Washington, D.C. – Today Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley came together with forty-three other Senate Democrats in joining the Hispanic Task Force (HTF), giving it the largest membership in group’s 20 year history.
“I’m proud to join a group of Senators who recognize the priorities of the Hispanic community and are actively working to engage with Hispanic leaders,” said Merkley. “Oregon has a diverse and growing Hispanic community that is contributing to the cultural and political landscape of the state. I look forward to continuing a dialogue with Oregon’s Hispanic leaders and working together to create living-wage jobs, improve education, and expand access to health care for Hispanic families in our state.”
The HTF was founded in 1989 by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) to promote strong partnerships between the Hispanic community and Senate Democrats. Each year, the HTF hosts events and meetings that bring together Democratic senators and Hispanic leaders to discuss federal policies. In the 111th Congress, under Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), the Democratic caucus will carry on the fight to improve opportunities for Hispanics. At the same time, members of the HTF will continue to work with their colleagues in the House of Representatives to ensure that issues important to the Hispanic community will be heard in Congress.
Senator Bob Menéndez (D-NJ), the current Chair of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, has committed to an active agenda that includes listening to the Latino community about the issues that impact it and communicating those comments and concerns to the rest of the Senate.
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