LULAC announces legislative priorities
January 06, 2011 9:33 PM
BY SARAH MUELLER

The League of United Latin American Citizens said they were going to fight for their agenda in the state legislature, but they don’t expect to win.

LULAC had a news conference Thursday in Odessa to announce their goals and agenda for the 82nd Texas Legislative session that starts on Tuesday. Speaking at the news conference, former State Director Angie Garcia rallied members in attendance, telling them go and fight for what the organization believes in.

LULAC’s top legislative issue is education. Their agenda calls for more effective programs and greater accountability for secondary students whose first language in not English. They also called for universal access to education and affordable tuition rates for college students.

Deputy State Director Linda Chavez said the organization opposes any cuts to the education budget and urges the legislature to address teacher shortages and high student-dropout rates.

Also high on their agenda are the issues of health care, immigration and redistricting.

LULAC members want the legislature to ensure affordable health care, fund preventive programs and prevent denial of coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

The organization supports comprehensive immigration reform by pushing for a Texas guest-worker program and the continuation of the Texas Dream Act.

LULAC is also preparing to fight against what it considers “anti-Hispanicâ€