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The Uniquely Personal and Functional 2016 Honda HR-V Goes On Sale May 15 Bringing a Shot of Energy to Growing Entry Crossover Market

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The Uniquely Personal and Functional 2016 Honda HR-V Goes On Sale May 15 Bringing a Shot of Energy to Growing Entry Crossover Market





The Uniquely Personal and Functional 2016 Honda HR-V Goes On Sale May 15 Bringing a Shot of Energy to Growing Entry Crossover Market


Coupe-like style and sportiness blends perfectly with SUV usability to create segment-defining compact crossover


TORRANCE, Calif., May 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With bold and sporty coupe-like styling, SUV versatility, 35 mpg highway fuel economy rating (2WD CVT), and Honda packaging magic, the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V is set to challenge the growing entry crossover market when it hits Honda dealerships nationwide on May 15. The all-new Honda HR-V crossover will deliver incredible value with a long list of standard features and technologies including 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button electric parking brake, rearview camera with guidelines, Pandora® radio and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®1 – all for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at just $19,115.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150429/212626
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73520

Available in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims, the 2016 HR-V is powered by a highly refined and efficient 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing a peak 141 horsepower2 and 127 lb.-ft. of torque3. The engine is paired with one of two efficient and responsive Honda transmissions, a seamless and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), available on all models, or an engaging, short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, available on LX and EX models with 2WD.

The HR-V also targets class-leading safety ratings and features Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision protection. The HR-V is designed to achieve top safety ratings: an NCAP five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2016 HR-V Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Trim

Drivetrain

MSRP1

EPA MPG4 Ratings (city/
highway/combined)

LX

2WD w/ 6MT

$19,115

25/34/28

LX

2WD w/ CVT

$19,915

28/35/31

LX

AWD w/ CVT

$21,165

27/32/29

EX

2WD w/ 6MT

$21,165

25/34/28

EX

2WD w/ CVT

$21,965

28/35/31

EX

AWD w/ CVT

$23,215

27/32/29

EX-L Navi

2WD w/ CVT

$24,590

28/35/31

EX-L Navi

AWD w/ CVT

$25,840

27/32/29

Developed on the new global platform, the HR-V utilizes a center-mounted fuel tank layout and reconfigurable 2nd-Row Magic Seat® to deliver voluminous interior space along with a flexible cabin featuring multiple seating/cargo modes. With 100.1 cu.-ft. of passenger space and 58.8 cu.-ft. of cargo volume (LX FWD) with the 2nd-Row seats folded down, the HR-V has space to rival some competitors’ midsize SUV offerings.

The HR-V’s dynamic appearance and sporty, solid stance is aided by its coupe-like cabin shape and bold and powerfully tapered face. Distinctive side contours, including a sharply upswept character line and deeply sculpted lower body flow into a tapered rear fascia that adds to the visual appeal. Concealed rear door handles further enhance the HR-V’s coupe-like appearance.

The equally sporty and sophisticated interior features an expansive, airy cockpit with an abundance of soft-touch materials and premium detailing punctuated by precise bezels, sophisticated stitch lines and up-market brushed chrome and piano black highlights – all fitting its mission as a youthful yet refined personal crossover vehicle. The three-meter driver’s instrument cluster features “floating” illumination rings and Honda’s ECO Assist™ feature, wherein the speedometer illumination changes from white to green depending on current fuel efficiency.

2016 HR-V Key Packaging Specifications

Wheelbase, in.

102.8

Length, in.

169.1

Width, in.

69.8

Height, in.

63.2

Passenger volume, cu. ft.

100.1 (LX), 96.1 (EX, EX-L Navi)

Cargo volume, cu. ft.

24.3 rear seats up (FWD)

23.2 rear seats up (AWD)

58.8 rear seats down (LX FWD)

57.6 rear seats down (LX AWD)

58.8 rear seats down

(EX,EX-L Navi FWD)

55.9 rear seats down

(EX,EX-L Navi AWD)

Seating capacity

5

Powertrain and Drivetrain
Power comes from a highly refined and responsive 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain, producing a peak 141 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda “G-design” shift logic, or a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (LX and EX FWD only). The HR-V is available with front-wheel-drive or with Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ for outstanding all-weather traction and control.

2016 HR-V Powertrain Specifications Overview

Engine

SOHC i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder

Displacement

1.8 liters

SAE Horsepower @ rpm

141 @ 6500

SAE Torque @ rpm (lb.-ft.)

127 @ 4300

Fuel supply system

Programmed Fuel Injection

(PGM-FI)

Transmission

CVT or 6-speed manual

Drive System

Front-wheel drive/Real Time AWD

Fuel type

Regular unleaded

Emissions certification (CARB/EPA)

Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle

(LEV2 ULEV)5

Body and Chassis
The HR-V utilizes a unique center-mounted fuel tank layout that enables the 2nd-Row Magic Seat® to fold completely flat into the floor, creating a more spacious and versatile interior package. Driving efficiency, handling performance and cabin quietness are further aided by an aerodynamic shape and a lightweight yet rigid body structure with significant noise-insulating materials and design features. The body utilizes Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision protection, and 27 percent of the body is composed of advanced ultra-high strength steel for improved rigidity that enhances collision-protection, handling response, ride quality and a quiet cabin environment.

