1999 LULAC Resolutions

The following resolutions were passed by the LULAC National Assembly on July 17, 1999 at the LULAC National Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas:

State of Arizona: Resolution 1: Arizona National Guard

WHEREAS, The League of United Latin American Citizens is the 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 principle 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 Hispanics in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Arizona LULAC has reason to believe that the Arizona National Guard is in violation of its mandate to "Guarantee each man and woman, military and civilian, equal opportunity for entry and advancement in the National Guard in an environment free from discrimination, bias, sexual harassment, reprisal and retaliation, while emphasizing diversity as one of our greatest strengths, and

WHEREAS, the Arizona National Guard has been federally mandated to "Champion programs that provide strong support for National Guard families in peace and war, and

WHEREAS, the Arizona National Guard leadership, without the Governor's knowledge or complicity, continue to perpetuate existing discriminatory practices and selective enforcement of policies which have resulted in legitimizing and institutionalizing a systemic discriminatory National Guard infrastructure which is immune from the internal entities established to prevent such occurrences, and

WHEREAS, Arizona LULAC condemns any entity, or individual that through deliberate means or acquiescence, cultivates, perpetuates or tolerates a system that is discriminatory and maliciously selective against Hispanics, women and other minorities.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 1999 National Assembly of the League of United Latin American Citizens convened in Corpus Christi on July 11-17, 1999, join forces with Arizona LULAC to express its concern over diversity issues within the National Guard and strongly urges the Honorable Jane Dee Hull, Governor of Arizona, as Commander and Chief of the Arizona National Guard, to take immediate steps to conduct an independent investigation into diversity within the National Guard, develop remedies to assure parity at every echelon, and establish goals and objectives that are quantifiable and qualifiable.

Original signed by Richard G. Fimbres, Arizona LULAC State Director
Original signed by Frank Q. Carrillo, Arizona LULAC State Deputy Director

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Arizona: Resolution 2: People for Better Television

WHEREAS, The League of United Latin American Citizens is the 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 Hispanics in the United States; and

WHEREAS, LULAC is concerned that the image of Latinos on television and in the entertainment industry do not accurately reflect who we are as vital and productive members of American Society; and

WHEREAS, LULAC is concerned that there are not enough Latinos in decision-making positions with the broadcast industry and that local broadcasters are not sufficiently responsive to local Latino concerns, issues or interests; and

WHEREAS, LULAC recognizes a recent poll reflecting the concern shown by Latinos across the United States regarding the amount of sexual content, violence and inappropriate language on broadcast television, and

WHEREAS, LULAC recognizes that broadcast television reaches more people in the United States than any other single medium; and

WHEREAS, LULAC believes that it is in our interest, the interest of our families, and in the interest of the American people that this industry which makes use of the public airwaves should offer something in return to the public.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 1999 National Assembly of the League of United Latin American Citizens convened in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 11-17, 1999, join forces with the People for Better TV Coalition, and call on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convene a public proceeding to consider the responsibilities of broadcasters. A letter writing campaign should be started to the members of the Federal Communications Commission, calling for the public hearing, with copies of the letters sent to members of your congressional delegation, and that LULAC members become more informed about how television works and how television can better serve Latino Communities and Latino families.

Members of the Federal Communications Commission:
Chairman William Kennard, Commissioner Gloria Tristani, Commissioner Susan Ness, Commissioner Michael Powell, Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth

People for Better TV
818-18th Street, NW, Suite 505
Washington, DC 20006
202-887-0301 phone
202-887-0305 fax
Attention Marco A. Grimaldo
Web: http://www.bettertv.org

Original signed by Richard G. Fimbres, Arizona LULAC State Director
Original signed by Ana V. Estrada, LULAC National VP for Women

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Arizona: Resolution 3: Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing Among Latinos in the U.S.

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, teen pregnancy is a serious problem in the United States. One million teenage girls become pregnant each year in this country. High rates of teen pregnancy burden us all: teenagers, their children, and society at large. When adolescent girls give birth, their future prospects decline. Compared to young women who delay their first birth until ages 20 or older, teen mothers complete less school, are more likely to have large families, and are more likely to be single parents, and

WHEREAS, The children born to teens bear the brunt of their mothers' young age: when compared to children born to women aged 20 and older, babies born to mothers aged 15-17 have less supportive and stimulating home environments, poorer health, lower cognitive development, worse educational outcomes, higher rates of behavior problems, and higher rates of teen childbearing themselves, and

WHEREAS, There is also considerable cost to the taxpayers and society more generally. After adjusting for other factors related to teen parenthood, the estimated annual cost to the taxpayers of births to young women aged 15-17 years is at least $6.9 billion in lost tax revenues and increased spending on public assistance, health care for the children, foster care, and the criminal justice system, and

WHEREAS, The Latino population is the fastest growing major racial/ethnic group in the United States. Latinos currently constitute approximately 11 percent of the total U.S. population. By 2010, Latinos will be the largest minority group, and by 2050 approximately one-quarter of the U.S. population will be Latino, and

WHEREAS, Latinas have the highest teen birth rate among the major racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Since 1994, Latina teens have had the highest teen birth rate among the major racial/ethnic groups in the United States. In 1997, the birth rates for Latina 15 to 19 year olds was 97.4 per 1,000 nearly double the national rate of 52.3 per 1,000. Approximately one quarter of the births in 1997 to teens aged 15 to 19 were to Latinas.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 1999 National Assembly of the League of United Latin American Citizens convened in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 11-17, 1999, join forces with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy to help develop and implement strategies to achieve the national goal of reducing teen pregnancy by 25% by the end of 2005.

Original signed by Ana V. Estrada, LULAC National VP for Women
Original signed by Richard G. Fimbres, Arizona LULAC State Director
Original signed by Teri Martinez, Arizona LULAC VP for Women

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 1: Establish Local Jurisdiction Police Review BD

WHEREAS, In any local jurisdiction there is a conflict of interest between the investigation of alleged police misconduct such as the shooting death of Jose Campos by a Santa Ana police officer on September 8, 1998.

