USHLI will again convene the U.S. Council on Latino Affairs (USCLA), the most effective advocacy coalition at the state level on behalf of the Latino community, as we have in years past at our national conference.  USCLA members have been on the front lines at the local and state level fighting for in-state tuition for immigrants, driver licenses for undocumented workers, and access to education, health and human services.  They have also been on the front lines mobilizing the community in the fight against anti-Latino and anti-immigrant legislative proposals and local ordinances.

 

        Over the last five years USHLI has been bringing together state commissions and state advisory councils in conjunction with our national conference and annual dinner.  Two years ago we started bringing them together in Washington, DC as well for an education summit co-sponsored by USHLI, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.   Two years ago the coalition voted to organize itself into the U.S. Council on Latino Affairs.  Over 20 states have been represented at these meetings. 

 

        These state commissions and advisory councils represent an integral part of the Latino leadership community on critical issues of public policy at the local and state level and are becoming a strong voice on major issues at the national level.  During the last 40 years state commissions have been created by legislative mandate to advise the governor and legislative leaders on issues as they may affect the Latino community in their respective states, and to help make state agencies more accessible and responsive to the needs of the Latino community.  Advisory councils have been created by Executive order of the governor in several states to serve the same purpose.  The USCLA will meet from 12:00 noon Thursday through 12:00 noon on Saturday.