Fully independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension systems with amplitude reactive dampers maximize rear seating and cargo space while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides a refined and sporty steering feel while minimizing energy requirements. All models feature power-assisted four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Hill Start Assist, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 215/55R17 all-season tires.

2016 HR-V Key Body and Chassis Specifications

Track, F/R, in.

60.4/60.6

Turning diameter, ft.

37.6

Curb Weight, lbs. (FWD 6MT/CVT)

LX:  2888/2902

EX: 2917/2933

EX-L Navi: NA/2947

Curb Weight, lbs. (AWD CVT)

LX: 3062

EX: 3094

EX-L Navi: 3109

Fuel capacity, gal.

13.2

Ground clearance, in.

not loaded/loaded

6.7/4.7

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
Utilizing advanced safety technologies and design features, including Honda’s next-generation ACE™ body structure, the HR-V is expected to achieve top-class collision safety performance ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the rigorous IIHS small-overlap frontal collision test.

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®6 electronic stability control system; an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera7; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; driver and front passenger SmartVent® side airbags; side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)8. Honda LaneWatch®9 display is included with EX and EX-L Navi trims.

Features and Trims
The HR-V offers a high level of standard equipment for an affordable crossover vehicle, along with a long list of available premium features to accommodate a wide variety of consumer needs. LX and EX trims with front-wheel drive can be equipped with either the 6-speed manual transmission or sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all models can be specified as front-wheel-drive or equipped with Real Time AWD™.  Models with Real Time AWD™ are available only with a CVT.

LX comfort and convenience features

  • 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
  • Electric parking brake
  • Rearview camera with guidelines
  • Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
  • Cruise control
  • Steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth®10 HandsFreeLink® phone interface
  • 160-watt, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD
  • USB input11
  • Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface
  • Audio with 5-inch color LCD screen
  • Auto-off headlights
  • Auxiliary jack
  • Cargo area light
  • ECO Assist with ECON mode
  • Extendable sunvisors
  • 12-volt power outlets (front/second row)
  • LED taillights
  • One-touch turn signals
  • LED pocket light
  • Rear heater ducts
  • Two-speed intermittent windshield wipers
  • Reverse-linked intermittent rear windshield wiper
  • 60/40 split 2nd-Row Magic Seat®
  • Speed-sensitive audio volume control
  • Power windows and door locks
  • Expanded View Driver’s Mirror
  • Floor mats

EX additions

  • 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio12 connectivity interface
  • Honda LaneWatch® Display
  • 180-watt, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD
  • Pandora®13 radio compatible
  • Heated front seats
  • One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature
  • Smart Entry and Push-Button Start
  • Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (CVT only)
  • Auto-on/off headlights
  • Fog lights
  • Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
  • Second USB jack
  • SMS Text Message functionality
  • Automatic climate control system with air filtration
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Heated body-colored side mirrors with turn indicators
  • Variable intermittent wipers
  • Lighted vanity mirrors
  • Chrome interior door handles, speaker rings and air vent trims

EX-L Navi additions

  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Leather steering wheel and leather shift knob
  • Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™14
  • SiriusXM®15 radio, HD Radio™16 and Honda Digital Traffic
  • Auto day/night rearview mirror
  • Roof rails

The 2016 Honda HR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty term. The HR-V was developed by Honda R&D Co. Ltd. in Japan, and will be manufactured at Honda’s eighth and newest auto plant in North America, in Celaya, Mexico.

1 MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) excluding tax, license, registration, $880 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

2 141 horsepower @ 6500 rpm (SAE net)

3 127 lb-ft @4300 rpm (SAE net)

4 Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

5 LEV2 ULEV (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

6 VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.

7 Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

9 Display accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and the display may not show all relevant traffic. The display is not a substitute for your own direct visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes.

10 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

11 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work.

12  The Display Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and streaming from some current [Apple/Android] smartphones. For safety reasons, always launch HondaLink applications or perform any other operation on your phone only when the vehicle is safely parked. State or local laws may limit use of texting feature, and Assist functions may be terminated without notice. Your wireless carrier’s rate plans apply. Please see HondaLink terms and conditions for details.

13  Pandora, the Pandora logo, and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. Used with permission. Compatible with select smartphones. See: www.pandora.com/everywhere/mobile. Not all devices compatible with USB connection. Your wireless carrier’s rate plans apply.

14 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on EX-L Navi trims in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. (Honda HD Digital Traffic service only available in the United States, except Alaska)

15 SiriusXM services require a subscription after any trial period. If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call SiriusXM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See our Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Fees and programming subject to change. XM satellite service is available only to those at least 18 years and older in the 48 contiguous United States and D.C. ©2014 Sirius XM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

16 HD Radio is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

 


Hot on Hillary Clinton’s Trail: Bernie Sanders makes presidential bid for 2016

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Hot on Hillary Clinton’s Trail: Bernie Sanders makes presidential bid for 2016


NEW YORK, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders steps up to the plate as the contender against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today with his formal announcement to run for president.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150430/213081)

In spite of Sen. Bernie Sanders doubts’ of Clinton’s political slant on major issues, the tone is obvious that he anticipates a fair fight for the Democratic position and advancing to the General Election based on his stellar approach on topics that average Americans can relate to.