WHEREAS, there exists a conflict of interest between the Santa Ana Police Department Internal Affairs and the O.C. District Attorney's affairs office being responsible for the investigation of its own police officers.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that LULAC recommends the following:

--Each local jurisdiction have their own police review board to include community representation

--To have the jurisdiction on this case transferred to the State Attorney General's Office.

--U. S. Department of Justice/Civil Rights Director

--FBI

Submitted by Zeke Hernandez, Council 147.
Approved at LULAC District 1 Convention.
Approved at LULAC State Convention 5-22-99.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 2: LULAC in support U.C. Reports 4% Solution

WHEREAS, LULAC supports the full opportunity of qualified Latino students to the U.C. schools,

WHEREAS, the number of Latino students in the U.C. schools is disproportionately low to the general population,

WHEREAS, there is a disproportionate high number of students from high school in affluent areas in the U.C. schools,

WHEREAS, there is a disproportionate low number of students from high school in low-income communities in the U.C. schools,

WHEREAS, the 4% solution guarantees the admission of all qualified students from the top 4% of their graduating class from high school.

WHEREAS, the 4% solution will allow more Latino students to gain access to U.C. schools.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that LULAC supports Governor Davis' proposal of guaranteeing the top 4% of qualified high school gradating seniors admission to U.C. schools.

Submitted by Cory Anthony Aguirre, Council 174
Approved at District 1 Convention
Denied at LULAC State Convention 5-22-99.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 3: LULAC Supports Lt. Gov. Bustamante

WHEREAS, LULAC is an advocate for the Latino community's Civil Rights;

WHEREAS, LULAC has gone on record as opposing Proposition 187;

WHEREAS, LULAC supports the Federal District Court's decision ruling that Proposition 187 is unconstitutional;

WHEREAS, LULAC does not support frivolous appeals;

WHEREAS, LULAC supports Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante's brief to the court to allow the District Court's decision to stand and rule that Proposition 187 is unconstitutional;

WHEREAS, LULAC opposes Lt. Gov. Davis referral of this case to mediation process to resolve the appeal of Proposition of 187;

WHEREAS, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has filed a brief with the court to stop the mediation of Proposition 187;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that LULAC endorse Lt.Gov. Cruz Bustamante's recommended action to stop the appeal of Proposition 187.

Submitted by Cory Anthony Aguirre, Council 174
Approved at District 1 Convention
Approved at LULAC State Convention 5-22-99.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 9: Resolution to establish the campaign for world peace

WHEREAS, the world is made up of diverse cultures and nations that depend upon the actions of people in order to survive and to co-exist on the same planet earth;

WHEREAS, the actions of people in leadership or non-leadership roles have direct effect on whether or not an ethnic population is displaced, dispossessed of their land, culture, heritage, language, and religion;

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, is an organization committed to civil rights;

WHEREAS, LULAC promotes justice and equality for all people;

WHEREAS, LULAC is committed to education, including the education of all people with respect to tolerance and respect for the civil rights of others;

WHEREAS, LULAC can sponsor workshops and programs on the advocacy for peace in the world;

WHEREAS, LULAC can sponsor the publication of pamphlets and other literature and educational videos for television and other material for print and/or other electronic media;

WHEREAS, LULAC is a United States national organization that can have international influence;

WHEREAS, LULAC is represented at the national level at the LULAC National Convention by each state of the United States of America, including the territory of Puerto Rico;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC found and establish the CAMPAIGN FOR WORLD PEACE and therefore promote that every person on earth become an ambassador for world peace.

Submitted by Margie Aguirre, Council #174
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-2-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 10: LULAC supports Senate Constitutional Amendment 7 to amend the Cal State Constitution to increase to 7 seats the number of L.A. Co. Board of Supervisors

WHEREAS, Los Angeles County is the most populous country in California with nearly 9.7 million persons, and (9.7 million);

WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors provides legislative and executive leadership of the County, and;

WHEREAS, the number of members of the County Board of Supervisors is limited to five, and

WHEREAS, this number is the same today as it was in 1850 when the population was 5,000, and;

WHEREAS, a Los Angeles County Supervisor now represents a population greater than that of any one of half the states in the Union, and;

WHEREAS, it is now necessary to expand the number of supervisors to better serve the people, to provide more representative democracy, and to enable greater diversity in the election of the supervisors, and;

WHEREAS, Senator Richard G. Polanco (D-Los Angeles) has introduced Senate Constitutional Amendment 7 to place a constitutional amendment on the next statewide ballot to permit the expansion of supervisors, and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California LULAC endorses and supports Senate Constitutional Amendment 7.

Presented by Alan Clayton, LULAC Council 2021, 5-21-1999
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 11: LULAC Supports S.B.44 to permit outreach efforts to inform minorities ad women of job opportunities in the public sector.

WHEREAS, the passage of Proposition 209 has adversely affected fair opportunities for all Californians and the affirmative action programs designed to address the problems caused by discrimination and fair access to opportunity, and;

WHEREAS, Senator Richard G. Poloanco (D-Los Angeles) has introduced Senate Bill 44 to permit the use of strong outreach efforts to inform under represented Californians of the opportunities that are available, and;

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 44 addresses a problem of critical concern to the Latino community and provides available legislative solution,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California LULAC endorses and supports Senate Bill 44.

Presented by Alan Clayton, LULAC Council 2021 5-21-99
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 13: To establish Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs

WHEREAS, the California League of United Latin American Citizens recommends to the Governor Gray Davis the establishment of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs for the State of California and in other states

WHEREAS, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs will serve as the Governor's liaison to the Latino Community on policies, procedures, legislation and regulation which effect members of the Latino community and to ensure that state government is accessible, accountable and responsive to their needs,

WHEREAS, the Latino community must be given the opportunity to continue to grow and prosper within our boundaries by having a voice at state government level through the establishment of said Commission;

WHEREAS, the Commission will serve as a resource to all state departments, commission and agencies to ensure that they are cognizant as of the needs of Latino community and that the community benefits from their respective services and programs;

WHEREAS, the Commission will assist local Latino communities in developing strategies and programs to enhance their social and economic status;

WHEREAS, the Commission will work with the Administration to monitor the hiring, retention, and promotion practices as they relate to the employment of Latinos to ensure that there are discriminator employment practices;

WHEREAS, the Commission's task will serve as a bridge builder, which allows state government to be more helpful to the development of Latino community;

WHEREAS, the Commission would make significant progress in areas such as education, political empowerment, and advocacy, economic development and housing.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California League of United Latin American Citizens hereby passes this resolution on 23rd day of May, 1999 at the State LULAC Convention in El Segundo, California to establish the State of California Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.

