February 19, 2009
HACU Media Contact:
Norma Jean Revilla-García
210.692.3805
njgarcia@hacu.net 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack among speakers of HACU's Capitol Forum 

Washington, D.C. March 1-3, 2009

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was among the speakers at Monday's luncheon titled, “The Role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Preparing the Nation's Workforce," 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Farm Bill reauthorization recently created five new programs for Hispanic-Serving Agriculture Colleges and Universities, including the establishment of an endowment fund for these institutions. The luncheon is being held by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) as part of its 14th Annual Capitol Forum, "New President, New Administration, New Agenda," March 1-3.  

HACU's Capitol Forum is critically timed to introduce Hispanic education leadership to a new Congress and to make the case for much needed investments in Hispanic higher education. Among the conference attendees are 35 Presidents of HACU-member institutions, some of who will lead delegations to Capitol Hill to urge Congress to increase funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Students will also be joining them in the visits as part of the conference agenda. HSIs currently receive about half the federal funding per student compared to all institutions of higher education. 

Other Capitol Forum sessions include:
• Preparing Our Students for a 21st Century Economy
• The Budget Process and an Appropriations Outlook for FY 2010
• Key Legislative Proposals in the 111th Congress: ESEA, Energy, Minority Health Disparities
• Current & Future Legislation Impacting HSIs: The American DREAM Act and 
• U.S. International Relations
• Strategic Advocacy: Working Effectively with Congress
• HACU’s Legislative Priorities

Onsite Registration is available at the Madison Hotel: Sunday - March 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday - March 2, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.