NEWS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today released to President George W. Bush its first annual report, Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government. The report examines the Administration's concerns about the underrepresentation of Hispanics in the federal work force and the steps many agencies are taking to address the issue.

"The President has worked hard to fill his administration with men and women of exceptional talent and impeccable character - of all heritages and from all walks of life," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "And I am committed to making sure that becomes a reality -- wherever and whoever they may be."

In accordance with Executive Order 13171, the heads of executive departments and agencies must establish programs for the recruitment and career development of Hispanics in the federal government. They must also identify and eliminate systemic barriers to the effective recruitment of Hispanics, and incorporate the objectives of the Order into their agency's Government Performance and Results Act planning.

"Today in America, about one out of every eight people in the United States claims Hispanic origin," said James. "Yet we are not fully tapping the talented Hispanic community for public service. Hispanics are the only underrepresented minority group in the federal work force, comprising only 6.6 percent of permanent federal employees. We must ensure that we cast the net as widely as possible, especially if we want a work force that reflects the rich diversity of our nation's people."

For its part, OPM will continue to provide policy guidance to address Hispanic underrepresentation and take the lead in promoting diversity governmentwide. OPM will also continue to submit its annual report on Hispanics in the federal work force to the President, with findings and recommendations on the progress agencies have made implementing the Order. As part of its recommendations, the report highlights some of the tools agencies need to develop integrated strategies. These include establishing clear accountability models, showcasing pilot projects in individual federal agencies with large populations, and assembling best practices in each of these areas.

In addition, OPM will continue to lead the Interagency Task Force on Hispanic Employment to assess overall Executive Branch progress in complying with the requirements of the Order.

For a copy of the report, please call 202-606-2402.