A community’s voice grows stronger

Hispanic Day at the Capitol draws 200

By Coulter Jones
Adelante staff writer

After a hard day of lobbying, there’s nothing like a good merengue to loosen up a crowd. Even Gov. Bob Holden and his wife, Lori, kicked up their heels at the festive close of the third annual Hispanic Day at the Capitol, which brought nearly 200 Hispanic leaders throughout the state to Jefferson City, doubling last year’s number.
Organizers Anthony Ramírez of St. Louis and Elida Cárdenas of Kansas City urged delegates to make contacts and share ideas for the benefit of the Hispanic community.
“We need to organize at the state level, so we meet more than once a year,” Cárdenas said.
This year’s event had the added power of the recently created Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which will serve as a liaison between the Hispanic community and state government. All but four of the commission’s 15 Hispanic members attended and asked the delegates to share concerns.

Top four issues Click here to read the top issues chosen by Hispanic Day delegates www.adelanteonline.com

“We are going to be able to make suggestions to the governor, so contact us,” said Commissioner Rafael Nun Marín of St. Louis.
Although delegates discussed many issues, one bill — actually just one word — caught the attention of the entire group.
In what many delegates viewed as a slap in the face, the only Hispanic member of the House, Rep. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, sponsored legislation that would change English from the “common” language of Missouri to the “official” language. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been up for a vote.
Nieves said the bill would require that state materials be printed in English but that they could also be printed in Spanish or any other language.
“I’m not going to do anything against my own community,” Nieves said.
Nieves, whose father emigrated from Puerto Rico unable to speak English when he arrived in New York, said that after he discussed the issue with some of the Hispanic delegates, he understood their concerns, but that most concerns seem to come from a misunderstanding of what the bill does.
Genaro Ruíz, a commission member from Kansas City, said he understands what it does and is worried about how others might use the bill.
“There will be consequences that will affect immigrant communities,” he said. “In the private or public sector, someone might try to force ‘English only’ onto people who otherwise don’t know their rights.”
Delegates shared concern about the bill’s effect on the community, many remembering past battles. Five years ago, the state legislature fought over “English only,” finally compromising on “common language.”
Nancy Malugani of Columbia said the bill threatens to undermine efforts to get information to people in Spanish.
“Nobody doubts that the language you speak is English, so why do this?” she asked. “We already have a lack of resources for Spanish speakers in health care and other areas.”
Delegates shared other concerns with legislators and with Holden, who pointed out strides his administration has made in appointing Hispanics to leadership positions.
Economic development also featured prominently as a priority. Al González, a businessman and professor from St. Louis, questioned Holden’s efforts to attract businesses to the state.
“(Holden) has these ideas for programs, but where is the tax money going to come from? Missouri has lost a lot of jobs, most of them to other states,” he said.
The delegates were a diverse group, with heritages coming from 21 different Spanish-speaking countries. As they made their way through the capital city, some addressed the similarities between Hispanic issues and those of most Americans.
Commission member and delegate Ezekiel Amador said issues such as security, health care and education are shared. “We might have a slightly different perspective, but the issues are the same,” he said.

Top four issues

Delegates voted to send a message to Gov. Bob Holden prioritizing the top four issues confronting the Hispanic community.

English as “official” language: H.B. 1337 would change English from the “common” language of Missouri to the “official” language. Although it wouldn’t limit the use of Spanish, many Hispanic leaders worry about future consequences of the bill.
To contact the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Brian Nieves, R-Washington:
Call: 573-751-0549
E-mail: Brian.Nieves@house.mo.gov
Fax: 573-526-9846

Education/DREAM Act: This act would help make higher education opportunities available to children of immigrants (see page 5).

Health Care: Delegates discussed many heath-care issues, ensuring benefits for children among them. State Rep. Jodi Stefanick's, R-Ballwin, bill, H.B.1566, would drop children from Medicaid whose parents earn more than $7,385 per year.
To contact Jodi Stefanick:
Call: 573-751-4392
E-mail: Jodi.Stefanick@house.mo.gov
Fax: 573-526-9782

Driver’s licenses for immigrants: Legislation that would limit opportunities for immigrants to get driver’s licenses in Missouri has stalled, but delegates want to continue to work for immigrants’ right to get a driver’s license.

To look up your state senator or representative, visit: www.house.state.mo.us