Hispanic legislators convene in San Juan for National Summit.

President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), New York Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz, announces the convening of their Fourth National Summit on November 16th -19th, 2006 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Summit will bring together state, local and national Hispanic leaders in government, businesses and community to address serious issues impacting Hispanic families across our country.

Puerto Rican leaders Senate President Kenneth McClintock and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose F. Aponte Hernandez will take an active role in working with Assemblyman Ortiz to embrace issues impacting Hispanic communities, and work together to forge solutions that will enrich the lives of all Hispanics.

The most pressing work will focus on NHCSL’s policy priorities in the areas of health, education and immigration. A special session about Women’s Health and a dedication ceremony honoring Veterans is also on the agenda. McClintock and Aponte will host a special reception for NHCSL at the State Capitol on Friday, November 17.

Senate President McClintock stated, “It is an honor to be hosting an event of such importance for the NHCSL. I’m sure that the Summit will provide the perfect opportunity to discuss a diversity of issues that concern us all, as well as grant us the to chance to exchange ideas and come up with new initiatives that will lead us to achieve our common goals of claiming our rights, obtaining the equality we deserve and acquiring the political power that we need. Not only is this the ideal occasion to strengthen the bonds of communication within the Caucus, it is time to make our voices be heard and our actions be noted through the positive impact on public policies that I am certain we can achieve.”

House Speaker Aponte Hernandez said, “The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico is truly honored to be co-host of NHCSL’s Fourth National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators to be held in San Juan. Such an event would provide an excellent opportunity for the discussion of issues that are of the utmost importance to all Hispanics across our Nation, regardless that they live in New York, Texas, California, New Mexico or Puerto Rico. At the same time, this Summit would allow fellow legislators from other states to get to know Puerto Rico, as well as better understand the need for our People to be given a real opportunity for true self-determination. Therefore, on behalf of the 51 members of the House of Representatives… Welcome to Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment!”

The Summit officially begins with a John S. Martinez Golf Outing to help raise funds for the “John S. Martinez Excellence in Leadership” Scholarship Fund created to help young high school students who aspire to having a political career. The fund was created to honor the legacy of the late, former president of NHCSL, Representative John S. Martinez of Connecticut. The golf outing will be held at the El Dorado Golf Resort in San Juan.

To register visit http://www.nhcsl.org