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Summer 2008 Cover Story- The Latino Vote and the November Presidential Elections Director's Column- The Growth of Minorities in the US and Minnesota From the Capitol: MN State Legislature Session Wrap Up Part II of II Community Notes: Fostering Latino Civic Engagement Un Orgullo Minnesotano-
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¡El Minnesotano! E-Newsletter, Summer 2008
The Latino Vote and the November Presidential Elections* Rosa Tock, Legislative Director *This article was originally published in the monthly newspaper La Voz Latina in April 2008. It was edited and up-dated for this Minnesotano’s issue. It is no secret that Latinos in the U.S. are no longer measured only in terms of economic capital--it is estimated that the Latino market represents between $700 and $900 billion-- but also as political capital. Latinos are the largest minority group in the country with a total population of 46 million, representing 15 percent of the U.S. population and growing fast. Given the fast increase of voters in states with an important concentration of Latinos, and also because of the more visible leadership of local and national elected officials -like Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and former presidential contender, or Antonio Villarraigosa, mayor of the second biggest city in the U.S.-, candidates are courting more aggressively this still small but influential demographic group. The famous “Sí se puede” – Yes we can- of Cesar Chavez reverberates now among presidential candidates, particularly in the Democratic camp. In the last months, articles and special series in different influential media outlets are proliferating regarding the different scenarios and possibilities of the Latino vote in the coming presidential election. What is the real power of the Latino electorate in the United States? To what extent can they influence the elections and make the results swing in November? According to the Pew Hispanic Center, eligible Latino voters represent 9 per cent of voters (approximately 10 million voters). Nevertheless, following past trends, it is expected that only 6.5 percent might show up for the elections in November. Some contest that percentage, indicating that the increase in voter registration during this year’s primaries could increase that percentage. A study by the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI) projects a 20 percent increase of registered Latinos over 2004 due to naturalization and Latino youth who have reached voting age. The institute projects that 9.3 million Latino voters will go to the polls, an increase of over 1.7 million voters or approximately 23 percent from 2004. Despite this relative small number of voters, the Pew Center states that Latinos might be a pivotal “swing vote” and influence the final results. This is due to the Latino presence in strategic Electoral College states. The Latino voters represent an important percentage of voters in four of the six states where George Bush won with margins of 5 points or less in 2004: New Mexico (37 percent Latino voters); Florida (14 percent); Nevada (12 percent) and Colorado (12 percent). According to the Pew Center and other experts, elections are going to be closely contested in November and the Latino vote can be determinant in these states. In contrast, national estimates by the Pew indicate that in Minnesota, the Latino vote accounts for 1.7 percent of the total eligible population. However, based on estimates by the 2006 American Community Survey, Hennepin, Dakota, Anoka and Scott counties saw a significant increase of Latino eligible voters from the last Census. Hennepin County added 4,830 new eligible voters; Anoka 1,084; Washington 1,206, and Dakota 1,416. There is no doubt, according to the Brookings Institution, that the Democrats chose Denver to have their national convention with the hope that they could carry the state in November. Although the last time this state voted Democratic for President was in 1964, the increasing Latino population has transformed Colorado in a competitive state where Democrats expect to attract a large majority of the Latino vote. Who are Latinos going to vote for in November? Many polls and studies point out that Latinos will likely shift their preference this year to the Democratic nominee, Senator Barak Obama. The same survey by the Pew Hispanic Center has found out that Latinos are dissatisfied with the Republican party, especially because of its approach to immigration and the Bush Administration’s policies that they consider have not been helpful to Latinos. But the number and composition of the Electoral College needs to be taken into account before claiming victory. According to The Almanac of Latino Politics published by the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), the most significant concentration of Latinos registered to vote is concentrated in 16 states which represent a total of 300 electoral votes. Based on recent national participation trends, USHLI has found that generally, the Republicans win the presidential elections when they carry the white vote; get one third or more of the Latino vote, get a fair percentage of labor vote, and when they are able to divide the female vote. As for Democrats, according to USHLI, the candidates win when they heavily carry the African American and Latino votes, carry the labor vote, and reasonably split the vote of whites and women. As an example, USHLI indicates that the victories of Carter in 1976 and Clinton in 1996 are similar. Their respective share of white votes were 47% and 43%; African Americans were 83% and 84%; Latinos were 76% and 72%; Labor was 59% and 59%, and women represented 48% and 38%. USHLI observes that Latinos are the second group that votes consistently democratic, after African Americans. But the democrats loose when they hardly get the Latino support in Arizona and Florida, two of the states where it is predicted that Latinos are going to be a swing vote in November. The approach of two sensitive issues might be a stake this time in these states: U.S. relations with post-Castro Cuba, and the failed immigration reform. In the last months, Senator John McCain has been shifting his discourse on immigration from providing a path to legalization of the undocumented population to an emphasis on securing the borders. Polls show that Senator Obama is succeeding in getting Latino’s attention. He has consistently supported a dialogue with Cuba and backing a comprehensive immigration reform. He is now leading the polls among Latinos in part because he is capturing his former opponent Hillary Clinton’s support among Latino voters. But some Latino leaders have pointed out that despite Senator Obama’s strides among Latinos, this does not mean that he has a hold on the Latino vote. Senator McCain is better known in the state of Arizona and some want to still hear more from McCain before deciding. McCain's target is to get close to the 40 percent of Latino voters President Bush secured in 2004, but many doubt this will happen. Actually, a new report by the Pew Hispanic Center indicates that Latino registered voters support Democrat Barack Obama for president over Republican John McCain by 66% to 23%, according to a nationwide survey of 2,015 Latinos conducted from June 9 through July 13, 2008. It is still too early to make predictions about who will win the election. Regardless of who wins the seat for the White House, the Latino vote is promising. Although the vote of our community is constantly courted, our sincere hope is that many domestic and international issues (a renewed and comprehensive foreign affairs agenda with Latin America, for instance) will be effectively addressed by the new tenant in the White House beginning in 2009. Domestically, there are very serious problems to deal with, like the housing crisis, a broken immigration system, a stagnant economy and the recurrent themes of access to education and health care that continues to affect adversely the Latino population.
