If the 2012 elections were any indication, civically-engaged Latinos matter, especially in narrowly-contested races. As the Latino population continues to grow, how can Latinos continue to leverage their political power?

In Illinois, there are more than 300 state boards and commissions in operation. They are comprised of mostly unpaid, volunteers appointed by the governor.  Relying on individuals with expertise  in various professions, these entities are responsible for strategic planning, issuing guidance on federal grants, drafting policy recommendations, providing oversight in a variety of areas, and much more.  While data isn’t available on the participation rate of Latinos on state boards or commissions, it is widely acknowledged they and other minority groups... Continue Reading

Illinois’ list of gubernatorial hopefuls continues to grow as the campaign season for the March 18, 2014 primary gains steam.  While midterm elections tend to attract fewer voters (and primaries have even lower levels of participation) these midterm primaries have high stakes for Illinois residents as the state’s unemployment rate remains higher than the national average, its pension crisis remains unresolved, and  Illinois’ investment in our children’s public education has diminished by $670 million since Fiscal Year 2009.

At this stage in the primary, gubernatorial challengers Senator Bill Brady, Bill Daley, Senator Kirk Dillard, Bruce Rauner, and Treasurer Dan Rutherford have been focused on initiating effective campaign... Continue Reading

The line for the early train toSpringfieldwas decidedly Latino on May 7, Latino Unity Day at the state capitol. With 2013 marking its second year, Latino Unity Day is a relatively new but vital opportunity for leaders from Latino-led, Latino-serving organizations, as well as the community at large, to send a collective, coordinated message to legislators:  The state’s investment in Latinos must keep pace with the community’s growth—and its economic, cultural, and civic contributions.

The coordinated events planned for the day would be a clear demonstration of collaboration between co-conveners, including: Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association,Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees, Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE), Illinois Latino Family Commission, Latino Policy Forum,... Continue Reading