September 16, 2011

Flores seeks support to preserve funds for HSIs

HACU President and CEO, Antonio R. Flores, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, during a recent meeting.

During a recent trip to the nation’s capital, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores met with several Members of Congress to discuss the importance of preserving funds for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) for FY 2012 in the context of anticipated Super Committee negotiations regarding budget reductions. Flores also addressed the importance of the passage of the American Jobs Act with the inclusion of funds targeted to HSIs.

At a meeting with Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, Flores requested the Conference’s support for programs that help strengthen the capacity of HSIs to serve our nation’s students. Flores also met with freshmen Congressmen Blake Farenthold and Raul Labrador to explain the importance of federal funds for HSIs and to solicit their support for preserving them.

He also visited with staff of several Super Committee members including Senators Portman (OH), Kyl (AZ), and Kerry (MA).

HACU President and CEO Antonio R, Flores met with freshman Congressman Blake Farenthold to discuss the importance of funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

As Congress moves to consider the FY 2012 appropriations and funding cuts through the Federal Deficit Reduction Committee (the Super Committee) recommendations later this fall, HACU will continue to oppose cuts to federal HSI programs and encourage its membership to also  take action.