Discussions to be Held Statewide on Issues Impacting Latinos
CHICAGO - June 18, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the start of "Diálogos" with Illinois' Latino community. Beginning today in Aurora, Latino residents throughout Illinois will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Illinois Latino Family Commission and state officials to discuss issues relevant to the Latino community.
"It is important that Latino residents in Illinois are able to express ideas about topics impacting the Latino community, and these 'Diálogos' will give them the opportunity to do that," said Governor Quinn. "This forum will help build a bridge between organizations and coalitions in the community and state agencies."
The first of the "Diálogos" will take place today in the Aurora area, which is home to over 65,500 Latinos who make up 39.9 percent of the city's population. Various state agency representatives, members of the Illinois Latino Family Commission, Compañeros en Salud and other community organizations will be present to discuss topics affecting Aurora Latinos, such as health, education, jobs, housing, youth and family services.
"I look forward to hearing first-hand the issues affecting the Latino communities throughout Illinois and how that opportunity for interaction will translate into more effective services and resources," said Henry Martinez, Illinois Latino Family Commission chairman.
The Illinois Latino Family Commission advises the Governor and the state Legislature on how best to improve and expand existing policies, services, programs and opportunities to better serve Latino residents across the state.
For more information on the Illinois Latino Family Commission, please contact Dr. Layla Suleiman-Gonzalez at (312) 793-3970 or laylasuleiman@illinois.gov.
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