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November 5, 2008 DOL Home > Newsroom > Speeches & Remarks |
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao As Delivered Remarks to the Annual Legislative Conference Thank you Maria [Arita, host of Hispanics Today] for the kind introduction. Let me congratulate tonights special award winners, White House Council Alberto Gonzales and Representative Robert Menendez. I also want to recognize White House Fellows Cesar Conde and Cesar Aristeiguieta. And joining us in the audience tonight is the Labor Departments Assistant Secretary for Veteran Affairs, Fred Juarbe. Freds agency, VETS, is working hard to see to that all reservists and National Guard members and their families are protected to the full extent of USERRAthe Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. This Administration is strongly committed to supporting our citizen soldiersand making sure that they will be reemployed with full seniority, including pension credit. Our thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with our soldiersand their familiesas they fight terrorism abroad and defend freedom. Over the past year, I have held a number of meetings with various representatives from the Hispanic business communityincluding a meeting hosted by Chamber President Herrera in New York City.
This is one cabinet secretary, and Administration, that listens to your concerns. We heard, we understand, and we are acting! Your success is vital to this countrys economic growth. Today, two million Hispanic owned firms are generating $300 billion in revenue. In just a few short years, a majority of all minority-owned firms will be run by Hispanics. This is a tremendous accomplishment and what a tribute it is to the talent and drive of the Hispanic community! I believe this audience knows that President George W. Bush deeply respects and appreciates the Hispanic Communityits love of country and entrepreneurial spirit. Thats why the President nominated Miguel Estradawho is with us tonightfor the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. And Cari Dominguez, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, is also here. In fact, President Bush has appointed more Americans of Hispanic heritage to top positions in the federal government than any other president in history. Its also the reason why President Bush is proposing a new jobs and growth package specifically aimed at helping small businesses grow and create more jobs in the community. The Presidents jobs and growth package:
This job and growth package will create real results for Americas working families. By the end of next year, it will pump an additional $52 billion into the economy and create 1.4 million new jobs. And for those currently struggling to find work, the Presidents growth package delivers immediate critical assistance by establishing Personal Re-employment Accounts. They will provide up to $3,000 to help unemployed workers custom design their own training, and purchase the supportive services they needlike childcareto successfully return to the workforce. This Administration also cares deeply about the Hispanic employers and workers who cannot access affordable health care. Thats why the President supports proposals to allow businesses to purchase quality, affordable health care through Association Health Plans. By banding together, these Plans will make it possible for small employers to pool their resources and leverage their risk. As these proposals move forward, Chamber members can be assured that the U.S. Department of Labor is prepared to administer these plans and protect employers and employees from fraudulent health care providers. In all that we do, we want to make sure were reaching our to the Hispanic community. Thats why the Department has hired bilingual staff, and has Spanish language materials on hand or on the Web to assist employees and employers. The Department of Labor remains committed to the enforcement of all protections offered by this countrys core labor standardsregardless of immigration status. Protecting workers is what we do. We also ensure that our public workforce investment system helps train workers for good jobs in the 21st century workforce. With the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, were working to transform the $12 billion public workforce investment system. We want a demand driven, proactive system that responds quickly to changing economic and workforce needs. With the reforms we are proposing, business owners will have a real voice in local and state worker training programs. And we want you to be involved in those training programs, as well. These are just a few examples that show how the Labor Department and its agencies are more attuned then ever to meeting the needs of the Hispanic community. With over 1,100 men and women of Hispanic-descent working at the Department, we have the resources to make good on our promises! Our doors will always be open to all of you. I look forward to working closely with you in the future to bring the promise of the American dream to every willing heart. Have a great dinner! # # # _________________________________________________________________ |
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