Director's Column:The Growth of Minorities in the U.S. and Minnesota
By: Rogelio Munoz, Executive Director At exactly this same time last year, the New York Times reported in a very shy article about the changing face of America. It addressed the issue of the U.S. becoming more diverse and minorities forming a majority in the country’s most populous counties. It also highlighted states in regions of the country that had been historically homogeneous or less mixed, now with a growing number of communities of color, such as in the South, Midwest, and Northeast. As with the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, where the U.S. experienced mass migration of European immigrants and settlement, the current migration flow of newcomers to America have been primarily from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, also dubbed as today’s Europe. According to a May 2008 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, slightly more than one-third of the population of the United States (34 percent) declares a minority racial or ethnic background, an 11 percent increase from 2000. Hispanics/Latinos and Asians continue to be the fastest growing minorities in the United States and in Minnesota; both groups are among the top three communities of color that continue to grow in the state. The African American/African population in the state is the third population also experiencing an upward trend in growth and is Minnesota’s largest community of color. On a national scale and as reported earlier, the Hispanic/Latino community has now grown to 46 million and roughly reflects about 15 percent of the entire U.S. population. The Hispanic community grew by 1.4 million residents in 2007 or 3.2 percent from the previous year. Further, the African American community is the second largest community cohort of color in the nation with 40.7 million or 13.5 percent, and Asians account for 5 percent of the U.S. population, or 15.2 million people. On a much closer scale at home, the national trends of demographic growth among communities of color has also set the tone for Minnesota’s changing face. In Minnesota, the Hispanic/Latino community grew by five percent between 2006 and 2007, or by 10,700 Latinos. As of July 2007, there were 205,896 Hispanic/Latino residents in Minnesota and the year before the state accounted for some 195,000 Latinos, or about 3.8 percent of the state’s population. However, the largest growth in the Hispanic/Latino community was between 1990 and 2000, where Latinos grew by 166 percent from 54,000 to 143,000 Latino residents in Minnesota. Given the facts and the numbers that helps us observe the growth nationally and in the state, it is apparent that Minnesota’s demographics have clearly changed since its inception 150 years ago. The minority population has increased at a higher rate than most states in the country. However, it is important to keep abreast that although Minnesota has experienced this rapid growth among the different communities of color, the state is still less diverse than the U.S. Currently, Minnesota’s largest population is whites which account for 86 percent. Generally speaking, cultural and ethnic diversity has been considered one of America’s greatest assets that contribute to economic sustainability, vitality, and competiveness. With the Census 2010 quickly approaching, it is compulsory that as we move forward, every effort is made to account for everyone in the country and state. Two important things to keep in mind are that the different minority groups bring important resources: young people and buying power. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age of all minority groups in the U.S. when combined as a whole is lower at 36.6 years, whereas the white population median age is higher at 41 years. In addition, the University of Georgia reported in 2007 that the combined buying power of the U.S. minority population was $10 trillion, respectively. For more information on national or statewide trends of demographics, please go to the U.S. Census Bureau at www.census.gov or the Minnesota State Demographic Center at www.demography.state.mn.us.
