed to consider his nomination in the 15 months he was pending,

Whereas, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Carolyn Dineen King declared on September 28, 1999, that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was in a state of emergency under 28 U.S.C. Section 46(b) due to the court's workload, which has increased 65% in the last nine years, and the continued vacancies of active judges on the bench,

Whereas, Texas Senators Phil Gramm and Kay Bailey Hutchison expressed their opposition to Enrique Moreno's confirmation claiming that he was not qualified in a letter dated May 5, 2000, and their opposition is currently preventing Mr. Moreno from moving forward in the process,

Therefore, be it resolved that LULAC supports and approves the nomination of Enrique Moreno for the position of appellate judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Submitted by Marcos Contreras, District 18 Director, Houston, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 13: Against Institutional Discrimination against Puerto Rico

Whereas, there is institutional and traditional discrimination against Latin Americans in Puerto Rico in a conscious and unconscious manner,

Whereas, even LULAC's printed material gives the impression that Puerto Rico is not a part of the United States, saying that LULAC members are from the United States and Puerto Rico while Puerto Rico since 1898 is part of the United States and became U.S. citizens since 1917,

Whereas, in many governmental and institutional catalogs and lists, Puerto Rico is not included in an alphabetical order as other states, implying Puerto Rico is a separate country, while Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and Puerto Rico is pat of the U.S.A.,

Whereas many multinationals consider Puerto Rico a foreign or international market, applying a "commercial risk markup" increasing some 30% in the original price for "economic-political instability" which does not happen in Puerto Rico as part of the United States,

Therefore, be it resolved by the LULAC General Assembly that "institutional discrimination" against Puerto Rico be declared unreasonable, unjust and unconstitutional, and to initiate an intensive campaign against it through all legal means.

Submitted by
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 14: Discharge LULAC Paper Councils

Be it known that the League of United Latin American Citizens LULAC code is a statement of principles and enforceable rules of conduct, and

Be it known that said LULAC code mandates its elected officers to deport themselves in an upright and judicious manner, our LULAC founding fathers decreed that members "always be honorable beyond reproach so that they shall neither deceive nor exploit," and

Be it known that our LULAC constitution and by-laws, Article IV, Section 1 mandates members "to deport themselves in keeping with the philosophy, Aims and Purposes and Code of the League, and

Be it known that LULAC officers, in their oath of office pledge to uphold our League's Constitution, By-Laws and LULAC's Code of Conduct. In so doing, they promise to promote and protect the prestige and integrity of our organization, and the trust of our Hispanic community,

Be it known that our LULAC Constitution and By-Laws Article VIII, Section 8 addresses the impeachment and removal of officers for improper conduct and misconduct in office. And that the practice of some LULAC officers of creating phony paper councils for the sole purpose of influencing the outcome of LULAC's district, state, and national elections of its officers, is a corruptive action. The creation of phony paper councils "to deceive and exploit our organization is a very serious misconduct in office. Electoral fraud is a method usually resorted to by persons void of principles and destitute of honor.

Now, be it resolved that LULAC denounces and condemns the creation of paper councils.

Submitted by Luis Alvarado, Sr., Lubbock, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 15: Opposition to Arizona Initiative "English Language Education for Children in Public Schools"

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens is this nation's oldest and largest Latino organization, founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 24, 1929, and

Whereas, LULAC through its history has committed itself to the principal that Hispanic Americans have equal access to opportunities in employment, education, housing, and health care, and

Whereas, LULAC has supported the principles of equal opportunities for economic development, political influence, civil rights, and the general welfare for all Latinos in the United States, and

Whereas, wealthy California activist Ron Unz, a computer entrepreneur, managed the "Unz Initiative" (Proposition 227) which passed in California this summer, and who is now backing similar initiatives in Arizona and other states. The proposed Arizona Unz initiative, a stricter version of last year's CA Unz initiative, is intended to revise Arizona's language education laws to make it even more difficult for Arizona children to receive developmental English or bilingual instruction than CA Unz now does for California children, and

Whereas, the Arizona Unz initiative is an "English Only" initiative that would place all children with limited English in an "intensive one-year only English program" which they call "sheltered English immersion" or structured English immersion" and

Whereas, the Arizona Unz initiative removes a parent's right to choose educational programs for their children. In Arizona parents currently have the choice to participate in bilingual education programs, and

Whereas, the Arizona Unz initiative eliminates/restricts existing second language programs including ESL (ESL is typically three years, beginning, intermediate and advanced levels) and

Whereas, people should not have to abandon the language of their birth to learn the language of their future, they should use and treasure both, and

Whereas, the ability to speak languages in addition to English is a tremendous resource to our country and in today's global economy, multilingual abilities enhance the skills of our workers, making the U.S. more competitive, and

Whereas, our laws should encourage the development of these linguistic resources, and

Whereas, knowledge of other languges has enhanced U.S. security, as it did during World War II when the Nvajo language was used to create a code that could not be broken by the Japanese or the Germans, and

Whereas, trade with other nations continues to increase particularly with Latin American, knowledge of Spanish is vital for building future cultural and economic bridges,

Therefore be it resolved that LULAC condemns, denounces and opposes any English only initiative or legislation.