Bet on Bernie Sanders 2016 (formerly known as Ready for Bernie Sanders 2016 PAC) unleashed the red carpet to Sen. Sanders presidential bid with a public display on a ‘Bet on Bernie’ themed billboard in New York, Time Square last week, as reported by New York Daily News in hopes to build up awareness for the New England senator and exploit his roots as a native of Brooklyn, New York.

Supporters from all over the country have pledged their support on social media from the normal civilians to well known celebrities, as Bill Maher, who posted an image and link to an article in regards to the upcoming announcement of Sanders’ presidential bid today.

Bet on Bernie Sanders 2016 chief director Cary Lee Peterson says “We have been here since the beginning and saw this day coming. He’s hands down the people’s choice.”

The independently organized Sanders’ 2016 hybrid PAC encourages people to visit betonbernie.com to get familiar with Sen. Bernie Sanders character, policy, and history as an American political figure. Peterson states that “the website is active for awareness and he hopes to raise awareness for Sanders across the country.”

Article by: Sheila Dawson

Image with caption: “BETONBERNIE.COM: Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. Born & bred in Brooklyn. 30+ years in Congress, not a flaw. The world is ours. GO VOTE! (CNW Group/Cyber Media Services)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150430_C6662_PHOTO_EN_15990.jpg

For further information: Cyber Services Media, Contact: [email protected]

 


Revs. Rodriguez & Moore Call on the U.S. State Department to Reverse Its Decision to Deny a VISA to Iraq’s “Mother Teresa”

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HOUSTON, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — At the conclusion of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONEL’s annual meeting this morning, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of NHCLC/CONEL, and Rev. Johnnie Moore, co-chairman and spokesperson for the organization’s 21 Martyrs Campaign, issued the following statements in response to the U.S. State Department’s denial of a visa to Sister Diana Momeka of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena in Iraq. 

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/CL72800LOGO

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference logo

“Our Christian faith must be preached, proclaimed, and protected,” said Rodriguez. “Having invested her life in Iraq, Sister Momeka has preached, proclaimed and served, and now she needs to be protected. We cannot be complacent when our brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted around the world. 

“In such critical situations, prayer is vital, but following up with action is paramount,” Rodriguez continued. “Through the 21 Martyrs Campaign we are joining leaders together to pray, but we are also urging government officials to do more to specifically address the persecution of Christians by Islamist extremists and call upon the United Nations to convene a summit on Christian persecution around the world.”

According to Moore, since her own displacement at the hands of ISIS, along with 50,000 other Christians from the Iraqi city of Qaraqosh, Momeka has tirelessly taken care of thousands of displaced Christians, Yazidis, other minorities and displaced Muslims.

“Sister Momeka is a gift to the world and a humanitarian whose work reminded me – when I met her in Iraq – of Mother Teresa,” said Moore, author of “Defying ISIS” and a key partner with the 21 Martyrs Campaign. “It is incomprehensible to me that the State Department would not be inviting Momeka on an official visit to the United States, as opposed to barring her from entry. She is an example of the best of faith at a time where religion is being used to cause so much harm.

“Iraq’s Christians have faced the threat of eradication by ISIS,” Moore added. “Reports of threats, extortion, imprisonment, sexual trafficking, forced conversions, and executions are abundant. The Christian population in Iraq has declined by 90 percent in the last decade and vibrant Christian populations in cities like Mosul have been entirely eliminated, not to mention the destruction of myriad churches. Why would the United States not welcome one of those whose faith persists in the face of this terror and whose compassion calls us also to compassion? This is a shameful decision that should be immediately reversed. I truly hope it was just a mistake.” 

Through the 21 Martyrs Campaign, NHCLC/CONEL has joined with religious leaders from around the nation to call upon all Christians to pray for and stand against religious persecution worldwide.

The campaign is named for the 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians murdered in February 2015 at the hands of ISIS terrorists. Following the horrendous act, NHCLC/CONEL called for churches around the globe to allocate a minute of silence followed by a prayer reflecting upon the memory of those killed and for their grieving families.  

NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.

Gov. Mike Huckabee Stresses Importance of Religious Liberty in America at International Gathering of Hispanic Evangelicals

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Gov. Mike Huckabee Stresses Importance of Religious Liberty in America at International Gathering of Hispanic Evangelicals

More than 1,000 Christian leaders assemble for
Annual NHCLC/CONEL Convention in Houston


HOUSTON, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Gov. Mike Huckabee, presumed 2016 Republican presidential candidate, addressed more than 1,000 Latino Evangelical leaders as the featured speaker at the evening awards dinner at The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONEL annual convention in Houston, Texas.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/CL72800LOGO

“The person I am going to introduce to you is a great friend,” said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of NHCLC/CONEL, in introducing Gov. Huckabee from the platform. “He understands with hard work and a good value system you can live the American dream. He is a born-again Christian, who loves Jesus and he is a champion of many of our causes.”

Alluding to the oral arguments regarding same-sex marriage heard by the Supreme Court on April 28, Gov. Huckabee spoke to the critical protection of religious liberty. 

“All of our ancestors came to this country hoping for something that we have been uniquely given and that is liberty—religious liberty. And it is under assault,” Gov. Huckabee said. “May I say to you that I respect the courts, but the Supreme Court is only that – the supreme of the courts. But it is not the Supreme Being…the court cannot change what God has created.”

