Latino military veterans will benefit from California laws

California Governor signs legislation to support veterans with needs instead of jail time.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed several bipartisan bills that improve services and opportunities for veterans in California.

“Yesterday, a bill to invest in job training for veterans was blocked because of Washington political infighting,” said Governor Brown. “Here in California, Republicans and Democrats joined together to support our veterans. These bills respect the honor and dignity of those who serve.”

“This comprehensive package of legislation signed by Governor Brown continues to demonstrate that California is fulfilling its obligation to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much,” said Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, California National Guard Adjutant General.

“Veterans issues should never be partisan,” said California Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Peter J. Gravett. “These bills show our commitment to serving those who served.”

The Governor signed the following bills:

• AB 2462 by Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego) – Public postsecondary education: academic credit for prior military academic experience:
- Requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to determine which courses should be awarded credit for prior military academic experience using standards of the American Council on Education.

• AB 2133 by Assemblymember Robert Blumenfield (D-Van Nuys) – Veterans: priority registration:
- Increases, from 4 to 15, the number of years after leaving active duty that a veteran, who is a resident of California, is eligible for priority registration for enrolling in classes at the CCC, the CSU and the UC.

• AB 2478 by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) – Student residency requirements: veterans:
- Expands the current exemption given to veterans from paying non-resident tuition at California Community Colleges by one year, as specified.

• AB 1904 by Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego) – Professions and vocations: military spouses: expedited licensure:
- Requires boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs to expedite the licensure process for military spouses and domestic partners of military members on active duty in California.

• SB 1405 by Senator Kevin De León (D-Los Angeles) – Accountancy: military service: practice privilege:
- Authorizes accountants to have their licenses placed on a military inactive status while engaged in active duty in the National Guard or armed forces.

• AB 2659 by Assemblymember Robert Blumenfield (D-Van Nuys) – Vehicles: driver's licenses:
- Allows licensed drivers of military commercial vehicles to qualify for a California commercial driver's license without additional California driving tests.

• SB 1413 by Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) – Adjutant General: support programs:
- Allows the Adjutant General to establish support programs, acquire facilities and solicit and accept donations for the benefit of military personnel and their families.

• AB 2371 by Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Marina Del Rey) – Veterans: criminal defendants: mental health issues and restorative relief:
- Provides restorative relief to a veteran defendant who acquires a criminal record due to a mental disorder stemming from military service.

• AB 1224 by the Committee on Veterans Affairs – Veterans: veterans’ farm and home purchases:
- Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to adopt implementing regulations necessary to allow financing of cooperative dwelling units.

• AB 1505 by Assemblymember Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) – Department of Veterans Affairs: veterans’ benefits: reinstatement:
- Reinstates state veterans benefits that were denied solely on the basis of sexual orientation when the federal government first reinstates those benefits.

• SB 1287 by Senator Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach) – Sport fishing licenses:
- Requires the Department of Fish and Game to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to active military personnel who are recovering service members.

• SB 1288 by Senator Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach) – Hunting licenses:
- Requires the Department of Fish and Game to issue a reduced hunting fee license to military personnel who are recovering service members.

• AB 2490 by Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Marina Del Rey) – Veterans: correctional counselors:
- Requires the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to develop policies to assist veteran inmates in pursuing veteran’s benefits.

• AB 342 by Assemblymember Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) – Office of Planning and Research:
- Designates the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to serve as the state liaison with the United States Department of Defense.

• AB 1550 by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) – Vehicles: veterans' organizations license plates fees:
- Increases the fees required to issue, renew, and personalize specialized veterans’ license plates to fund veterans' organizations.

• AB 2202 by Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego) – Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: State Council:
- Extends the January 1, 2013 sunset to 2016 for the Superintendent of Public Instruction to reconvene a task force to review and make recommendations regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

• AB 2198 by Assemblymember Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) – Department of Veterans Affairs: reporting requirements:
- Recalibrates reporting requirements in the annual county veterans service officers’ report to ensure these programs are maximizing support to veterans.

• SB 1198 by Senator Ronald Calderon (D-Montebello) – Department of Veterans Affairs: publicity of benefit programs for homeless veterans:
- Requires CalVet to provide veterans with information about federal veteran pensions, federal housing vouchers, and CalFresh.

