FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              CONTACT: Luis Vizcaino
October 13, 1999                                                   202-225-1766

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and members of the CHC met with President Clinton today to discuss programs that further support the Latino community.  The hour-long meeting focused on education, economic development, immigration and healthcare.

"We need to equally invest in Latino communities and ensure that they too enjoy the benefits of our country’s prosperity and opportunities," Roybal-Allard told the President. "Although our community continues to make great strides nationwide, Latinos still lag behind other ethnic groups in regards to healthcare, education and economic development."

At the meeting, Caucus members stressed the need to improve healthcare access, treatment, and disease prevention and control.  The Caucus cited the fact that Latinos continue to have the highest uninsured rate compared to other Americans, and informed the President that this will be a top priority for the Caucus in 2000.

Rep. Roybal-Allard also urged President Clinton to continue to authorize economic development programs and resources that provide jobs, small business opportunities and community services to distressed areas.

Additionally , Caucus members outlined the need to improve the education system for Latinos.  "Congress and the Administration have a responsibility to provide top quality education to all Americans, regardless of economic background, geography or race," said Roybal-Allard.  "We cannot afford to exclude anyone from basic services as education and healthcare."

The Caucus encouraged the President to partner with them to ‘get the message out’ on the importance of a correct Census count.  Roybal-Allard emphasized that "an incorrect count would result in the underfunding of schools, public works, and social services in communities that need them the most."

This productive, working meeting will keep the lines of communication open between the White House and the Caucus.  Roybal-Allard plans to build on this meeting and will press for legislation and initiatives that are fair to Latinos as well as all Americans.