Gov. Huckabee shared a story of meeting Dmitri, a man who left the Soviet Union in 1988, just one year before the fall of The Berlin Wall. When asked about why he left, the man said it was because his government lied to him.

“I wish more people appreciated their freedom – what freedom really means from the heart of someone who knew what it was like to live without it,” said Gov. Huckabee. “God has given us, by His grace, the opportunity to be the preservers of this Republic – not so we could selfishly take from it, but rather give to it.”

Gov. Huckabee challenged attendees to pray for our country every day.

“We owe it to our children and grandchildren to give them a world that is not falling apart but one that we are working to put back together,” he said. “The one thing we need to do every night of our lives is get on our knees and thank God we live in a country where people are trying hard to get in and not trying to get out of.”

In addition to Gov. Huckabee’s address, a number of key issues were also discussed during an afternoon press conference, including:

Higher Standards of Education
The NHCLC/CONEL’s education directive advocates for Latino student success from preschool through graduate school by resourcing and activating families, churches and communities. Because each student is created in the image of God and deserves a high quality education, NHCLC/CONEL creates education resources and events, which promote discussion and action. 

“What we need is to raise the standards across the board,” said Dr. Carlos Campo, NHCLC/CONEL education directive leader and founder of the Faith & Education Coalition. “We must begin a new narrative. It is now time to prepare our students effectively for life, for college and for being a citizen in this country. We must raise the standards in the classroom, church and in the home.”

NHCLC/CONEL education initiatives and resources are found online at www.faithandeducation.com, alongside links to Christian university and seminary partners.

21 Martyrs Religious Persecution Campaign
Named for the 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians murdered on February 2015 by the hands of ISIS terrorists, the NHCLC/CONEL 21 Martyrs Campaign joins religious leaders from around the nation to call upon all Christians to pray for and stand against religious persecution worldwide.  

“NHCLC/CONEL is an organization that knows what it is like to be a minority,” said Johnnie Moore, author of “Defying ISIS” and a key partner with the 21 Martyrs Campaign. “And these religious groups are minorities in their countries. Populations that survived Genghis Kahn now face eradication because of ISIS.”

Moore went on to challenge the Church to educate itself, raise its voice and put unrelenting pressure on leaders of influence, provide humanitarian assistance – and most of all, to pray.

Liberty Tax Franchise Giveaway
John Hewitt, founder and president of Liberty Tax, announced it is partnering with NHCLC/CONEL to give 20 fully funded business franchises away in an effort to provide an opportunity to 20 Latino entrepreneurs. 

TBN Salsa Launch
Scheduled to debut in 38 markets across the U.S. on June 1, 2015, the Convention provided a platform for NHCLC/CONEL and Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN), the world’s largest Christian television network, to announce the launch of TBN Salsa.  This joint venture 24-hour affinity network will be geared toward second- and third-generation Hispanics who have embraced their culture but have let go of the Spanish language, as well as non-Hispanic viewers who enjoy the unique warmth, passion and flavor of the Latino-American culture and faith community.

In response to Rev. Rodriguez’ expressed desire to reach subsequent generations of Latinos with the Gospel, TBN Vice President Matthew Crouch said, “This is an incredible opportunity to reach tens of millions more individuals and families with programming that is engaging, inspirational, and impacts lives.”

A full list of sessions and press conferences for the remainder of the Convention and further media information can be found at http://alarryross.com/newsroom/nhclc/2015nhclcconvention/.

NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.


AT&T Completes Acquisition of Nextel Mexico

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AT&T Completes Acquisition of Nextel Mexico


MEXICO CITY, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AT&T1 has completed its acquisition of companies operating under the name Nextel Mexico from NII Holdings, Inc., including spectrum licenses, network assets, retail stores and subscribers in Mexico, for $1.875 billion, less approximately $427 million of net debt and other adjustments.

Earlier this year, AT&T acquired Mexican wireless provider Iusacell. AT&T will integrate Iusacell and Nextel into one company focused on bringing more choices, better service and faster mobile Internet speeds to more locations throughout Mexico. AT&T plans to create the first-ever North American Mobile Service area, which will cover more than 400 million consumers and businesses in Mexico and the United States.

Thaddeus Arroyo, Chief Executive Officer for AT&T Mexico, LLC and Iusacell, will lead the combined company.

Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America and has a growing middle class. This economic strength, combined with Mexico’s close geographic, economic and cultural ties to the U.S., make it an attractive place for AT&T to invest.

AT&T’s acquisition of Nextel Mexico was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, which is overseeing the restructuring of NII Holdings. It was also approved by Mexico’s telecom regulator IFT (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones). Swift action by IFT, aided by recent regulatory reform by the Mexican government, has created a positive climate for AT&T to invest significantly in Mexico.

1AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) helps millions of people and businesses around the globe stay connected through leading wireless, high-speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. We’re helping people mobilize their worlds with state-of-the-art communications, entertainment services and amazing innovations like connected cars and devices for homes, offices and points in between. Our U.S. wireless network offers customers the nation’s strongest LTE signal and the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network. We offer the best global wireless coverage.* We’re improving how our customers stay entertained and informed with AT&T U-verse® TV and High Speed Internet services. And businesses worldwide are serving their customers better with AT&T’s mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.

Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at http://about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2015 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Reliability and signal strength claims based on United States carriers’ LTE. Signal strength claim based ONLY on average LTE signal strength. LTE not available everywhere.

*Global coverage claim based on offering voice and data roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offering the most wireless smartphones and tablets that work in the most countries.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

AT&T Inc.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140408/CG99935LOGO

 


People en Espanol Names the 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities of 2015

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People en Espanol Names the 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities of 2015





People en Espanol Names the 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities of 2015


This year’s list includes Eva Longoria, Ryan Guzman, Gina Rodriguez and Sofia Carson, among others


NEW YORK, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The annual People en Espanol “50 Most Beautiful” issue, on sale now, features the hottest and freshest faces in Hispanic entertainment. Spanning the most popular names in music, TV, film and telenovelas, this year’s Bellos shoots are inspired in the four elements: water, fire, air and earth. The cover features international singing sensation Chayanne, actress/producer Eva Longoria, telenovela star actress Kate del Castillo and TV presenter Alejandra Espinoza.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150429/212595

Among the new faces on this year’s list is Jane the Virgin actress Gina Rodriguez. During her interview for the issue, the actress shared her thoughts on beauty.  “You don’t have to get naked to be beautiful and sexy, you don’t have to reconstruct your looks to fit into society, you don’t. You make society fit into you,” says Rodriguez to the magazine.  Other new faces in the issue include singer Becky G, Orange is the New Black actress Dasha Polanco, and Disney Channel’s Sofia Carson, among others.

Returning to the Bellos this year are the beautiful and talented Sofia Vergara, Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee, and actor William Levy, among others. Bachata singer Leslie Grace gets double beauty treatment this year.  Not only is she featured on the Bellos list, she is also on the cover of the magazine’s English-language insert CHICA: Trends for the New Latina.  In the issue, Grace attributes her beauty secrets to her mom. “I’ve been very fortunate to count on my mom who has been in the beauty world for 38, 40 years.  She is very involved in my look,” she states.

For exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of People en Espanol’s “50 Most Beautiful” 2015 shoots and interviews, visit www.PeopleEnEspanol.com.  Starting May 1st, PeopleEnEspanol.com will be featuring photo galleries and interviews of behind-the-scenes moments of this year’s “50 Most Beautiful”.

Also, be sure to watch the live coverage of People en Espanol’s “50 Most Beautiful” 2015 Gala in NYC on www.PeopleEnEspanol.com on Tuesday, May 12th at 8:30 p.m. Catch the magazine’s cover stars and other beautiful celebrities live as they arrive on the red carpet.

To see the complete list of celebrities featured on this year’s “50 Most Beautiful” issue, pick up a copy of the magazine today.

Readers are invited to join the #50MasBellos conversation through the social media content hub at http://www.peopleenespanol.com/bellossocial.

About People en Espanol:

PEOPLE en Espanol was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the top-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Espanol reaches an audience of 6.9 million every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and popular entertainment, fashion and beauty trends and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Espanol delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of today’s Hispanics in the U.S.  The brand’s social media footprint includes 1,200,000 followers on Twitter and over 3,500,000 fans on Facebook.  For daily news, photos, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and celebrity scoops, visit www.PEOPLEEnEspanol.com.

Contact:
Elvis Lizardo
212-522-9658
[email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/


Rate decrease takes effect tomorrow, May 1, for FPL customers

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Rate decrease takes effect tomorrow, May 1, for FPL customers

– Residential customers to see approximately $3 reduction off a typical 1,000-kWh bill

– Typical businesses to see 3 to 6 percent decrease


JUNO BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) customers will see lower electric rates beginning tomorrow, May 1, 2015, when an approved reduction in the company’s fuel charge takes effect.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120301/FL62738LOGO

FPL’s latest rate decrease – the second this year alone – reflects projected savings on fuel costs and will save a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour residential customer approximately $3.00 a month.

With this reduction, FPL’s typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is now more than 10 percent lower than it was in 2006, nearly a decade ago. In addition, FPL’s typical bill is approximately 30 percent lower than the latest national average and the lowest among reporting utilities in Florida.

“We’re working to keep costs down while we continue to invest in major infrastructure improvements that help us reliably deliver affordable energy from a mix of clean fuel sources, including natural gas and solar,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. “We take pride in providing outstanding value to the families and businesses we serve.”

FPL’s Typical-1,000 kWh Residential Customer Monthly Bill

Current Bill

Beginning

May 2015

Decrease in

Customer Bill

$100.12

$97.11

$3.01/month savings

Note: Bill totals include the state’s standard gross receipts tax but do not include any local
taxes or fees that vary by municipality.

FPL business customers will also see a rate reduction – with typical business customer bills decreasing in the range of approximately 3 to 6 percent compared with current rates, depending on rate class and type of service.

“Lower electric bills help ensure that Florida remains a business-friendly environment,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Hotels and restaurants are the backbone of our state’s $76 billion tourism industry and the more we save on energy costs, the more our industry can grow and deliver value for Floridians and visitors to our state.”

“Electricity usage is a significant expense for any business like ours, and FPL’s low rates and commitment to helping us better control costs is most appreciated,” said Rick Hasslinger, vice president of corporate real estate for City Furniture, a business with headquarters in Broward County and 26 locations around Florida.