For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

National Latino Tid Bits and Anecdotes for 9/17/12

LATINOS ARE THE FOCUS FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
By John Neri, America's Channel

SAN FRANCISCO, CA --As we launch into National Hispanic Heritage Month, there a numerous stories about Latino businesses and recognitions.  Here's the week's summary:

BUSINESS

Los Angeles, Ca -- GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney will be addressing the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their annual convention in hopes of gaining some level of support.  At present, he has half of the support now enjoyed by President Barack Obama.  CBS News featured the following video:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57513859/romney-targets-hispanic-business-owners/

Chicago, Ill -- The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a new survey says Hispanic Entrepreneurs are conserving their cash and cutting spending in fears of the health care changes, taxes, and federal deficit (someone's got to pay the bill.)  The survey conducted by PNC Bank and Latino Decisions is the first of its kind. 

"Hispanic business owners are taking a conservative approach to managing their business as they hunker down in the current economy," said Jesus Munoz, PNC business banking vice president. PNC, the fifth-biggest bank in Chicago, released the findings as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Compared with the PNC economic outlook survey of small- and midsize business owners in spring 2012, the survey shows that fewer Hispanic business owners are investing in their businesses with new loans, lines of credit and capital spending than Chicago business owners overall.

San Jose, Ca -- The Los Angeles Times has an article that "Mi Pueblo Food Center," which has 21 outlets in the San Francisco Bay area, was forced to use E-Verify by immigration officials.  Even though the company were critical of the program, they allege DHS officials pressured the company to use it.  The adoption of the program has angered employees and customers alike.

"He says he (company founder Juvenal Chavez, an immigrant) has suffered the pain of being an immigrant. I don't believe it," said Rogelio Marquez, 37, who said he was laid off from the Gilroy store after becoming active with a workers union. "We support the economy of this country. Why is this man now checking papers?"

Now Mi Pueblo is facing boycotts from the very communities they serve.  DHS denies forcing Mi Pueblo to use E-Verify.

Washington D.C. -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced the election of two future Chairmen of the Board of Directors, who will serve consecutively after the term of incoming Chairman Marc Rodriguez ends in 2014.  Ignacio R. Veloz was elected to serve from 2014-2015, and Raymond J. Arroyo to follow from 2015-2016.

Veloz is President of Inmobiliaria Nuestro Servicio, Inc., a company dedicated to administering and maintaining condominiums and commercial properties and is also the president of the United Retailers Association of Puerto Rico (CUD).

Arroyo is the head of Alternative Distribution at Aetna, where he is responsible for membership growth.  He is the former Chief Diversity Officer at Aetna.

POLITICS

New York, NY -- No shocker here as a study by the National Hispanic Media Coalition finds that Fox News audiences are more likely to have a negative or misinformed opinion about Latinos and immigrants.  The study, conducted in conjunction with Latino Decisions found that Fox News audiences are "more likely to agree that Latinos are on welfare (56%), take jobs from Americans (43%) and have too many children (42%)."

To see the study results, click found .

 Washington D.C. -- President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month in which he said that Hispanics “have shaped and strengthened the fabric of our Union.”

Latino voters are a goldmine during this Presidential election, so his statement also says “(Hispanics) have enriched every aspect of our national identity with traditions that stretch across centuries and reflect the many ancestries that comprise the Hispanic community.”

This is a no "shocker" statement.

Washington D.C. -- Not to be out done by the President, the Republican National Committee (RNC) also released a statement recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.

“For generations, Hispanics have strengthened our society and our country. We honor their many contributions during Hispanic Heritage Month, a tradition begun in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.  “But today, the economy isn’t working for far too many Hispanics. These hard working Americans deserve a country that honors their values, their work, and their sacrifice and an Administration that is committed to restoring the American Dream.”

“This month is a chance for all Americans to discover and rediscover the richness and diversity of the Hispanic community,” said RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day. “We honor their past, and recommit ourselves to fighting for the future we will all share–one where everyone has a shot at the American Dream. Republicans, led by Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, are committed to leading us toward that future, where the opportunities that drew generations to America are once again abundant.”

No question, Latinos are the focus of attention.

PROFILES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

L-R: Frank Montes, Roy Perez, Christy Lancaster, Gloria Perez

Riverside, Ca -- Immediate Past Chairman of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Roy M. Perez continues to receive accolades and recognitions for his continued advocacy for businesses.  On September 6, 2012, Perez was recognized by the Riverside Black Chamber of Commerce with the "2012 True Collaboration Award." Perez, whose small business advocacy has earned him awards from the California American GI Forum, the Latina Business Women's Association of San Diego, and numerous California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

"I want to thank the Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce, especially Christy Lancaster for her kind words," said Perez in accepting the award.  "I'm proud to have been a part of the collaborative leadership that has turned the region's economy around."