Be it further resolved that LULAC supports English plus, bilingual education and dual language programs which support and encourage a multilingual society.

Submitted by Richard Fimbres, National VP for the Far West
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 16: Support to Native Americans in their campaign against racial slurs

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports the purpose of fostering and enlarging the opportunities for training, education, civil rights, job opportunities, housing, economic development and welfare of Hispanics in the United States, and

Whereas, the use by educational, athletic, and commercial institutions of American Indian mascots, is dehumanizing and degrading form of good luck token, engenders acceptance of negative stereotypes, and

Whereas, the utilization of American Indian mascots perpetuates inaccurate perceptions about indigenous peoples regarding violence, savagery, and aggressiveness, and

Whereas, general language such as "redskin" and "Indian" robs indigenous peoples who represent six hundred diverse nations of rich and unique heritage of their specific identity and

Whereas, the implementation and perpetuation of stereotypes is universally destructive to the children of those included peoples and to the children of those peoples employing stereotypes and

Whereas, Native Peoples throughout the United States request that the use of American Indian mascots be eliminated, and

Whereas, we share a common physical, spiritual and cultural heritage with our First Nations brothers and sisters,

Whereas, Native Peoples are part of a coalition seeking criminal justice for Hispanics and all other groups of people of color

Therefore, be it resolved that LULAC supports Native Americans in the U.S. in their campaign to eliminate racial slurs and stereotypes.

Submitted by Mitch Contreras, District 18 Director, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 17: National Holiday for Cesar Chavez

Whereas, Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, dedicated his life for justice on the job for the farm workers (the forgotten people). Through his dedication, Cesar Chavez built not only a union, but a movement of all races to continue the never-ending struggle of defending workers' rights, civil rights, and human rights, and

Whereas, Cesar Chavez has become a role model to Latino children in our schools, and

Whereas, Cesar Chavez has taught us to march, protest and use our strength in non-violence, and principles to secure justice for our people in the labor movement, and

Whereas, his passing away has united us in the Latino community to continue fighting for his goals, ideals, and principles for justice on the job and to secure a better life through organizing unions at the work place; and

Whereas Cesar Chavez's legacy must continue

Therefore, be it resolved, that LULAC supports the designation of March 31st as National Cesar Chavez holiday.

Submitted by Tony Jimenez, District Director XI, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 18: Private School Vouchers

Whereas, a private school voucher system that transfers scarce public tax dollars to private schools will not solve the real problems facing Hispanic school children in Texas, such as a shortage of qualified bilingual education teachers, poor facilities, and crowded classrooms, and

Whereas, traditional voucher proponents who have been unsuccessful in obtaining public subsidies for private schools have adopted a new strategy that includes exploiting Hispanics' friendly sentiments towards Catholic schools and their frustration over the pace of reforms within the public school system, and

Whereas, Hispanics will soon represent a majority of Texas school children in the early grade levels and account for rapid student growth that creates upward pressure on education funding needs, and

Whereas, voucher proposals would cut total education funding per qualifying child by $1,000 or more, resulting in reduced state funding for public schools and a severe negative economic impact in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Corpus Christi, El Paso, and the Rio Grande Valley, and

Whereas, elite private schools are not willing to accept all at-risk Hispanic children,

Whereas, privatizing the public school system may attract some unscrupulous, for-profit companies wishing to capitalize on a $20 billion public school industry, and

Whereas, private schools may legally discriminate on the basis of academic performance and disciplinary background and most private schools do not serve students with disabilities, and

Whereas, private schools are not accountable to the voters as are school districts through their elected school board members, and

Whereas a system of private school vouchers would further segregate society along religious political, ethnic, and economic lines,

Be it resolved, that LULAC reaffirms its opposition to public school vouchers.