Submitted by LULAC Council #2890, #2895, #3000, #2907, #2055, #2955
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 14: The Naming of Hector G. Godinez postal facility and school

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was born on July 1, 1928 on the grounds of the San Diego Mission, the son of field workers, and died on May 16, 1999;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez served as a tank commander under General George Patton in Europe during World War II;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was honored with the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his bravery and courage in the Battle of the Bugle in Germany;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was a founding member of the League of the United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, specifically, Santa Ana Council #147;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez served as National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens from 1960 to 1966;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was one of the original LULAC members who supported the landmark civil rights case, Mendez vs. Westminister, which ended discrimination against Mexican American children;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1960, as the first Mexican-American Postmaster in Santa Ana office, California;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was promoted to the position of Southern California district manager for the U.S. Postal Service, managing more than 44,000 employees and an operating budget of $750 million;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez served as a trustee for Rancho Santiago Community College District for 17 years, the board of KOCE-TV, chair of the Orange County chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, chair of Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, founder of Banco del Pueblo and chair of the Santiago Club;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was a mentor, friend, and leader for thousands of people;

WHEREAS, Hector G. Godinez was recently honored, posthumously, for his community involvement in the United States Congressional record, and California State Assembly;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC supports the naming of the Hector G. Godinez main postal facility in Santa Ana, California.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that LULAC supports the naming of the Hector G. Godinez school in Santa Ana, California.

Submitted by Core Aguirre, #174
Approved at the California State Convention 5-22-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 15: Representation of the Latino Community in Public and Transportation Agencies

WHEREAS, the State of California has established through tax revenue and bond sales, various public agencies and transportation boards to serve California, specifically airport, public conveyance services, road authorities, toll road builders and operators as the umbrella organizations for the delivery of transportation, maintenance, construction and related services;

WHEREAS, the governing board of these agencies do not represent the actual demographics of the State of California, and exclude a proportionate number of Latinos on governing boards;

WHEREAS, the management of these agencies do not adequately staff the agencies with a proportion number of Latinos on senior management positions proportionately to the State of California Latino Community;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that LULAC supports the change in the composition of these boards and in management of these agencies to include a proportionate number of Latinos in key board and management positions;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that LULAC does not support taxation without representation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that LUAC supports a change by any legal means and remedies to implement and attain a proper balance of representation in the composition of the boards and management of these agencies.

Submitted by Many Marroquin, Council #3016
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 17: Law enforcement agencies and the INS

WHEREAS, "historically" the Immigration and Naturalization Services and agency of the Department of Justice has been used to threaten the civil rights of citizens and non-citizens of Latino descent. The events this last year in Chandler, AZ, where local police harassed U.S. citizens in the name of immigration enforcement, is a prime example. Another example are the defacto deputization of teachers, social workers, etc., as informants to the INS ordered by Proposition 187.

WHEREAS, recently, it has come to the attention of Council 2010 that a juvenile student of La Quinta school district was reported by local police to the INS. The INS has initiated deportation proceedings against youth, despite the fact this would separate him from his family. Actions such as this instill in our community, documented or not, fear of collaborating with law enforcement agencies, as well as any governmental energy that might be in process of collecting information, such as the U.S. Census.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC strongly protests the inappropriate relationship between law enforcement agencies and the INS. We demand that close cooperation between the INS and local police be curtailed as much as prudently possible, lest our community cease to depend on the local constabulary. We also request that LULAC file "friend of the court" briefs with immigration courts on behalf of those who the INS has been seen fit to draconianly prosecute.

Submitted by Council #2010.
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 18: Against English Only

WHEREAS, it is no secret that the English only movement has become energized in recent years. Laws making English the official language have been in many states, although the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Arizona's law has dampened its proponent enthusiasm. This sentiment, however, has found a new focus: legislation to abolish bilingual education.

WHEREAS, the recent passage of Proposition 227 in California, perversely named "English for the Children" is an example of this. Both sponsors of the legislation, Ron K. Unz and Gloria Matta Tuchman have long ties to English only movement. They are now in process of replicating their campaign in Arizona.

WHEREAS, it is imperative that LULAC visibly support the efforts of Arizona groups fighting this insidious legislation. The 1991 LULAC legislative platform, published in the January/February 1999 issue of LULAC NEWS, explicitly states that 'LULAC supports bilingual education to ensure English proficiency while encouraging students to retrain proficiency in their native language."

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC should employ its assets, from the National President down to the Council level to fight against this latest assault on our heritage. In particular, the National President should use all the power of his office to persuade Arizona's elected representatives to join our side in this worthy cause. We also believe that Arizona's LULAC leadership should be empowered to present LULAC's case throughout the campaign and request support from sister councils.

Submitted by Council #2010
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 19: Moral Values Program

WHEREAS, the Moral Values Program has strengthened our Latino youth and assisted them in resisting the temptation to engage in crime and drug use;

WHEREAS, the Moral Values Program has been since 1994 been providing food for over 1000 children per month (mostly Latinos);

WHEREAS, the Moral Values Program has provided an overview for social improvements;

WHEREAS, the Moral Values Program has provided all of these activities without any assistance from Federal, state, or local public money;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the State of California LULAC recognize and honor the Moral Values Program for their accomplishments in providing services to Latino youth.

Submitted by Council #2862
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 20: Y2K Information to Latinos

WHEREAS, the role act of the year 2000 may cause competitive programs and chips to think that "00" is 1900 and not 2000;

WHEREAS, this situation knows in the United States as Y2K is a potential problem that may occur worldwide as a result of computer breakdown;

WHEREAS, all the communities need to be aware and prepare for this problem;

WHEREAS, the Hispanic community specially in the grassroots, needs to have information in Spanish written or otherwise for Y2K readiness;

WHEREAS, the Hispanic media has a responsibility to inform the community effectively;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that California LULAC will promote the awareness to the Hispanic Community on Y2K and communicate with the media on how best to provide awareness to the community.