FPL has been aggressively phasing out older, less-efficient fossil fuel plants since 2001 and replacing them with high-efficiency natural gas energy centers that use one-third less fuel per megawatt-hour – reducing the company’s use of foreign oil by 99 percent. To date, these investments have prevented more than 85 million tons of carbon emissions – the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-equivalent of removing more than 16 million cars from the road annually – and saved FPL customers more than $7.5 billion on fuel costs.

Residential customers can calculate their savings at FPL.com/lowerbills

FPL uses the industry-standard 1,000-kWh residential monthly bill to provide customers with a common benchmark with which to compare rates. The majority of FPL residential customers use less than 1,000 kWh a month on average over the course of a year; however, monthly usage can vary widely from one customer to the next.

FPL residential customers can calculate their individual estimated savings by entering their monthly electricity usage into the online calculator at FPL.com/lowerbills.

FPL.com’s advanced energy tools can help customers save even more

FPL’s Online Home Energy Survey can help customers reduce their bills further with personalized energy-savings plans, tips and recommendations. The survey is integrated with a customer’s individual FPL Energy Dashboard – which is updated automatically with hourly, daily and monthly energy usage data, monthly bill amounts, local temperature readings and more – so tracking and managing energy costs is easier than ever. Customers can visit FPL.com/easytosave to learn more.

Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving approximately 4.8 million customer accounts across nearly half of the state of Florida. FPL’s typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 30 percent lower than the latest national average and, in 2014, was the lowest in Florida among reporting utilities for the fifth year in a row. FPL’s service reliability is better than 99.98 percent, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among all utilities nationwide. The company was recognized in 2014 as the most trusted U.S. electric utility by Market Strategies International, and has earned the national ServiceOne Award for outstanding customer service for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,700 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, including being ranked in the top 10 worldwide for innovativeness and community responsibility as part of Fortune’s 2015 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.” NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. For more information, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

Cautionary Statements And Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy’s control. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning future operating performance. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “will,” “may result,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “aim,” “potential,” “projection,” “forecast,” “predict,” “goals,” “target,” “outlook,” “should,” “would” or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and its business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require it to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy’s business operations; inability of NextEra Energy to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy; disallowance of cost recovery based on a finding of imprudent use of derivative instruments; effect of any reductions to or elimination of governmental incentives that support utility scale renewable energy projects or the imposition of additional taxes or assessments on renewable energy; impact of new or revised laws, regulations or interpretations or other regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy; effect on NextEra Energy of potential regulatory action to broaden the scope of regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) financial derivatives and to apply such regulation to NextEra Energy; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy; effects on NextEra Energy of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal regulation of its operations; effect on NextEra Energy of changes in tax laws and in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy of adverse results of litigation; effect on NextEra Energy of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy resulting from risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy of a lack of growth or slower growth in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyber-attacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy’s business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low gas and oil prices could impact NextEra Energy’s gas infrastructure business and cause NextEra Energy to delay or cancel certain gas infrastructure projects and for certain existing projects to be impaired, risk of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide full energy and capacity requirement services; inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; potential volatility of NextEra Energy’s results of operations caused by sales of power on the spot market or on a short-term contractual basis; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy’s ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy’s risk management tools associated with its hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation facilities on sale and delivery of power or natural gas; exposure of NextEra Energy to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy’s information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy’s retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in OTC markets; impact of negative publicity; inability to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements; increasing costs of health care plans; lack of a qualified workforce or the loss or retirement of key employees; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy’s ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures at nuclear generation facilities resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses; liability for increased nuclear licensing or compliance costs resulting from hazards, and increased public attention to hazards, posed to owned nuclear generation facilities; risks associated with outages of owned nuclear units; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on NextEra Energy’s ability to fund its liquidity and capital needs and meet its growth objectives; inability to maintain current credit ratings; impairment of liquidity from inability of credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy’s defined benefit pension plan’s funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy’s investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy’s performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy’s ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; and effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets of the market price of NextEra Energy’s common stock. NextEra Energy discusses these and other risks and uncertainties in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other SEC filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings made through the date of this news release. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.


Sprint Rehires Prince Royce to Fuel Sales Growth in the Newly Created Hispanic Business Unit

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Sprint Rehires Prince Royce to Fuel Sales Growth in the Newly Created Hispanic Business Unit

In an unprecedented move, Prince Royce returns to his roots — Sprint retail — where he was a store host in the Bronx


OVERLAND PARK, Kansas and MIAMI, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Prince Royce, award-winning artist and one of Latin music’s fastest-rising superstars, has been rehired by Sprint’s new Hispanic Business Unit. He will work with the company to help develop unique music-related initiatives and programs.

Prince Royce got his start as a Sprint employee in New York, working toward his goal of becoming a professional musician. Using the money he made at Sprint, Prince Royce recorded the very demo that helped launch his first album and kick-start his musical career. 

Prince Royce recently scored a mainstream US hit with his first English-language single, “Stuck On A Feeling” featuring Snoop Dogg.  Royce also has a song featured in the “Furious 7” soundtrack, entitled “My Angel” and will soon be releasing “Back It Up” featuring Pitbull, the second single off his upcoming debut album in English, due out this summer. The artist will also be a Special Guest on Ariana Grande’s Honeymoon Tour starting in July. Young, but well-decorated, Prince Royce has garnered over 150 nominations from the likes of the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Billboard Latin Music Awards, Premios Juventud, Premios Lo Nuestro, Broadcast Music Awards, the Latin Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Awards. In sum, the royal record producer has won 66 awards for his contributions in the Latin music industry.