Submitted by Adrian Rodriguez, Director District III
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 19: Recognize Korean War Veterans

Whereas, thousands of Hispanics from throughout the United States, as well as from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico served in the Korean War during the period of June 25, 1950 through June 25, 1953, and

Whereas, the first Congressional Medal of Honor that was awarded in the Korean War was won by a Hispanic, Lt. Baldomero Lopez of the United States Marine Corps, from Tampa, Florida and who was killed in hand to hand combat on September 15, 1950, while leading an assault platoon during the Inchon Campaign in South Korea, and

Whereas, Roberto Arias and Jose Lopez, members of LULAC Council 4698 of San Antonio, Texas served in the Korean War, and

Whereas, Roberto Arias in November 1950 during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign was captured by the Chinese and who for a period of more than three years, while a prisoner of the Chinese, was subjected to inhuman treatment, and

Whereas, on Sunday, June 25, 2000, in the area of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Korean War Veterans Roberto Arias and Jose Lopez were among the thousands of our country's sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met, and who, on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War were decorated by Bill Clinton, President of the United States and Kong-Hoo Lee, Republic of Korea Ambassador to the United States, and

Whereas, thousands of Hispanics from throughout the United States and from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico served in the Korean War during the period of June 25, 1950 through June 25, 1953, now

Therefore, be it resolved that the League of United Latin American Citizens go formally on record as recognizing and honoring all those Hispanics from throughout the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico who served in the Armed Forces of the United States in Korea during the period of June 25, 1950 through June 25, 1953.

Submitted by Joe Lopez, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 20: Vote of Confidence for Executive Director Brent Wilkes

Whereas, the LULAC organization depends on the superior leadership from our Executive Director, who is the membership's employee,

Whereas, our Executive Director, Brent Wilkes, has provided service to our organization above and beyond the call of duty,

Therefore, now let it be resolved, that the LULAC organization recommend to the National Executive Committee to bestow upon our Executive Director a bonus for the outstanding service he has provided and continues to provide to our organization, the membership and the communities we serve.

Submitted by Roman Palomarez, State Director of Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 21: Support of Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson

Whereas, that that the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation's oldest Hispanic civil rights organization, expresses its great admiration, respect and strong support for Secretary Bill Richardson for his exemplary record of public service and his contributions to our nation, and

Whereas, that LULAC resolves that throughout his public career, Secretary Richardson has utilized his positions of influence to champion causes of importance to the Latino community. That, as the most senior Latino in President Clinton's Cabinet, he has promoted Hispanic outreach efforts to engage the Latino community in energy, community, and business development, the rights of immigrants, health care legislation for Latinos and educational opportunities for Latino students, and

Whereas, that LULAC applauds Secretary Richardson's ambitious, productive and successful service as the nation's energy secretary, and notes in particular that he has urged oil producing nations to increase oil production in an effort to reduce gas prices, he has developed electricity restructuring legislation to help save consumers billions of dollars, he has reversed a decades old government practice of opposing nuclear weapons health claims, he has accelerated the cleanup of contaminated Department of Energy sites, he has set aside nearly 200,000 acres of department land for wildlife preservation, he has improved morale in the department's workforce by making a series of workplace improvements, he has been a leader in workplace diversity as two-thirds of his appointments have gone to women and minorities; and,

Whereas, that despite the political mudslinging of the past several weeks, LULAC wishes to note in particular that Secretary Richardson during his tenure as Energy Secretary had led an aggressive effort to protect the nation's nuclear secrets by implementing dozens of major initiatives to improve security and counterintelligence throughout the department;

Whereas, that LULAC understands that a career FBI agent in charge of counterintelligence at the Department of Energy, and a retired four star Air Force General in charge of security at the Department of Energy, neither of whom have a political agenda, have both told Congress that in the past two years, Secretary Richardson has approved every security and counterintelligence proposal that they have put forward, and they have said that Secretary Richardson has done more to improve security and counterintelligence at the Department of Energy than any other previous Secretary in the past ten years, and

Whereas, that LULAC urges the U.S. Senate to act prudently and judiciously in its investigation of nuclear information security concerns at the Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory; and,

Whereas, that the United States Congress be judicious, take the time to learn the facts and await the results of an ongoing FBI criminal investigation before deciding who should be held accountable for the Los Alamos security breach; and

Whereas, that LULAC expresses its disappointment with the actions of those in the U.S. Senate who have prematurely and irresponsibly rushed to judgment, and

Whereas, that LULAC is concerned that some members of the U.S. Senate may have more interest in tarnishing the image of the nation's most prominent Latino appointed official than they do in addressing national security concerns, and

Whereas, that the United States Congress should be on notice that LULAC will not tolerate the unfair, unjust and unwarranted political lynching of Secretary Bill Richardson, and

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the LULAC National Assembly at its 71st Annual Convention held in Washington, D.C., hereby steadfastly supports Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson.

Submitted by Mickey Luna, California State Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 22: Request for Solution to Issues of Maxine Trujillo-Lucero

Whereas, New Mexico LULAC tries to solve the issue of Maxine Trujillo-Lucero through our elected officials, and

Whereas, Maxine Trujillo-Lucero died due to the lack of management and medical support from her employer, and

Whereas, New Mexico LULAC believes that this is another example of discrimination to Latinos, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that the LULAC supports the local efforts and the call for an investigation into the facts surrounding the death of Maxine Trujillo Lucero.

