Los Angeles, CA–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–October 16, 2002–The California Latino Legislative Caucus last night announced the launch of the California Latino Legislative Caucus Institute for Public Policy at a testimonial dinner attended by hundreds to honor the stellar legislative career of Senator Richard G. Polanco.
The California Latino Legislative Caucus Institute for Public Policy is a newly established 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization created as a bi-partisan effort by the California Latino Legislative Caucus to serve as a broad based public policy, educational and leadership development organization.
The Institute’s mission is to create a better California through effective public policy, research and leadership development. The Institute will serve as an agent of change to ensure that California’s Latino community has an increasingly positive and dynamic influence on the diverse economic, social and political body, which is California.
“The Latino community has grown tremendously over the last decade. Through the leadership of the Latino Legislative Caucus, the Latino community has gained a valuable voice in the political process. This Institute takes that leadership effort one step forward in addressing the needs, concerns and problems Latinos face in California through effective and sound public policy”, stated Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh, Chair-Elect of the Latino Legislative Caucus.
As part of the process of launching the organization, the Institute developed a 5-year strategic plan to assure the long-term viability of the organization. “The strategic plan has been developed to help us establish a road map for the future. The strategic goals include the support of public policy, the establishment of the Richard G. Polanco Fellowship Program, the creation of an internship program for public service, yearly public symposia, the building of an endowment fund and the formation of corporate resource partnerships”, stated David Lizarraga, President of the Board of Directors.
The Institute received major financial support from MBNA America, which agreed to be the Founding Member of the Institute. “We are extremely honored that Jim Kallstrom and MBNA America provided the funding to establish this new public policy venture. This Institute will help set public policy for all Californians in policy areas which affect their daily lives”, stated Senator Richard G. Polanco.
The Institute will serve as public policy change agent to address issues Latinos face domestically and internationally such as education, healthcare, housing, energy, immigration and trade.
The Institute Board of Directors include: David Lizarraga, President, Carmen O. Perez, Secretary, and RC Schrader, Treasurer. The Institute has also established a corporate advisory council whose founding members include: AT & T, Johnson & Johnson, MBNA America, Sempra Energy and TELACU.
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CONTACT:
California Latino Legislative Caucus Institute for Public Policy
RC Schrader (714) 328-7683
or
Baca Sigala & Associates
Lisa Baca-Sigala (323) 660-7234