“Sprint has been a part of my journey from the beginning and I feel honored to be reunited with a brand I believe in, and that also believes in me. Together with Marcelo Claure and his Sprint team, I look forward to hearing from and connecting more closely with fans and customers across the country.”

Prince Royce

“We are on a mission to give our customers more of what they want, including greater access to their passions like music and all things entertainment. Given his history with our brand, passion for his fans and incredible talent, collaborating with Prince Royce was an easy decision to make.”

Marcelo Claure, CEO of Sprint

When fans look at Prince Royce, they see a relatable, hard-working guy with an incredible success story and a voice that speaks directly to them – the ideal person to tap to collaborate with Sprint. In his first act as a Sprint employee, Royce will attend today’s event at the Miami-area Sprint store, getting to know customers, fans and community members as part of his trip to Miami for the 2015 Premios Billboard. Royce will present Sprint’s $10,000 donation to ASPIRA of Florida – a nonprofit Hispanic organization dedicated to developing the Hispanic youth’s educational and leadership capacity – to help further its overall reach.

About Prince Royce

According to Billboard, Prince Royce is “the most successful new Latin act in recent years”. His self-titled debut album has been certified 3x Platinum in the US and Puerto Rico, and 4x Platinum in Chile. His latest album Soy El Mismo debuted at #1 in US and PR and has been certified Platinum according to the RIAA. Its first single “Darte Un Beso”, was the #1 song in the country for 14 weeks according to Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs” chart, joining a long list of #1 hits including “Stand By Me”, “Corazon Sin Cara”, “Las Cosas Pequenas” and “Te Me Vas”. Second single “Te Robare” reached #1 on Billboard’s “Latin Airplay” chart recently, marking Royce’s eighth #1 and his 7th consecutive #1 single on the chart. The twenty-five year old has recorded hit songs with superstars Snoop Dogg, Mana, Daddy Yankee, Selena Gomez, Thalia and Michel Telo, toured the US with Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull, headlined three 30-city US tours which included sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall and the NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE. Royce has won 20 Latin Billboard Awards, 16 Premios Lo Nuestro and 18 Premios Juventud. He is a seven-time Latin Grammy nominee. At the age of twenty-two, Royce garnered the Composer of the Year Award at the 2012 Latin Billboard Awards, becoming the youngest person in the history of the awards to receive the honor; and at 23 he won the 2013 BMI Latin Songwriter of the Year Award. In 2013, the artist signed a major recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment for the release of Spanish-language albums through Sony Music Latin as well as English-language albums via RCA Records. Royce, who has performed on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, the X-Factor and has been a special guest on Extra!, is currently putting the finishing touches on his first English-language album slated for release later this year. His new single “Back It Up” is available on iTunes May 4. Prince Royce is managed by David Sonenberg and William Derella of DAS communications.

About ASPIRA

The mission of ASPIRA of Florida is to foster Latino youth through empowerment in their pursuit of educational excellence through leadership development programs that emphasize commitment to the community. For more than thirty-years, ASPIRA of Florida has played an integral role in shaping the lives of Latino youth throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. For more information please visit: www.ASPIRAfl.org.

About Sprint

Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served nearly 56 million connections as of Dec. 31, 2014, and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying  innovative  technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in  the  United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the past four years. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint

 




Gov. Jeb Bush Speaks to Hispanic Evangelical Group about How His Faith & Life Experiences Impact Key Political Views

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Gov. Jeb Bush Speaks to Hispanic Evangelical Group about How His Faith & Life Experiences Impact Key Political Views

President and First Lady George H.W. Bush in Attendance; USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez Discusses Fixing Broken Immigration System


HOUSTON, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Gov. Jeb Bush, presumed 2016 presidential candidate, today addressed The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONEL annual convention of more than 1,000 Latino Evangelical leaders in Houston, Texas. As his parents, President and First Lady George H.W. Bush looked on, Gov. Bush spoke about the importance of faith and the Latino culture on issues of education, immigration, religious liberty and the economy.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/CL72800LOGO

“Jeb Bush is a blessing for our nation,” Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of NHCLC/CONEL, said in introducing him from the platform. “He speaks the language of faith, family, religious freedom and entrepreneurship. And he agrees we don’t want our children to have multi-generational dependence on Uncle Sam … we don’t want to survive, we want to thrive.”

Gov. Bush shared about the importance of meeting his wife Columba, a native of Mexico, converting to Catholicism, and the valuable lessons he learned from his first unsuccessful run for governor in 1994.

“Life is full of disruptions and learning from failure—we need to restore that in America with the right to rise,” said Gov. Bush. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, where you are from, the color of your skin or the income of your family, every American should have the right to rise up and pursue your own dreams.”

Gov. Bush continued by sharing about the importance of raising education standards in our nation, providing examples from his own state of Florida, which is now the national leader in education. The Governor also addressed the topic of immigration and ensuring an immigration policy that made it easier to immigrate legally, rather than illegally.