Submitted by Alfredo Martinez, Jr., New Mexico LULAC Council 8020
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 25: Discrimination Against Minorities in Everglades Restoration (Modified Water Deliveries and the 8.5 Square Mile Area)

Whereas, the protection of Constitutional rights, including the constitutional private property rights, is a fundamental component of fair and equal treatment of minorities throughout the nation, and

Whereas, the right and expectation of minorities that they can rely upon the promises and guarantees of the United States Congress as provided in laws passed by Congress is another essential component of fair and equal treatment of minorities throughout the nation, and

Whereas, Congressman Dante Fascell's 1989 Congressional Act for Modified Water Deliveries and Everglades National Park Expansion (PL 101-229), explicitly promised and guaranteed the protection of the rights of Latino minority residents of the 8.5 Square Mile Area (Section 104(c)), and

Whereas, the breach of the Congressional promises of protection to minority residents (contained in PL-101-299, Section 104(c)) would constitute a breach of trust with Latino minority Americans who were protected by these promises, and

Whereas, the 8.5 Square Mile Area is higher ground than lower ground on which more than one-half million residents live in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties (with contained construction routinely permitted in lower areas), and

Whereas, the 8.5 Square Mile Area is not within Northeast Shark River Slough and does not impair the hydrologic functioning of the Slough or restored water flows to Everglades National Park (while residential and commercial construction is permitted elsewhere in other areas in Miami-Dade County which are within, and impair the hydrlogic functioning of the Slough), so that taking the 8.5 Square Mile Area is not necessary for Everglades restoration, and

Whereas, three study commissions of three different Florida Govenrors (Governor Graham in 1985, Governor Martinez in 1988, and Governor Chiles in 1995) all found that the 8.5 Square Mile Area should not be taken and instead should be protected, and

Whereas, the residents of the 8.5 Square Mile Area are largely Latino minority members, and the residents of the central Everglades are the Miccosukee Indians; and

Whereas, the serious adverse impacts of bureaucratic efforts to take private property in the 8.5 Square Mile Area and the delays in implementing the Modified Water Deliveries Project (PL 101-229) fall upon minority Latino Americans and Miccosukee Indians, and

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) always fights against injustice involving minority Americans and especially Latino minorities (americans of Latin American background), and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that:

- LULAC cautions that efforts to take the land of the 8.5 Square Mile Area residents and the bureaucratic delays in providing the protections mandated by the 1989 Act, with the prior delays in implementing the Modified Water Deliveries Project and future delays associated with attempts to take the 8.5 Square Mile Area, together seriously undermine minority support for Everglades restoration and threaten the broad base of citizen support which is a necessary condition for restoration, and

- LULAC urges Congress, the Florida Legislature, and other government agencies to respect the rights of the minority residents of the 8.5 Square Mile Area and Miccosukee Tribe of Indians by expeditiously implementing the Modified Water Deliveries Project as directed in the 1989 Act (including the protection of the 8.5 Square Mile Area as provided in section 104(c)) and

- LULAC warns that taking the land of residents in the 8.5 Square Mile Area is a gross breach of Latino minority human rights and constitutes indefensible racial discrimination by the governments and officials perpetuating such taking, and

- LULAC condemns any attempt to take the land of the residents of the 8.5 Square Mile Area.

Submitted by Armando Pomar, Florida State director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 27: Support of Puerto Rico Governor Rossellio

Whereas, LULAC wants to praise the performance of a substantial supporter of LULAC during his eight years tenure as Governor of Puerto Rico,

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the general assembly of LULAC at this 71st National Convention, recognition is give to praise the performance and substantial support to LULAC by the Governor of Puerto Rico, the Honorable Pedro Rossellio.

Submitted by Elsie Valdez, Puerto Rico State Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 28: Support of establishing a commission to investigate problem of deaths of people of color

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports the purpose of fostering an enlarging the opportunities for training, education, civil rights, job opportunities, housing, economic development and welfare of all Hispanics in the United States, and

Whereas, there has been an increase of reports in the number of high profile deaths of persons of color while in the custody of police offers and other law enforcement personnel in this country, and

Whereas, in Houston, Texas, the death of Pedro Oregon on July 12 by six Houston Police Department officers in 1998 brought a reminder and a chilling effect of another senseless and deplorable death in 1977 of Jose Campos Torres, and,

Whereas, other similar deaths by police and sheriff departments in the city of Houston and surrounding communities and the death of immigrant Amadou Diallo in New York, the scandal in the LA Police Department of violations of minorities civil rights, and complaints of excessive force by the Miami Police Department have caused grief to loved ones of the victims and disturbed the tranquility in our nation, and

Whereas, there exist concerns on the Grand Jury system in Harris County by Hispanics, and

Whereas, there is an increasing fear of law enforcement officials in our communities, that places greater stress on good men and women police officers, that causes them to seek employment elsewhere for their safety and security of their families, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that at the LULAC District XVIII Convention held in Houston, Texas, on the 29th day of April, 2000, LULAC District XVIII by a majority vote of those present, request that Congressional Hearings on the Criminal Justice System in Harris County be conducted, and

Be it further resolved that LULAC calls upon the President of the United States to empanel a commission that will include members of both the public and private sectors to investigate the national problem of deaths of people of color while in the custody of law enforcement in order to offer recommendations and seek solutions to this major problem in our communities.