From the Capitol: Legislative Affairs 2008 Legislative Session: Annus horribilis? By Rosa Tock, Legislative Director As we reported in our previous e-newsletter, the 2008 Minnesota Legislative Session had many challenges in the midst of an economic downturn. State lawmakers and Governor Tim Pawlenty had to solve the state’s budget deficit, legislate on bonding and tax laws, and discuss other critical legislation. Some of the most salient issues of this session were solving the $935 million budget deficit –at least for this year-; the veto override of the transportation finance bill to maintain and repair the state’s infrastructure; and the reform of our health care system. In total, 1,704 bills were introduced in the House and 1,532 in the Senate (This number represents 70 bills more than during the 2007 legislative session, and almost half as much than in 2006 -114 bills). Out of these bills, 200 were sent to the Governor Pawlenty and 190 were signed into law. One area of particular interest to the Council was education, although health care, housing, immigration reform, and economic development were also monitored closely. Through CLAC’s new bi-weekly e-newsletter Click-CLAC we were able to summarize the most relevant initiatives during this session. In February, the Council supported a state Senate resolution introduced by state Senator Patricia Torres Ray, DFL-62, for collaboration between the state Senate, CLAC the Council on Black Minnesotans, the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans and the Ombudsman for African American, Latino, and Indian American families. The resolution aims at strengthening collaboration between these agencies and the state Senate to address socio-economic problems that are of mutual concern. Under this resolution, CLAC testified before the state Senate Committee on Education to support a bill mandating an Academic Achievement Plan for school districts to eliminate disparities in academic performance. CLAC prepared a 2008 legislative summary with relevant bills that passed and were vetoed. You can also find the new laws effective on July 1, 2008 by clicking here. Some of CLAC’s legislative goals and recommendations on education this session were introduced as part of the Education Omnibus Policy Bill, particularly related to finding ways to close the achievement gap for Latino students. Nevertheless, many of the provisions addressing some of the problems affecting educational disparities did not pass during this session. However, other important outcomes relevant to education and other areas like health and housing were achieved and are summarized in the following sections. On immigration, CLAC added its voice in support of a comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level. The Council also encouraged measures aligned with the American tradition of respecting human rights and civil liberties, and recognizing immigrant contributions to the state’s economy. Among the most important achievements this session was a sort of entente between state legislators and the Governor as they reached a series of agreements to eliminate the budget deficit, re-pass the Transportation Bill, and authorize some pivotal initiatives like the Central Corridor and the health care reform. On a less positive note, the session also saw significant budget cuts in important programs in health and human services. According to Minnesota Budget Bites, to balance the budget, $500 million were taken from the state’s budget reserve, leaving $153 million. In health and human services, the budget cuts included about $170 million for the current biennium and $206 million for the 2010-11 cycle. Saved from the budget ax were nursing homes which will see a 4 percent increase, as well as additional funds to support food shelves and the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). To reduce the deficit, the final budget bill refinances $80 million in federal TANF, uses $50 million from the Health Care Access Fund (to be repaid), and $9.2 million in federal child care funds. The deal cut funding to hospitals and reduced all Department of Human Services and Department of Health grants by 1.8% but did not repeal the MFIP family cap. The state’s higher education system experienced a $21.7 million reduction in 2008-09, and a $33.5 million reduction in the following biennium. Furthermore, the public safety and corrections departments will see a reduction of $4.7 million and the court system will be cut by $5.5 million. Experts are anticipating that Minnesotans should expect more budget cuts next year. In summary, although some deals were reached in areas that are important to Minnesotans’ wellbeing, the results of this legislative session are not a cause for total optimism. In the middle of this economic slowdown and more uncertainty about job cuts, the cost of gasoline and food, the mortgage and financial crisis, some analysts believe that the state of Minnesota is not yet positioned for significant economic growth. Although according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development the state gained jobsfor the second consecutive month in June, as employers added 3,400 positions (on top of 2,500 additional jobs in May), the recent July 2008 Forecast by the Minnesota Department of Finance points out slower economic growth and higher inflation in the country for the month of July. The state might be affected by this trend. Meanwhile, it seems as if Minnesota is still lacking a clear plan that deals with these and other challenges still to come. We cannot forget that there are significant factors that are highly linked to a prosperous economy and quality of life that some describe as eroding in the state. One of these factors to take into account are the population changes, such as the increase of an aging population, the decline and population loss in the rural areas vs. growing suburban and ex-urban areas, and the increase of racial, ethnic and cultural diversity. A healthy, highly qualified and trained workforce leads to full employment, low poverty, less disparities, and a good quality of life. Some think that these values are failing in Minnesota and experts call for structural fiscal changes and economic growth based on investing in Minnesota’s human capital. The next legislative session will reconvene on January 6, 2009 and we invite our readers to closely monitor the work done at the legislature and the state in these and other strategic areas of concern to Latino people: access to health care; education; housing; economic development, and immigration Annus horribilis is a Latin phrase meaning "horrible year". It alludes to annus mirabilis meaning "year of wonders".