Submitted by Council #2043
Approved at Cal State LULAC Convention 5-24-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of California: Resolution 21: Profiling and Gang Injunctions

WHEREAS, the law enforcement agencies and elected officials such as the district attorneys are responsible for assuring the civil rights of its citizens and have an inherent conflict of interest in reviewing themselves for the purpose of determining responsibility and liability against civil right abuses, such as profiling and gang injunctions, and;

WHEREAS, the law enforcement agencies and elected officials such as the district attorneys have financial liability in enforcing policies and processes which violate civil rights against our Hispanic youths and create constitutional civil right violations and police abuse with such policies, processes and regulations,

WHEREAS, as organized processes such as profiling and gang injunctions being at the core of these civil rights violations, and LULAC being an organization with community based councils, with community interests as its foundation, has declared the need of such a statement and appropriate action may be deemed against these policies and process and against these violations,

WHEREAS, many of these local law enforcement agencies and elected public officials depend on federal funding, and the federal government has laws and codes against these civil right violations,

NOW, THEREFORE, LULAC and through this resolution hereby affirms that it supports the immediate action and condemnation against any community which establishes such policies and processes,

NOW, THEREFORE, LULAC, through its State of California organizations has approved the participation against such policies and processes,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution is approved, adopted, and signed as of this 16th day of July, 1999, and shall take effect immediately.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Indiana Resolution 1: Racial and Ethnic slurring

WHEREAS, LULAC Council 5009, Merrillville, Indiana has been recognized in our community as a civic leader; and

WHEREAS, LULAC councils throughout Northwest Indiana have been notified and asked for support as a national organization, who is known to protect civil rights and resolve racial conflicts; and

WHEREAS Hispanic citizens in the community were exposed to racial and ethnic slurs in March of this year, by management and agents of a company hired by the board of the Independence Hill Conservancy District (IHCD), a sewer utility company in the same community; and

WHEREAS, the IHCD board refused to address this offensive behavior even after repeated attempts by the citizens involved; and

WHEREAS, LULAC Council 5009, Merrillville, Indiana, following IHCD's guidelines, was refused a position on the board's agenda for the June 29th public meeting to address this matter.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President of LULAC Council 5009 Merrillville, Indiana and/or anybody he approves as a designated representative for each respective conference, be given the support of the Executive Board and all other concerned councils to take the necessary actions to resolve these matters that effect us all as human beings and to protect the rights of these individuals who have asked for support from LULAC.

Submitted by Ricardo Paz, Sr., Council 5009

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of New Mexico: Resolution 1: EEOC's Mediation Process

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1929 and is the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country; and is celebrating its seventieth anniversary; and

WHEREAS, the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Act of 1964 was instituted to help protect the rights of individuals by ensuring equal access to all economic avenues associated wit employment issues; and

WHEREAS, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has had a dismal record of resolving claims filed by Hispanics and other minorities; and

WHEREAS the EEOC is understaffed and from a customer perspective conducts inadequate, superficial investigations; and

WHEREAS, the EEOC's backlog of cases does not add to the public confidence that they are enforcing the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964; and,

WHEREAS, the EEOC has initiated a new process of mediation to expedite case resolution; and

WHEREAS, past performance has demonstrated that resolutions have generally not had positive outcomes for Hispanics; and

THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the National Office of LULAC negotiate with the EEOC to develop a process for LULAC to oversee the impact of case resolutions under the new EEOC mediation process to assure fair and reasonable deposition of minority cases filed with their Department.

Submitted by Max Martinez, Council #8035
Approved at the State Convention in Silver City.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of New Mexico Resolution 2; Quality Health Care

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1929 and is the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country; and is celebrating its seventieth anniversary; and

WHEREAS, the cost of health care continues to rise in double digit figures; and,

WHEREAS, the Hispanic community continues to be a segment of the population that is aging at a significant rate, has limited knowledge of their health care benefits, treatment and alternatives; and

WHEREAS, the Hispanic population does not have full, knowledgeable access to providers; and

WHEREAS, the Hispanic population continues to experience an increased need in various services and life threatening medical conditions, i.e., diabetics, cancer, and,

WHEREAS, communications to the Hispanic community is deficient and should and can be improved; and,

WHEREAS most Hispanics are not familiar with their rights when interacting with providers; nor apprised of, or understand their plan provisions; have limited knowledge of medical diagnosis.

THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that LULAC engage in an assessment endeavor with the U.S. Department of Health to identify gaps in health care delivery to the Hispanic community and implement adequate solutions to combat this complex and troubling problem.

LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED, that LULAC initiate a general informative publication that identifies provider structures and interactions and general guidance on how to access networks and how to interact with the providers.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC develop and communicate a philosophy that the quality of health care is far more important than reducing health care costs by providing cut-rate services and inadequate administrators that go to extremes to frustrate members which discourage full health care access.

Submitted by Max H. Martinez, Council #8035
Approved at the State Convention in Silver City.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of New Mexico Resolution #3: Overtime Pay for Farm Workers

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens better known as LULAC was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1929 and is the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country; and will be celebrating its seventieth anniversary; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, LULAC has championed the cause of Hispanic Americans in education, employment, economic development and civil rights; and

WHEREAS, under our Constitution, it is stated that we propose; to exert our united efforts to uphold the rights guaranteed to every individual by our state and national laws, and to assure justice and equal treatment under those laws; and

WHEREAS, in the State of New Mexico and in some other states, agriculture workers are denied entitlement of workers' compensation benefits for injuries and disability they receive on the job; and

WHEREAS, agriculture workers in New Mexico are denied overtime compensation; and

WHEREAS, the lack of workers' compensation and overtime benefits results in the taxpayers having to pay respectively, through public assistance and counties' indigent funds, rather than expenses being paid by the employers along with workers' compensation insurance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by LULAC that this national organization and its members work to abolish these inequities for agriculture workers by actively lobbying their legislators and other public officials to obtain legislation requiring all employers of agriculture related workers to furnish workers' compensation benefits for all employees; and FURTHERMORE, to obtain the passage of legislation guaranteeing all agriculture related workers overtime pay.