“Immigration is a key element of our country’s success. We are nation of immigrants. This is not the time to abandon something that makes us special and unique,” said Gov. Bush in his remarks. “Only America, a country of scale, has the chance to become young and dynamic again. We have the ability — because of immigration — to be an emerging country again, to believe our future is brighter than our present. We have to fix a broken immigration system, and we have to do it in short order.”

Earlier in the day NHCLC/CONEL hosted a panel to discuss the issue of immigration. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez emphasized that programs through his office are not substitutes for comprehensive immigration reform.

“I am a patriot, I believe in America, and I believe that anything that is broken in America can be fixed,” Director Rodriguez said during his remarks.And what needs to be fixed right now is immigration reform. Besides the political speed bumps we have encountered, I believe we can still get this done.”

Believing immigration reform is as much a religious, as it is a policy, issue, NHCLC/CONEL leaders have been actively rallying support from the Evangelical Christian community, which was once hesitant to embrace reform but now believes it is necessary to heal communities, usher in peace and promote righteousness and justice.

“Sometimes the first reaction when discussing immigration is that it is a political issue, but as Christians we should be looking at it through Scripture, and there are very many verses that call us to love others, seek justice, show compassion and also respect the rule of law,” said Matthew Soerens, U.S. Church Training Specialist for World Relief. “We’ve seen research that shows attitudes toward immigration change when someone knows someone who is personally impacted. It is really important that we share our stories – not just in the local church but in your community, because when people hear stories, it changes their perspective.”

NHCLC/CONEL supports reform focused on three main elements that puts an end to all illegal immigration. First, increasing border protection, including using infrared, satellite, and other technologies in addition to border patrols. Second, creating a market-driven, guest-worker program that provides clear avenues by which millions of undocumented families can obtain legal status in a manner that reflects the Judeo-Christian value system on which this nation was founded. And finally, developing standards for undocumented residents without a criminal record who are earning citizenship status to go to the back of the citizenship line and receive a financial penalty, while acquiring civic and language proficiency and serving the local community.

“We are all created by the same God. We all equally possess the image of God and that alone should be enough to cause us to call for immigration reform,” said Barrett Duke, vice president of The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of The Southern Baptist Convention.

NHCLC/CONEL leaders, including President Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, have held numerous meetings with The White House and Congress working within the legislative system toward comprehensive immigration reform.

Gov. Mike Huckabee will join the evening session of the Convention as a special guest for the dinner and awards presentation. A full list of sessions and press conferences for the remainder of the Convention and further media information can be found at http://alarryross.com/newsroom/nhclc/2015nhclcconvention/.

NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.


Marian Wright Edelman Honored by the Education Law Center

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Marian Wright Edelman Honored by the Education Law Center

ETS President Walt MacDonald presented the award


NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Education Law Center (ELC) presented this year’s Education Justice Award to Marian Wright Edelman, President and Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. The award was presented by Educational Testing Service President Walt MacDonald during last evening’s annual ELC fundraising event which honors individuals and organizations for their commitment to public education.

Also feted at this year’s event was Rutgers Law Professor Paul Tractenberg who was presented with the Morheuser Humanitarian Award which honors dedication to the advancement of the educational rights of students in New Jersey’s public schools. It is presented in memory of the late Marilyn Morheuser, ELC’s long-time Executive Director and advocate for education justice.

“It is difficult to offer fresh praise to this year’s recipient of the Education Law Center’s Education Justice Award,” said Walt MacDonald, ETS President and CEO, who presented the award. The `simple’ reason, if anything in the fight for justice in education is simple, is that Marian Wright Edelman has won so many awards and honors over the past 50 years — every one of them hard won and richly deserved. Her name is synonymous with the cause of equity in education, and tireless defense of children’s rights and well-being.”

“As Marian often says, `Service is the rent we pay for living.’ That being the case, she has paid an awful lot of rent these past 50 years. And countless children are the better for it. On behalf of the Education Law Center and Educational Testing Service — and on behalf of your many fans throughout the country — I am honored to present you with the 2015 Education Justice Award in honor of your outstanding service and commitment to advancing equal educational opportunity for public school children across the U.S.”

A graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, Ms. Edelman began her career as an advocate for the disenfranchised in the 1960s. As the first African-American woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, she directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson. In 1968, she moved to Washington, D.C., to work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as counsel to the Poor People’s Campaign.

She later founded the Washington Research Project, a public interest law firm, and served as the Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University. In 1973, she founded the Children’s Defense Fund. As president of the CDF, Marian Wright Edelman has proved to be one of the most effective advocates for disadvantaged children and families not only of our time, but in American history.

The CDF’s “Leave No Child Behind” mission is to ensure that every child gets a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life, and a successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Previous winners have included Dr. Pedro Noguera, Professor and Director of the Metropolitan Center at NYU, Wade Henderson, President of the Leadership Conference for Human and Civil Rights, Diane Ravitch, noted educator and New York University Professor and Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NAACP.

About ELC
Founded in 1973, the Education Law Center (ELC) serves as the leading voice for New Jersey’s public school children and has become one of the most effective advocates for equal educational opportunity and education justice in the United States. Widely recognized for groundbreaking court rulings on behalf of at-risk students, ELC also promotes educational equity through coalition building, litigation support, policy development, communications, and action-focused research in New Jersey, in other states, and at the federal level.

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests, the GRE® tests and The Praxis Series® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org