Submitted by Johnny Mata, Council 402, Houston, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 29: Education of Organ Transplantation

Whereas, there are currently over 70, 000 people waiting for the gift of life through the miracle of organ transplantation, and

Whereas, a disproportionate number of those waiting are of Hispanic descent or other minorities, and

Whereas close genetic matching assists the greater success and survival of the transplanted recipient, and

Whereas, it is incumbent upon the League of United Latin American Citizens to educate our communities about the importance of organ and tissue donation, to encourage every family to take the opportunity to donate organs, tissues, and bone marrow for transplantation, and to ensure that every family can receive the same in their time of need, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC resolves to reeducate our Hispanic communities on the importance of organ, tissue and bone marrow donation to ensure that the needs of Hispanics are met in their time of need.

Submitted by Eduardo Pena, Past National President, Washington, D.C.
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina

Resolution 30: El Dia de los Ninos, Celebrating Young Americans

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens is this nation's oldest and largest Latino organization, founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 24, 1929, and

Whereas, LULAC throughout its history has committed itself to the principal that Hispanic Americans have equal access to opportunities in employment, education, housing, and healthcare, and

Whereas, LULAC has supported the principles of equal opportunities for economic development, political influence, civil rights, and the general welfare for all Latinos in the United States, and

Whereas, Latino children are the center of the Latino family, and

Whereas, Latino families should have an established day to acknowledge the contributions and value of their children, and

Whereas, the strength of the Latino culture can be preserved and passed down to future generations, and

Whereas, Latino families, communities, and the generations that follow are committed to providing a safe environment for children to know, love, grow, learn, excel, and be happy, and

Whereas, the National Latino Children's Institute, serving as a voice for Latino children, has designated April 30 as El Dia de los Ninos, a day to bring together Latinos and other communities nationwide to celebrate and uplift all children and ensure they are first in our lives and have a future in the next millennium.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that LULAC supports the establishment of a national "El Dia de los Ninos" holiday to be celebrated annually on April 30th.

Submitted by Mary Fimbres, Arizona State Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 31: Legislation for Graduating High School Students

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports fostering and increasing the opportunities for training, education, civil rights, job opportunities, housing, economic development, and the welfare of all Hispanics in the United States, and

Whereas, LULAC strives to protect the rights of immigrant Hispanics, and

Whereas, undocumented aliens have an insurmountable task of dealing with the bureaucracy of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and,

Whereas, productive, educated citizens are needed in this country,

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that LULAC will seek federal legislation allowing for automatic citizenship of any student obtaining a high school diploma in the United States, and

Be it further resolved, that this legislation grandfather high school graduates from the past five years.

Submitted by Mary Hernandez and Adrian Rodriguez, State of Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 32: Sign Language for INS Border Agents to Comply with ADA

Whereas, LULAC was founded to promote the General Welfare of the Latino community and to insure everyone is treated with respect and dignity, and

Whereas, there was a group of deaf and mute Latino citizens of the United States, and who went across the border to Reynosa, Mexico, and upon returning to the U.S., they were detained and were about to be sent back to Mexico because the INS agents did not know sign language,

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC at this National Convention, go on record of requesting the INS to provide border agents that are trained in sign language be available to better serve the citizens of both sides of the border as stipulated in the American with Disabilities Act (Act), and

Be it further resolved that the LULAC National Assembly fully endorses this resolution.

Submitted by Elvira Rios, Deputy Director, District XX, and Rosa Rosalez, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 33: Legislation to Prohibit Denial of Credit to Women

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports the equal access to opportunity for all Americans and advocates on behalf of all Hispanics, and

Whereas, banks and credit card companies can and do deny joint credit to women even though a line of credit may be issued based on total household income, and

Whereas, utility companies can and do deny joint credit even though a home or a lease may be jointly owned and utility bills jointly paid, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC will seek proactive legislation to ensure:
- that where joint income is used to determine a line of credit, women cannot be denied joint credit, and
- where a home or lease is jointly owned, utility companies cannot deny joint credit.

