AHCC Supports Creation of Hispanic Affairs Department and Hispanic Education Act
Albuquerque, N.M. – The ALBUQUERQUE HISPANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (AHCC) is supporting the establishment of a “Hispanic Affairs Department” and “The Hispanic Education Act”.
The AHCC and its Board of Directors support the Draft Bill for the establishment of a Hispanic Affairs Department as sponsored by Sen. Michael Sanchez.
The purpose of which is to create a single, unified department to administer laws and exercise functions that will enable the executive branch to achieve a coordinated and effective system dedicated to improving educational achievement gaps and health care access and reducing poverty rates among Hispanics in New Mexico. The creation of the Hispanic Affairs Department will begin to effectively address these and related issues impacting Hispanic in New Mexico.
Further, The AHCC supports the Hispanic Education Act sponsored by Rep. Rick Miera. The Hispanic Education Act will provide for the creation of a Hispanic Education Division of the Public Education Department; the purpose of which is to ensure equitable and culturally relevant learning environments, educational opportunities and culturally relevant instructional materials for Hispanic students enrolled in public schools.
The AHCC supports these two bills which affect all New Mexicans. Support for the The Hispanic Education Act for example begins to address and eliminate the achievement gap. Support for the Department of Hispanic Affairs Department Bill will provide an annual report on the conditions of the majority population (Hispanics in New Mexico) and give direction for meaningful legislative policy decision making.
Support for these two Bills will create more focus on the Hispanic majority population in New Mexico positively impacting economic and social issues for Hispanics and all New Mexicans.
“It is vital that New Mexico legislators pass these historic Bills,” Randolph M. Sanchez Chairman of the Board for the AHCC recently stated. The future of our economic and social environments are at risk if we fail to address educational, health and quality of life issues which impact more than 1 million Hispanics in New Mexico.
AHCC Mission: The AHCC is organized to promote economic development, to enhance economic opportunities and to provide business and workforce education with an emphasis on the Hispanic and small business community in Albuquerque and New Mexico.