Approved at District 2 convention, Hobbs, New Mexico

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of New Mexico Resolution 4: Opposition to School Vouchers in New Mexico

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1929 and is the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country; and is celebrating its seventieth anniversary; and

WHEREAS, LULAC believes that education is the foundation for the development and growth of our youth; and

WHEREAS, LULAC is committed to promote, protect, and assure the rights of our youth to an education that is in accordance with the best American education principles and standards; and

WHEREAS, equity in education is being threatened by "school vouchers"; and

WHEREAS, "School Vouchers" will continue to disenfranchise our youth and will disproportionately impact low-income families; and

WHEREAS, "Vouchers Systems" contribute to continued discrimination, stratification of students economic potential, fail to address root causes creating our current problems, and dismally fails to correct future problems associated with this system;

THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that LULAC opposes Governor Johnson's efforts to establish a school voucher system in New Mexico.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that LULAC partner with institutions of public learning to engage in meaningful exchanges to implement proven quality initiatives that improve educational outcomes.

Submitted by Max Martinez, Council #8035
Approved at the State Convention, Silver City, New Mexico

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Resolution 1: The 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act

WHEREAS, LULAC, the oldest and most prominent organization of Latin citizens in the USA, is well known for its open support to fairness, justice, human rights, and respect for the American law, and

WHEREAS, the incidents of Tuesday 29 of June 1999 on the beach at Surfside, Miami Beach, Florida, tainted our prestigious Guard Coast service and the good image of the United States of America, the only nation in history admitting so many immigrants and political refugees, and

WHEREAS, Janet Reno, U.S. Attorney General, said: "There is no room for abusive conduct among the ranks of our law enforcement personnel. We take these, and all such allegations extremely serious", and

WHEREAS under the present Administration, Cubans who reach U.S. shores are allowed to seek asylum, while those intercepted at sea are kept "out of the U.S.", and immigration officials decide where they have a real risk of persecution if returned to Cuba, and

WHEREAS the excuse for freeing the six rafters of Surfside was that for the an in-depth investigation of the facts was needed to let into the U.S. the four Cubans who had been picked up by the Coast Guard, pretext that prevent deportation back to Cuba and placate the indignated Cuban American community in Miami, but do not create solutions for future similar cases, and

WHEREAS, Cuban rafters picked up by the Coast Guard at sea, or those who reach U.S. shores, should be treated under the current law, the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, that allowed them to apply for permanent legal residence after a year and a day, and

WHEREAS, the goal of reaching U.S. soil with dry feet based on the May 1995 Migration Accord with Castro collides with the 1966 Cuban Adjustments Act and pushes among Cuban rafters, the need to use smugglers with fast boats as the way to avoid interception by the Coast Guards, and,

WHEREAS the real meaning of U.S. soil are a Coast Guard cutter or the official three-mile U.S. territorial limit, extended by other countries to 12-mile, and

WHEREAS, although recognizing that this immigration crisis will persist as long as the present regime stays in Cuba, it is necessary to find temporary solutions to this situation.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROPOSED to the National Board of Directors of LULAC by the Florida State Directory and or Committee on Cuban Affairs, that LULAC, advocating for order in our borders,

--supports the actual American law, the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act and request its full implementation.

--Denounces the May 1995 Migration Accord with Castro, and posterior secret agreements.

--Exalts history of the Coast Guard as a saving life agency, and the U.S. of American, the most generous nation on earth, a nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.

Submitted by Armando V. Pomar, FL State director, Hector Dario Pastora, Parliamentarian, Dr. Luis Conte Aguero, General Adviser

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Proposition 2: Out-of-School Suspensions

WHEREAS, LULAC's advocacy and leading role in promoting and improving access to education for all, and

WHEREAS, a Children's Defense fund study published in 1975 found that out-of-school suspensions are not beneficial to students and had an adverse impact on the overall educational process, and

WHEREAS, the National School Board Association as early as 1994 indicated that out-of-school suspensions are not in response to violent or dangerous acts but in fact, respond to issues of defiance of school authority, not reporting to after school detentions or Saturday school, and class disruption which should warrant more conflict resolution and behavior intervention in school premises instead of out-of-school suspensions, and

WHEREAS, Hillsborough out of school suspensions are disturbingly high especially among minority children, particularly blacks; Hispanic students do not seem to fair any better. Representing 18% of the general student population in Hillsborough County, Hispanics represent 17% of the out-of-school suspensions, and

WHEREAS, the percentage of out-of-school suspensions that targeted Hispanic students was 26%, which reflects a worrisome trend of not wanting to deal with these children's behavioral problems within the school premises, and

WHEREAS, different studies increasingly point to the importance of finding workable solutions in a concerted manner, where schools, families and communities work together; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC continue to mobilize its constituency and put pressure on the local school systems to use out-of-school suspensions very carefully, to help improve parenting skills, and to call for more community involvement.

Submitted by Gloria Vales and Ella Schmidt, Council #7069

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Resolution 4: Housing and Code Enforcement

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has fought hard for economic as well as social justice for all Hispanics through a Commitment with America and advocacy; and,

WHEREAS, migrant and seasonal farm workers comprise the majority of the agricultural workforce that allows Americans access to fresh fruits and vegetables at a low cost through very low, below substance, wages; and,

WHEREAS, these farm workers, most of whom are Hispanic, face serious health and safety threats due to substandard housing or being forced to rent trailers that are owned by the company that employs them; thus housing is a key issue for farm workers, who are more vulnerable than the rest of us because of their sometimes transitory lifestyle of following the crops, lack of English skills and their poverty; and,

WHEREAS, in Hillsborough County, Florida, the County Code Enforcement Office condemned 63 trailers, all of which housed farm workers from Mexico and Latin America, leaving information only n English with stickers across the doors reading "Do Not Enter"; and

WHEREAS, the County originally told farm workers that they needed to vacate immediately, thus creating havoc in their and the lives of their children, leaving families homeless with no recourses; and,

WHEREAS, the County subsequently changed its position many times, leaving farm workers with no clear sense of how this process is supposed to work and educate their children, but also creates undue burden in terms of stress and trauma; and,

WHEREAS, governmental decisions about housing should follow a procedure in which those affected are able to clearly communicate and understand a process by which their health and safety are being protected by such measures.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC continue to serve as a watchdog on matters of monitoring existing laws on farm worker housing by asking needed questions and advocating to protect health and safety.