Submitted by Denise Nuno, Texas LULAC Chief of Staff, Council 100
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 35: Support of Class Action against U.S. Department of Treasury for Hispanic Special Agents

Whereas, since 1995 Miguel A. Contreras has been the author of a class action against the U.S. Customs Service for discrimination against Hispanic Special Agents, and

Whereas, the class action is against the U.S. Customs Service Office of Immigration and the Office of Internal Affairs, and

Whereas, the class action consists of all Hispanics Special Agents from grades GS 12-15, and

Whereas, the Customs Service has continuously discriminated against Hispanic Special Agents in obtaining promotions, training, transfers, and in disciplinary actions, and

Whereas, currently U.S. Customs Office of Investigations has approximately 2,400 Special Agents nationwide and only 334 Special Agents are Hispanic. Of the 436 grade 14 level supervisors, only 55 are Hispanic. Of the 78 grade 15 senior managers, only 13 are Hispanic. Of the 11 SES Level Managers, only 2 are Hispanic.

Whereas, this class action is now in Washington, D.C. where an EEOC administrative judge has been assigned to preside over this case. In July, discovery will begin.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC endorses this class action on behalf of all Hispanic agents in their fight for justice against the U.S. Department of the Treasury and that the National Board and Office join and support the class action suit.

Submitted by Henry Rodriguez, District XV Director.
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 36: Support of Workshops in Domestic Violence at the National Convention

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) sponsored the National Women's Conference in Dallas, and

Whereas, domestic violence should not be tolerated in our communities, and

Whereas, spousal abuse should not be tolerated within our homes, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC will include in the National Convention Agenda workshops and seminars dealing with the subjects of domestic violence and spousal abuse.

Submitted by Henry Rodriguez, District XV Director, San Antonio, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 37: Against Ex-Post Facto Laws Applied by the INS to Immigrants for Deportation

Whereas, that on March 16,2000, in a decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals in File No. A91406680 in the case of Oscar-Reyes-Torres, it was held for the first time in American Immigration Law that a misdemeanor DWI is a crime of moral turpitude for which an immigrant is subject to deportation, and that the ex-post facto prohibition in criminal law that prevents applying a new law retroactively has been held not to apply in Immigration Law, and

Whereas, conduct, although not subject to deportation when done, may later by law subject an immigrant to deportation and the courts contend this is not punishment.

Whereas, a young man who has been brought to this country at four years of age and is now 27 does not speak Spanish or have relatives in Mexico, if convicted in the past of DWI before this new law, may be subject to deportation,

Whereas, a father in his forties with a wife and three children, a breadwinner who pays taxes will be subject to arrest and forcibly take away from home, family, business, and property and subject to deportation if convicted in the past under this new law, and

Whereas, all lawyers that advised their clients under the law at that time, a DWI plea of guilty would not deport their clients, those clients were mislead even though there was no law at that time and that is not justice, and to say such application of the law is not punishment, most severe and cruel, is to deny the reality of life and human suffering, and

Whereas, it is difficult to imagine a worse fate than deportation, denial of naturalization and exile subject to twenty years in the federal penitentiary if the immigrant returns to see his family, and one wife has said, "I must choose between my husband and my country."

Whereas, for over a hundred years, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a sovereign government has the right to admit foreigners under such conditions as it sees fit and to determine which aliens are to be deported free of any judicial supervision. Therefore, it would appear the Congress and Senate of the United States may make such laws as they choose to correct such an injustice as discussed here, without any overruling by the courts. Unless we raise our voices and fight against injustice: in our silence we become part of the wrong and injustice.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that LULAC opposes the injustice of deporting legal immigrants for acts committed before said acts were immigration violations. LULAC urges that ex-post facto laws not be permitted to be applied in this manner and that the U.S. Congress enact legislation to prevent this injustice.

Submitted by John Broadfoot, Amarillo, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 38: Endorsement for the Establishment of a National Hispanic Cultural Museum

Whereas, throughout the history of the United States, Hispanics have excelled in every known area of personal endeavor, and thus have had an input in the development and advancement of our country's betterment of life through substantial contribution of Hispanics in the area of education, business, medicine, military, legal, etc., and

Whereas, the ever increasing young Hispanic population in the United States is not fully informed and aware of the tremendous sacrifice, the unselfish hard work, the ever present danger of personal physical harm, the humiliation and the frustration and the frustration that the ordinary Hispanic man and Hispanic woman of vision and personal determination who preceded us were forced to endure, in order to advance Hispanic influence in the fields of education, business, medicine, military, legal, etc., and

Whereas, it is only fit and proper and a perfect tribute to honor those Hispanic leaders, living or in dead who have preceded us, Hispanic leaders who with a firm and unshakeable belief in their individual God given abilities, Hispanic leaders about whom the annals of individual endeavor history will bear witness to their unselfish and untireless personal effort to claim and to protect, at whatever cost, all those freedoms that we enjoy today, and

