Pelosi Statement on the Anniversary of Cesar Chavez’s Birthday
Friday, March 30, 2007
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. â€" Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the recipient of the 2003 Cesar Chavez Legacy Award from the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, today released the following statement in honor of the 80th anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birthday on March 31st:
“Cesar Chavez was one of America's greatest advocates for justice and equality, and a model of service to others. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to witness firsthand Cesar Chavez' tireless commitment to improving the lives of America's farm workers by securing their rights to organize and bargain collectively for fair working conditions.
“His efforts succeeded in achieving fair wages, pension benefits and medical coverage for hundreds of thousands of working families. He showed us that we can make a safe and prosperous America with a strong and vibrant economy - an America with good jobs and good pay. His life’s work and legacy continue to inspire me.�
“H.R. 359, the Cesar Chavez Study Act, was recently introduced to authorize the National Park Service to determine ways to tell the story of Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement in the National Park System. This legislation is an ideal way to honor a great American.
"In Congress, we must continue Cesar Chavez’ struggle to ensure that every citizen has access to quality health care and every child receives the best education. Working together, we can give everyone in this nation, whether they have been here for generations or just arrived to our shores, the opportunity to realize the American dream.�
“As Cesar Chavez said, ‘Si Se Puede’ â€" Yes, We Can!â€