Submitted by Gloria Vales and Ella Schmidt, Council #7069

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Resolution 5: Economic Development Plans for Hispanic Small Business in the State of Florida.

WHEREAS, the Southeast United States has a representative component from Latin American and Caribbean origin; and

WHEREAS, the need of economic help for new Hispanic business, and the growth of existing ones; and

WHEREAS, the well being of Hispanic communities depends of the growth of these Hispanic business, and

WHEREAS, this economic well being makes a direct impact in sustaining the development of such Latin American countries, making a natural regulation for immigration for economic reasons.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the League of United Latin American Citizens Florida State Council requests the submission of financial help in the form of small business loans, grants, and new ventures capital to accelerate the economic development of the Hispanic business population.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Resolution 7: To Support the Request of Immigration Status by the Salvadorian Community

WHEREAS, taking into consideration that the Salvadorian immigration in Florida has been a product of a horrifying war and an unstable political situation; and

WHEREAS, taking into consideration that the Salvadorian citizens have suffered the violation of their human rights and in order to save the integrity of their lives and freedom they have chosen to become members of this community; and

WHEREAS, taking into consideration that for the development and stability of their families they need to legalize their immigration status, which will guarantee their incorporation to the labor force and dignify their families' livelihood; and

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that LULAC comes to a conclusion, to solicit support for the Salvadorian community to obtain a resolution to their immigration status, thus confirming their productive integration to our society.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Resolution 8; Support for the United Farm Workers Strawberry Campaign

WHEREAS, the United Farm Workers, (UFW) founded by Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta has for the past 34 years played a major role in bringing dignity and respect to farm workers by way of collective bargaining; and

WHEREAS, Arturo Rodriguez, current UFW president, continues working towards Cesar's dream of a national union for farm workers; and,

WHEREAS, the UFW is now engaged in an effort to win dignity and fair treatment through organization for the more than 15,000 strawberry workers in the central coast of California; and,

WHEREAS, the strawberry industry grosses over $600 million dollars a year yet refuses to take responsibility for providing a living wage, medical benefits, and job security for strawberry workers; and,

WHEREAS, Strawberry workers support their families on incomes averaging only $8,500 dollars a season; and,

WHEREAS, the UFW has in the past achieved key social gains for farm workers through its organizing efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the League of United Latin American Citizens endorse the UFW's Strawberry Campaign to win justice, dignity, respect, fair wages, medical benefits, and safe work sites for strawberry pickers.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Florida Resolution 9: To support the development programs of education for, training and investigation for the Latino Community in the State of Florida.

WHEREAS, taking into consideration that education, formation, training and investigation are fundamental for the development of a community with the capacity to do much for the technological development of our time and advantage to the same.

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that LULAC comes to a conclusion, to solicit support for the finance and the assignation of funds for programs of education, entertainment, formation, and investigation directed to the Latino community in Florida.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Resolution: Position Paper on Cuba

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

WHERAS, part of LULAC's mission is to advance the civil rights and political influence of the Hispanic population of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Cubans living in the United States are part of the Hispanic population that we serve; and

WHEREAS, the violations of political rights and civil liberties by the Cuban government have been well documented by local, regional and international organizations and governments;

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, THAT

--LULAC supports the establishment of free and direct elections, free speech, democracy, and political and religious freedom in Cuba; and

--U.S. policy toward Cuba should seek to advance the same political rights and civil liberties enjoyed by U.S. citizens; and

--LULAC's position towards Cuba should take into consideration the positions of our Cuban-American members due to their unique knowledge and experience with this issue.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Illinois Resolution 1: The Hidalgo Treaty

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest volunteer dues paying civic organization in this nation, established in 1929 to uphold and defend the rights and duties vested in every American citizen by the letter and spirit of the law of the land;

WHEREAS, the League is committed to exert a united effort to uphold the rights guaranteed to every individual by our country's laws and to assure justice and equal treatment under these laws;

WHEREAS, the League is committed to combat with every means all un-American tendencies and actions that deprive American citizens of rights and privileges in pursuit of a fuller and richer civilization; and actions that desecrate the recognition and appreciation for the dignity, worth and potential of each individual;

WHEREAS, 150 years ago, the Treaty of Guadalupe was signed between Mexico and the United States of America, resulting in most of the southwest becoming a part of the United States, and guaranteed to protect lands, culture, (including the speaking of the Spanish language), religion and civil rights of wartime residents who had been Mexican citizens and their descendants;

WHEREAS, the Treaty of Guadalupe being more than the sale of Mexican territory to the U.S., it also protected the lands, culture, religion, and civil rights of those wartime residents who had been Mexican citizens and their descendants and assigned a new national status to them by definition;

WHEREAS, the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 1997, introduced by then Ambassador to the U.N., Bill Richardson, having been duly passed by Congress, establishes among other things a presidential commission to determine the validity of land claims in New Mexico and other issues arising out of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC use every means available to move the Commission' work forward to resolve the validity of land claims and other issues arising out of the 1848 Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 1997 (including the right to express oneself in the Spanish language).

Submitted by Council 313 and passed at Illinois State Convention 5-29-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

State of Illinois Resolution 2: To Protest Violation of Civil Rights

WHEREAS, the League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest volunteer dues paying civic organization in this nation, established in 1929 to uphold and defend the rights and duties vested in every American Citizen by the letter and spirit of the law of the land;

WHEREAS, the League is committed to exert a united effort to oppose acts that defy and threaten the physical and spiritual welfare of individuals or institutions;

WHEREAS, the League is committed to combat with every means all un-American tendencies and actions that deprive American citizens of rights and privileges in pursuit of a fuller and richer civilization; and actions that desecrate the recognition and appreciation for the dignity, worth and potential of each individual;

WHEREAS, in Cicero, Illinois, a new law has been enacted in violation of civil rights of individuals, this new law violates the peaceful gathering of Latino youths, which is in direct violation of this Nation's Constitution;

WHEREAS, this new law has subtly stereotyped and portrayed Latinos in a negative and mean-spirited fashion, which also sends messages that will have long-term effects, violating the sanctity of the dignity and worth of the individual;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC use every means available to combat and protest this unconstitutional law in a united voice against its racial arrogance that only serves to violate every person's dignity, worth and potential.

Submitted by Maria D'Amezcua, Council 300.
Passed at Illinois State Convention 5-29-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 2: To Request an Investigation by the Federal Department of Justice in the case of Mrs. Denise Pagan

WHEREAS, the Office of District Attorney and Santa Clara's County Police have persecuted Denise Pagan in Puerto Rico, New York, and California.

WHEREAS, Pagan's case should be a civil case and not a criminal one;

WHEREAS, the Court in Santa Clara has rejected the evidence submitted by Puerto Rican court in favor of Pagan.

WHEREAS, the bail of one million dollars (1,000,000) imposed is an excessive one, and deprives pagan of the most elemental freedom.

WHEREAS, public economic resources have been used by the Office of the District Attorney in favor of the ex-husband of Pagan, which is illegal in a civil case.

WHEREAS, the Director of the State, the Far West National Vice President and the President of the LULAC Council in San Jose, California, have been helping Pagan at all times.

WHEREAS, the LULAC Puerto Rico chapter has adopted two resolutions asking for the improvement of the situation of our brothers in Vieques and also, with the incarceration of our sister Denise Pagan in the State of California;

WHEREAS, both situations are of an urgent nature because they deprive these citizens of their basic constitutional rights to their liberty, property and happiness.

THEREFORE, the delegates assembly of the Puerto Rico Chapter in their annual meeting authorize the National LULAC directive to disseminate these resolutions through the international press for an expedited solution to the unjust suffering of these citizens which are contrary to the principles that LULAC defends.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Puerto Rico chapter delegates in their annual assembly request from the LULAC National Assembly to instruct the National Office of LULAC that:

--Formally present a request to the Federal Justice Department to investigate all aspects regarding the detention, lawsuit and the incarceration of Denise pagan in Santa Clara County, California.

--To send a written expression of gratitude to Mr. Jose Pacheco, Mr. Marcos Contreras and Mr. Daniel Reyes who are members of the board of LULAC for their support to Denise Pagan.

--To follow-up the investigation that the Federal Justice Department is conducting until its completion.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 3: Self-determination

WHEREAS, LULAC's Constitution stands for the proposition that "it is not only the privilege but the obligation of every member of the organization to uphold and defend the equal rights and duties in every American citizen by the letter and spirit of the "Law of the Land";

WHEREAS, LULAC's Constitution states that the organization aims "to combat all un-American tendencies and actions that deprive American citizens of their rights in educational institutions, in economic pursuit and in social, civil and political activities";

WHEREAS, LULAC's Code provides our organization's duty to preserve the citizenship of the United States, which Puerto Ricans have proudly held since 1917;

WHEREAS, in appreciation to Puerto Ricans as contributing members of our national policy;

WHEREAS, aware that Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States, but do not enjoy the full benefits of that condition;

WHEREAS, knowing that Puerto Ricans have shed their blood to defend the nation of the United States, but cannot participate in the election of its president;

WHEREAS, concerned that there are those who seek to demean the high value with which Puerto Ricans have traditionally regarded and protected the citizenship of the United States;

WHEREAS, the people of Puerto Rico should be afforded the opportunity to exercise their right for self-determination in order to foreclose a colonial condition of five centuries;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC's national assembly solemnly resolves:

--To continue to labor for the recognition of Latinos as equal citizens of the United States, and to promote awareness and of understanding among all Latino communities;

--To advance in the unrelenting pursuit for the recognition of the rights of Puerto Ricans as full citizens of the United States and value members of this great nation under God.

--To marshall the struggle for the equal rights and equal representation of Puerto Ricans as citizens of the United States;

--To oppose any measure or interpretation that may diminish the rights of Puerto Ricans as citizens of the United States;

--To condemn any law, statute or rule, which would regard Puerto Ricans as second-class citizens in contravention to the rights and guarantees, provided by the Constitution of the United States.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 4: Warlike exercises with active ammunitions in the Island of Vieques will be stopped.

WHEREAS, the United States Navy has used the cost of the Municipality of Vieques for target practice;

WHEREAS, such activity has a negative impact to the environment as well as to the more than nine thousand (9,000) Americans who, although residents of Vieques do not have the opportunity to represent their Island with their vocal mandate and vote;

WHEREAS, in April 19,1999 an accident took place in which an erroneously discharged bomb hurt four people and killed one resident of Vieques;

WHEREAS, the Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Pedro Rossello, issued the Executive order #OE-1999-21, in Shiite, a special committee was organized to study the gravity of the situation, and to recommend alternatives and strategies to stop the Navy in their exercises with active ammunitions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Puerto Rico Chapter in their annual assembly, request to the LULAC National Assembly to instruct to the National Office of LULAC to:

--Request from the President of the United States as well as to the United States Congress, to order the Navy to immediately stop practicing with active ammunition and dangerous chemicals which has been deteriorating the environment and the life of the people in Vieques.

--To support the work that the Governor's Executive Committee is carrying out and to back the measures that they might recommend.

Submitted by Miguel Miranda Council 1440.
Approved by the delegates Assembly in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 6-14-99.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 5: Recognition of Governor Rossello Gonzalez as a Latin National Leader

WHEREAS, Governor Pedro Rossello Gonzalez has occupied various presidencies at the highest levels of government:
--head of the Governor's Association
--president of the Southern State Board of Energy
--Leader Governor of the Southern Regional Project and Infant Mortality
--President of Al Gore's Campaign in Puerto Rico
--Head of the Council of State Governors
--Head of Democrats Governors Advisor Council of the Welfare to work partnerships
--U.S. Intergubermental Policy Advisory Committee for Trade
--Democratic National Committeeman
--Member of the Executive Committee of Education Committee of the States
--And others

WHEREAS, Governor Rossello, in all those positions, work for Latinos welfare, improving the quality of life of all Hispanics.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that LULAC recognizes his excellent work for Latinos and designates Rossello Governor for the history.

Submitted by Elsie Valdez, State Director, Puerto Rico

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 7: Supporting candidacy and recognition of Rick Dovalina

WHEREAS, the current national LULAC president is Mr. Rick Dovalina; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dovalina has carried out with excellence his presidency as National President of LULAC, continuing to promote LULAC as an organization committed to defending the rights of the Latin American citizens in our nation;

WHEREAS, Mr. Rick Dovalina has maintained an excellent communication with the Puerto Rico chapter; understanding our special situation and supporting the struggle of the LULAC Puerto Rico chapter for the equality of rights, not only for the Latin American citizen residents in the continent, but also for the residents in the island of Puerto Rico.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Delegates assembly of the Puerto Rico chapter in their annual meeting resolves:

--Congratulate Rick Dovalina for his work to defend civil rights and equity of all Latinos in the nation.

Submitted by Elsie Valdes, State Director, Puerto Rico
Approved at the Delegate Assembly in San Juan, Puerto Rico 6-14-99

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 9: Special Conditions to Organize LULAC councils in Puerto Rico

WHEREAS, it is a fundamental principle of the LULAC organization to defend and guarantee the equal rights and obligations of all American Citizens, no matter where they are;

WHEREAS, the LULAC Puerto Rico Chapter is a loyal defender of this principle and condemns all situations that denies the American Citizens of its rights and opportunities in educational institutions, economically, socially and political;

WHEREAS, many political leaders and his followers had resigned to American citizenship, the LULAC Puerto Rico chapter believes and defends the quality of rights not only for the Latin American citizens residents in the continent but also for the residents in the island of Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, some persons in Puerto Rico do not believe in United States citizenship; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Delegates assembly of the Puerto Rico chapter in their annual meeting determines:

--That all persons who apply to create a LULAC council in Puerto Rico must be committed to defend the equality of rights of the USA citizens in Puerto Rico.

Submitted by Jennifer Gonzalez, Vice President of Youth.
Approved at the Delegates Assembly, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 6-14-99.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President

Puerto Rico Resolution 10: Endorse Governor of Puerto Rico before the United Nations for self-determination

WHEREAS, the Honorable Pedro Rossello, Governor of Puerto Rico, appeared before the United Nations Organization on June 6, 1999 to advocate for the right of Puerto Ricans to self determination.

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico continues to be an unincorporated territory of the united States, which has not attained full self-government.

WHEREAS, his statement was primarily directed to the responsibility that the Committee should fulfill, having concluded that Puerto Rico has a right to self-determination. Nevertheless, he deems necessary to establish the basis for the action that he requested on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, previously, the United States submitted information about Puerto Rico as a non-autonomous territory, in accordance with Article 73e of the Charter of the United Nations Organization, until on November 27, 1953, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 748 (VII) by a vote of 22 to 18 with 19 abstentions.

WHEREAS, based on the information submitted by the government of United States, the General Assembly concluded that upon the effective date of its Constitution in 1952…the people of Puerto Rico had "attained a new constitutional status" and "had been invested with attributes of political sovereignty that clearly identified that status of self government attained by the people of Puerto Rico as a politically autonomous entity".

WHEREAS, in view of the foregoing, the General Assembly considered that the Declaration about non-autonomous territories contained if the Charter of the United Nations Organization was no longer applicable to Puerto Rico and, therefore, the United States could cease to submit information pursuant to Article 73a of the Charter.

WHEREAS, seven years later, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 1541 (XV), to provide the criteria under which a territory may achieve full self-government.

WHEREAS, if at one point in time Resolution 748(VII) could have served a basis to uphold the position that Puerto Rico had achieved plenitude of full self-government, the reality is that, today, said resolution has lost all its validity.

WHEREAS, it cannot be proclaimed that a territory has full self-government when its inhabitants have no participation with voting powers in the legislative body that governs them, nor in the election of its president.

WHEREAS, after the historic approval in 1998 of the 'United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act" by the House of Representatives, the legislation not only failed to be considered by the Senate, but it never went past that legislative body's Natural Resources and Energy Committee.

WHEREAS, this is the latest instance in which Congress has failed to exercise its constitutional responsibility and its duty before the international community, to provide a valid process for the self-determination of the People of Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, there is no doubt that, having recognized the right to self-determination of the People of Puerto Rico, the United Nations Committee overseeing this matter has the duty to promote the elimination of all colonial trace during the last decade of this century, and should take affirmative action in the case of Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, by simply recognizing once more the right of Puerto Rico to self-determination, the Committee would not fully discharge its responsibility if, as in the past, it merely recognizes the right of the People of Puerto Rico to only one alternative to full self-government.

WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognized, not one, but three ways to attain the plenitude of self-government: independence, free association, and full integration on equal terms.

WHEREAS, the omission of any of the three options in the expressions and resolutions of the Committee would greatly hinder the right to self-determination by the people of Puerto Rico, in contravention of Resolution 1541 (XV) of the General Assembly, and the Declaration about Non-autonomous Territories contained in the Charter of the United Nations Organization.

WHEREAS, the inclusion of Puerto Rico in the list of Non-Autonomous Territories is, in his opinion, the only way to force the Congress of the United States, after more than a century of colonialism, to act and comply with the obligation imposed upon it by our Constitution and the Charter of the United Nations Organization.

WHEREAS, Congress has the inescapable duty to establish a process that will define valid political status options consistent with Resolution 1541 (XV), so that the Puerto Ricans may vote on them.

WHEREAS, after 101 years of political subordination, it is time that the Puerto Ricans obtain full, self-government, with the consent of the governed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the petition of Hon. Pedro Rossello, Governor of Puerto Rico before the United Nations Organization is hereby endorsed by LULAC.

Resolution passed by General Assembly, July 17, 1999.

Rick Dovalina, National President