Whereas, inasmuch as such gigantic venture, as will be the establishment of a national Hispanic Cultural Museum will involve and demand substantial initial expense, geared toward the creation of a formation costs and ultimate creation of a permanent fund, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that such an undertaking for the proposed Museum can only be realized and can only succeed if a board of directors is formed for the purpose of formulating policy and the concept is incorporated as an integral part of the intial plans of the intended Museum, and

Be it further resolved, for all practical reasons and all practical purposes and accessibility, the physical location of the proposed National Hispanic Cultural Museum should and must be int the area of our nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

Submitted by Jose I. Lopez, Council 4698, San Antonio, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 39: School Special Education-Financial Debt Relief

Whereas, the U.S. Congress mandated laws regarding regulation policies, conditions and fiscal responsibility regarding the role of local, state, federal responsibilities, and

Whereas, the Federal government has not met the 40% requirement of payment for such cost, leaving local school boards with the burden on the table, and

Whereas, this has caused undue fiscal hardship on a school district's ability to meet their educational standards in programs, services, and physical plants, and

Whereas, this hardship has especially affected the schools in the Latino community, and

Whereas, this accounts for double digit bites out of a school district's discretionary funds, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that LULAC will seek legal remedies on the non-payment of Federal funds in which the federal government only pays 8% and not the required 40%, which they have previously agreed to pay, and

Let it be further resolved, that the Federal government currently has substantial surplus of taxpayer monies, and through this resolution, LULAC request that they pay back the commitment made to America's school children: An immediate full funding of their financial obligation on these past debts to school districts having special education students.

Submitted by Santa Ana Council #147, Mission Viejo Council #2006, Westminister Council #3017
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 40: Issuance of Cesar Chavez Postal Stamp

Whereas, Cesar Chavez is a revered figure in the civil rights, labor and Latino communities, and

Whereas, one means of honoring our heroes is the issuance of a postage stamp, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC urges the United States Postal Service to issue a stamp honoring the legacy of Cesar Chavez.

Submitted by Council # 2008, 2873, 2884
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 41: Fair Play and Justice to the Fields

Whereas, in spite of years of struggle in the fields by the United Farm Workers of America and their supporters, 30% of all California farm workers are hired by labor contractors and these jobs pay the lowest rates of pay and have the highest frequency of labor law violations, and

Whereas, growers use a labor contractor system because it allows them to hide behind the legal fiction that the labor contractor and not the grower is the employer, and

Whereas, this system permits many abuses, and

Whereas, Gloria Romero has written and is sponsoring A.B. 2468, "The Farm Labor Contractor Joint Liability Act of 2000," to combat this system of abuse.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC supports passage and implementation of legislation which says that all growers who employ or utilize farm workers, directly or indirectly through other persons or entities have "joint" liability for ensuring that basic wage and hour, housing pesticides and other labor protections are complied with.

Submitted by Councils # 2008, 2873, 2884
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 42: Support of Assembly Bill A.B. 2447-Amendment to California's Three Strike Law

Whereas, the State of California passed a law creating a "Third Strike" felony law which provided for life imprisonment for a third arrest without regard as to the type of crime committed, and

Whereas, the quality of arrests for third felony offenses was not specifically described in the original bill, and

Whereas, such sentences are cruel and unjust, upheld primarily against the poor and minorities, substantively constitute a violation of double jeopardy, and, when applied retroactively, substantively an ex-post-facto law, and

Whereas, such sentences are increasing the State of California's tax burden by billions of dollars to a growing prison industrial complex when spending in other areas such as education are in desperate need of increased funding and such sentences are of the most violent, undignified and least effective means of handling non-violent and non-serious offenders (especially those afflicted with drug and alcohol addictions), and

Whereas, the law has created cruel punishment for offenses not typically considered victim offenses, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC supports the change in the law in order to provide a more just and equitable method of dealing with violent criminals and providing alternative means of rehabilitation for non-violent offenses.

Submitted by Manny Marroquin #2006, Zeke Hernandez, #147, Demian Garcia #2001
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 43: Support of Removal of San Onofre Checkpoint

Whereas, the Immigration and Naturalization Service has installed checkpoints away from the Mexican borders throughout California, in particular San Onofre and north of Escondido, Tecate, El Centro and points north, and

Whereas, these checkpoints are a drain on tax dollars and other resources, and

Whereas, these checkpoints are a blatant disregard of the rights of Hispanics to move freely within the State without fear of intimidation by law enforcement, and

Whereas, other borer states such as Washington, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and coastal states such as Florida, do not have checkpoints similar to California, and

Whereas, such checkpoints appear targeted at the Latino citizen and are viewed by contempt by many Latinos, and the factors used for the basis of the stops have been ruled as unconstitutional by recent Supreme and Circuit Court of Appeal cases, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that LULAC supports the immediate removal of immigration checkpoints away from the border as these checkpoints target Latino citizens, restricting their free movement and disrespecting their citizenship and constitute racial profiling.

