Latino families absent from Arizona ESA coverage
As school choice policies expand, I noticed a rise in criticism for these programs without an accurate consideration of the families they serve. For example, this article from CNN in […]
$265B plan would benefit Latino communities
I am proud of the contributions Arizona’s Latino communities make to our neighborhoods and our state’s economy. As an Arizona state representative and chair of the Latino Caucus, I understand […]
House Republicans push asylum restrictions, border security
House Republicans for months have railed against the Biden administration's handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, holding hearings, visiting border communities and promising to advance legislation to clamp down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Early and effective messaging needed to reach young Hispanic voters
With a median age of 30, Latinos are among the youngest racial and ethnic groups in the country, making them a leading edge of the nation’s youth vote. But earning their votes - and keeping them - is no easy feat.
Latinos rely heavily on Colorado River water amid plans for cutbacks
The Colorado River in Arizona is an integral part of our communities, history and cultural heritage, and our way of life. We all have a moral obligation to take care of our natural resources and protect God’s creation. As we face a future of diminished water supplies we need to ask each other and those who govern to embrace an ethic of planning and collaboration to lead us into a sustainable wat[...]
Judge won’t give more time to find victims of Arpaio detentions
A federal judge who ordered taxpayer-funded compensation for Latinos who were illegally detained when then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio defied a court order has declined to give the victims more time to apply for the money.
Phoenix post office station to be renamed for Ed Pastor
Retired U.S. Congressman Ed Pastor is being honored with a downtown Phoenix post office station being named after him.
Republicans, not Latinos, doomed Arpaio
The fall of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio didn’t result from a surge of Latino voters, despite the opposition he drew from the Hispanic community over his immigration enforcement tactics.
Democrats, Clinton counting on Latinos to win Arizona
Sara Morales became an American citizen in 2010 and has voted in every election since. This year, the Phoenix resident will be casting a ballot for Hillary Clinton, joining the tens of thousands of Latinos who Democrats hope will swing the traditionally conservative state in their direction.
Latinos: Will the ‘sleeping giant’ wake and vote in November?
It’s unclear whether Latinos will turn out to vote, but if they do, they have tremendous potential to affect the election outcome.
Latino voters deciding the election? Si se puede
When Arizona enacted a law in 1972 effectively preventing farmworkers from organizing, Cesar Chavez and I met with local Latino leaders here who were skeptical that change could ever happen in the state.
National Latino Children Summit: access to education and job readiness
Arizona is a reflection of the demographic shifts of population happening in the nation. Latinos represent 30 percent of Arizona’s population and millennials between 18-33 years of age represent 42 percent of workers and eligible voters among the Latino population. Latino millennials represent the eruption of a powerful workforce of the future in Arizona.