Together, the Latino Democratic Caucus ensures that the concerns and values of the Colorado Latino community are an integral part of lawmaking in Colorado.
We begin the 2017 legislative session by making history with Latinas in leadership positions in both chambers for the first time. Our new Speaker of the House is Crisanta Duran and Sen. Lucia Guzmán is now the Senate Minority Leader. We welcome their leadership and continued efforts to ensure a better future for all Coloradans.
Since the recent election, many throughout the country and here in Colorado have been anxious and fearful of how things may change under a new administration. Nationally, over 900 suspected hate incidents have been reported, including several in our state. Many people are also worried about potential changes that would impact people of color, immigrants, Muslims, women, members of the LGBTQ community and the environment.
[pullquote]Haremos todo lo posible para proteger los derechos de nuestros residentes y para defender cualquier esfuerzo que trate de dañar a nuestras comunidades.[/pullquote]
As the Latino Democratic Caucus, we want to state unequivocally that Colorado does not endorse hate. We will do everything we can to protect the rights of all of our residents and to defend against any efforts that seek to harm our communities.
We know that the diversity of our residents is a strength that we will continue to build on. The proud history and invaluable contributions of Latinos to make Colorado the great state that it is must not be overlooked.
One of our predecessors, former Rep. Rich Castro, lived a life that should be an example for all of us. Castro’s roots were in the coal mines of southern Colorado; he also worked in the fields in Glenwood Springs. He never let fear get in his way as he fought for education and civil rights. Even when Rich was beaten by the police, when he was shot on Santa Fe Drive and his home was bombed, he never gave up and never gave in. As the Latino Democratic Caucus we will follow Rich Castro’s lead—using his mantra, ‘Liberty and justice for all, no exceptions.’
The nine members of the Latino Democratic caucus are Senate Democratic Leader Lucia Guzmán, Assistant Minority Leader Leroy García, Sen. Irene Aguilar, Sen. Dominick Moreno, Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran, Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, Rep. Joe Salazar, Rep. Dan Pabon and Rep. Donald Valdez.
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