Submitted by Councils # 2006, 147, 2001
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 44: Support of House Resolution No. 2966-To restore health care coverage to retired members and dependents of the uniformed services

Whereas, LULAC is a vital organization supporting civil right advances for U.S. Latino citizens, including its members who have served honorably in the Armed Forces, and have obtained derived medical benefits, and

Whereas, no statutory health care program existed for members of the uniformed services who entered services prior to June 7, 1956, and retired after serving a minimum of 20 years or by reason of a service-connected disability, and

Whereas, through promises and past practices, military members who joined after June 7, 1956 were encouraged to join the service and receive lifetime retirement medical and other privileges and allowances, and

Whereas, through the changes in administration and national policies, medical benefits have been diluted and in some cases erased as a result of changes in policies and the several rounds of military base closures, and

Whereas, the retired members are in a class where medical coverage might be out of reach financially, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, that LULAC supports reestablishment of adequate health care for all retired members of the uniformed services that is at least equivalent to that provided to other retired Federal employees by extending to each retired members of the uniformed services, the option of coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the uniformed services, or the TRICARE Program.

Therefore, LULAC supports passage of H.R. 2966 and like legislation to provide funding for continued medical care to the retired military members and their dependents, similar to the insurance provided to Federal employees.

Submitted by Councils # 2006, 147, 2001
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 45: LULAC's Neutrality in the Political Party Arena

Whereas, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports fostering and increasing the opportunities for training, education, civil rights, job opportunities, housing, economic development, and the welfare of all Hispanics in the United States, and

Whereas, LULAC strives to maintain integrity among the Hispanic community, and

Whereas, non-partisanship has been a cornerstone of LULAC's foundation, and

Whereas, LULAC must maintain neutrality in the political party arena, and

Whereas, the LULAC members while representing themselves as such, overstep their authority by publicly endorsing the campaign of a presidential campaign, and

Whereas, this action is clearly against all that LULAC stands for, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that the National Board of LULAC will seek censure of any LULAC members or individuals representing themselves as such, who publicly endorse the campaign of a presidential candidate or any other partisan political candidate.

Submitted by Adrian Rodriguez, District III Director, Texas
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 46: Adean Adjustment Act of 1999

Whereas, Article II of our Constitution establishes our belief in the democratic principle of individual political and religious freedom, and

Whereas, part of LULAC's mission is to advance the civil right and political influence of the Hispanic population of the United States, and

Whereas, the Peruvians and Colombians living in the United States are part of the Hispanic population that we serve, and

Whereas, the Peruvian nationals and Colombian nationals living in the United States for many years deserve a new amnesty law which provides them the opportunity to apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States, and

Whereas, the Andean Adjustment Act sets forth certain benefits so that any alien from those countries who was physically present in the United States on December 1, 1995 and has been physically present in the United States on the date and application for adjustment of status under this Act is filed, may apply for Lawful Permanent Residency.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, the League of United Latin American Citizens supports the approval of the Andean Adjustment Act of 1999 (introduced in the House HR2741 IH 106 Congress, 1st Session H.R. 2741 on August 5, 1999).

Submitted by Armando Pomar, Florida State Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina:

Resolution 47: Rebuilding America's Energy Independence

Whereas, America's economic and national security are being jeopardized by increasing the import volumes of foreign oil, and

Whereas, over 65,000 oil workers (of which about 70% were Hispanic workers) lost their jobs due to low oil prices during the oil crisis of 1998-99, and

Whereas, America needs to become more energy independent by utilizing America's own natural resources by increasing oil and gas production, and

Now, therefore, let it be resolved, in an effort to rebuild America's energy independence, we must strengthen the domestic oil and gas industry. The Administration, the Department of Energy, and the Congress need to promote and encourage the development of America's natural resources in order to provide the energy needed to fuel America into the 21st century. Until reforms are enacted, America may be held hostage to the political and economic demands of OPEC and oil exporting countries. The following proposals will strengthen America's ability to provide for its own energy needs.

- We request that the DOE implement oil field training programs by providing funds to colleges and oil field training centers. These programs should provide bilingual educational opportunities to include Hispanic students. The programs would range from basic work safety programs to graduate programs.

- We request that tax credits be offered to employers who help provide training and education for oil field workers. This training may be offered in house or by providing support and encouragement for employees to attend the training programs listed above.

Additionally, we request that the Congress and the Department of Energy work together to enact the following proposals:

- We request that Congress enact President Clinton's recommendation to permit the expensing of delay rental payments and geological and geophysical costs.

- Eliminate the net income limitation on percentage depletion for marginal wells.

- Reconsider selling paper barrels on the future market. The NYMEX increases the volatility of oil prices beyond normal production and inventories.

Submitted by Yolanda Flores, District V Director
Passed at the LULAC National Convention on July 2, 2000.

Signed by President Rick Dovalina: