WASHINGTON, D.C. – While the nations Hispanic community continues to grow and flourish, LULACs influence as a key player in national policy issues has significantly changed. As the largest membership based Hispanic organization in the nation, LULAC has the ability to mobilize thousands of voters around important issues.

In a historic move, a coalition including LULAC, the NAACP and others moved decisively and effectively to protect voting rights.

With a staff of advocacy minded professionals headed up by veteran Executive Director Brent Wilkes, LULAC continues to strengthen its position in the areas of advocacy and policy.

On February 28, as LULAC officers and members scanned out across the nations capital to meet with members of congress, cabinet level administration officials, and heads of agencies, the organizations staff was busy preparing for that evenings Legislative Awards Gala.

Ventura County members Dave Rodriquez, Deputy State Director, Nina Duarte-Rodriquez, LULAC District 17 Treasurer, Jim Hensley Deputy Director District 17 and Edward M. Castillo, LULAC member attending the events participated in discussions with federal officials regarding local advocacy issues including federal funding of Ventura County programs.

In addition to Ventura County's own Congresswoman Lois Capps, several other members of congress were in attendance including U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Joe Baca, head of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, and many others.

The same morning LULAC and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) hosted a policy summit featuring top panelists in the fields of civil rights, universal healthcare, and the role Hispanics will play in the 2008 election. The LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala highlights critical legislative issues affecting Hispanic Americans and recognizes key leaders who have served the Hispanic community well. Past recipients include President Bill Clinton, Senator John McCain, House Speaker Harry Reid and many others.

Event sponsors included Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Verizon, AT&T, Coca-Cola and Comcast. Proceeds from the LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala support the important work of the LULAC National Office. This includes LULACs policy and legislative advocacy, as well as its organizing of Hispanic communities through the creation of LULAC councils throughout the United States.

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