Community Notes: Fostering Latino Civic Engagment By Oscar Echandi, Community Liaison Many of the readers of this E-newsletter know that every summer, CLAC staff engages in a series of programmed community visits aimed at capturing the Latino voices in Minnesota's various communities. While our focus last year lay in visiting greater Minnesota's communities and focusing on health, this year we have transitioned to engaging the subject of health access. To that end, CLAC has composed a two-fold research method of conducting focus group conversation with community members and in launching a state-wide Latino health access survey for experts in the field. While you will be seeing the results of these instruments in CLAC policy and issues briefs in the next few months, I wanted to take the opportunity in this article to highlight one question which, almost invariable, comes up at the conclusion of our Focus Groups. After Latino participants have shared regarding health barriers, access, positive and negative experiences, and suggestions, our groups are left wondering what action steps could a concerned Latino community member take in continuing to raise consciousness about Latino health disparities. One answer which is often helpful is to consider a more active Latino civic engagement in our communities. Specifically, I offer three suggestions to make the Latino voice and vote more present in Minnesota public policy. One of the most helpful ways to make the Latino voice more present is through municipal and school appointments. Many Latinos may not be aware that school board officials are elected positions. In my experience, while many parents have suggestions for Minnesota schools, few parents are able to voice their concerns through school board meetings or as a vocal participant. In the same way, the American model of democratic participation urges voice and vote in city council affairs both through the electoral process, but also through the much more accessible, city council meetings. In all my engagement with the Latino community, I am constantly urging Latinos to make the best example to their children through active and vocal school and municipal participation. A second method of effective civic participation is through the engagement of local and state government. We urgently need to increase the number of Latinos who knock at mayors and/or legislator’s offices simply to express their view, drop-off a signed petition, or voice disappointment with the direction taken by a particular decision. The day-to-day participatory activities are open to all Latinos and directly influence where city and county dollars and services are allotted. Again, the example of participatory democracy for our children now is paramount in making effective change when they are of voting age. A third of contributing to positive policy change is through participation in the upcoming Census. Census officials have met with CLAC several times to assure the community of the absolute confidentiality of the Census. Census forms are in all languages spoken and written in Minnesota. Regardless of origin, simply the fact of our residence here in the United State permits all in the community access to the Census. Remember that next year’s Census directly affects our community’s infrastructure, health services, recreation and development. We need to send a clear message by our participation that Latinos are a significant part of Minnesota. Clear and positive participation in the Census earmarks resources and infrastructure, while certifying our presence and contribution to the well-being of Minnesota. I encourage all our readers to mobilize our Latinos everywhere in Minnesota to be civically engaged through school, county and census opportunities. In this way, we can continue the march toward uplifting the Latino community and set a good example for our children to continue. ¡Si se puede!
Un Orgullo Minnesotano: A Closer Look at Miguel Zarate
AUSTIN, Minn. – Miguel Zarate is the Business Development Coordinator for the Welcome Center, Austin's most sought after resource for Minnesotanos the Southeast Minnesota. Miguel comes to Minnesota from the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. He has studied both accounting and international business in Mexico and Minnesota. As the Welcome Center business program wants to create capacities and tools to people interested to expand, improve, or open a business, Miguel was trained by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation to instruct the Core Four class, a business start-up course. Miguel has also assisted new entrepreneurs in the development of their business in Austin and surrounding areas. These include businesses such as, Novedades Cristal, Taqueria Michoacana, Palacio de la Cumbia, Alicia’s Bakery, La Bamba and a few more that have been helped through this program. CLAC interviewed Miguel for this edition's, Un Orgullo Minnesotano. What professional goals have you set out to accomplish at the Welcome Center? Which goals did you accomplish? In addition, last year the Business Development program provided a total of 98 technical assistances services served the following: six new entrepreneurs, 19 Established Businesses, and 44 Community Individuals with business ideas, four workshops reaching 30 individuals, and during tax season I helped six business and nine business plans were developed. Which other objectives have you met at the Welcome Center? Which achievements are you most proud of? The risk was really worthwhile because as a result it took me closer to the fulfillment of my goals. For me the risk is key to success. Only by assuming risks and overcoming barriers can I reach the successful and desired point. And this is what actually happened to me: I got into the area where I did not have much experience, however now after hard work and much dedication I am half way closer to the point where I see myself in future. What do you see in your future? Help us congratulate Miguel Zarate for being this edition's Un Orgullo Minnesotano!
Mexican Quesadillas Ingredients 1 pkg. (14 oz.) 6" Flour Tortilla Garnishes: Directions Preheat oven to 325º F. Spread 3 tbsp. of refried beans on each of 6 tortillas. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Portion ham on each tortilla, if desired, and top each with shredded cheese. Cover with another tortilla. Bake until quesadillas are warmed through and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Cut into wedges, sprinkle on cilantro and serve with garnishes.
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