Dec. 17, 2012

Lupe Flores

HACU's government relations activities on Latino issues

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) government relations staff was part of the National Latino Leaders conference call with President Barack Obama, Director of the Office of Public Engagement Jon Carson, and Director of the Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz. Carson and Muñoz encouraged greater involvement in urging Congress to move forward to prevent the impending tax hikes, with 99% of Latinos to be affected if Congress does not act.

President Obama spoke of the impact that economic slumps have on the Latino community and the importance of Hispanics getting involved in the debate. The President stated he would not sign anything that prevents the top rate from going up and he stressed the need to address this issue before focusing on many of the other pending issues.

As part of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, HACU also took an active role in two meetings on immigration. The first meeting was with Rep. Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leadership to discuss immigration reform. The second meeting was with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Menendez, Schumer, Durbin and Murray also to discuss immigration reform. Representing HACU at the meetings was Serena Dávila, HACU’s executive director of legislative affairs.