Perez is CEO of RMP Strategies, a small business advocacy company.

L-R: Leslie Leal-Gauna, Gretel Perera

Austin, Tx -- Q Communications Group is a Latina PR firm that was featured in the Austin American-Statesman newspaper as a part of their new business column.  Established by Gretel Perera and Leslie Leal-Gauna, the firm offers services to businesses trying to reach the Latino market, first locally, then nationally.  In addition, they are partnering with general market agencies to maximize capacity.

"We offer something that is pretty unique in the marketplace: communications with a little spice," says Perera.  "Our public relations agency is led by two Latina PR and marketing professionals that have a personal insight, knowledge and appreciation of the Latino market. One of our goals is to partner with general market agencies and Hispanic advertising companies in order to provide the Hispanic public relations arm of a campaign. Together, we can help companies and organizations reach their target audience through a concerted communications effort."

Cool start.

Singer Christina Aguilera

Pasadena, Ca -- The 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards will be broadcast on NBC Television Network on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 (8-9 p.m. ET). The show, a star studded special kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month, will once again be co-hosted by Eva Longoria and George Lopez.  Five-time Grammy Award winner Christina Aguilera (NBC’s “The Voice”) will receive the 2012 NCLR Special Achievement Award, noted for her incredible career and exceptional work in philanthropy.

According to information from NBC, Aguilera has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and won five Grammy Awards. She has released seven albums, with pop hits that include “Beautiful,” “Genie in a Bottle” and “Dirrty.”

Over her career, Aguilera has been nominated for ten ALMA Awards and has taken home three ALMAS.

The ALMA Awards is hosted by the National Council of La Raza.

BLUNDER OF THE WEEK

Washington D.C. -- Who says government isn't sensitive to its people, unless your the Environmental Protection Agency, which wins our "Blunder of the Week" award for its insensitive effort in promoting Hispanic Heritage Month.  In an email, the environmentally conscious demonstrated its unconscious sensitivity to Latinos by using a plagiarized picture of Che Guevara (yes, a promoter of communism).

Here is the email:

From: Susie Goldring/DC/USEPA/US
Date: 09/13/2012 02:51PM
Subject: Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic news you can use!

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Over the past decades, the Hispanic population in the USA has shown tremendous rise. For the uninitiated, Hispanics are people who have origins related to the country Spain. In the recent years, the term Hispanics is also used to categorize a larger group of population in the US who originally belonged to the nations ruled by Spain.

Being Latino doesn't mean we can relate to just any image of Latinos.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/09/15/4265564/ushcc-unveils-leadership-roadmap.html#storylink=cpy

U.S. Latino Fact Check: 1.2 million Latino Veterans

Hispanic Heritage Month 2012:  Sept. 15 - Oct. 15

Quick facts about Latinos in the U.S. - erasing the myths

US Census Bureau

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 by Congress to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15), effective the following year. America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Population

52.0 million

The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2011, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 16.7 percent of the nation's total population. In addition, there are 3.7 million residents of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates <http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/asrh/2011/index.html>.

1.3 million

Number of Hispanics added to the nation's population between July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011. This number is more than half of the approximately 2.3 million added to the nation's population during this period.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates

National Characteristics: Population by Sex, Race, and Hispanic origin <http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/asrh/2011/index.html>

2.5%

Percentage increase in the Hispanic population between 2010 and 2011.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates

National Characteristics: Population by Sex, Race, and Hispanic origin <http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/asrh/2011/index.html>

132.8 million

The projected Hispanic population of the United States on July 1, 2050. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 30 percent of the nation's population by that date.

Source: Population Projections <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb08-123.html>

50.5 million

The number of Hispanics counted during the 2010 Census. This was about a 43 percent increase from the Hispanic population in the 2000 Census, which was 35.3 million.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

2nd

Ranking of the size of the U.S. Hispanic population worldwide, as of 2010. Only Mexico (112 million) had a larger Hispanic population than the United States (50.5 million).

Source: International Data Base <http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idbsum.html>

63%

The percentage of Hispanic-origin people in the United States who were of Mexican background in 2010. Another 9.2 percent were of Puerto Rican background, 3.5 percent Cuban, 3.3 percent Salvadoran and 2.8 percent Dominican. The remainder was of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic/Latino origin.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

States and Counties

Florida

The state with the highest median age, 34, within the Hispanic population.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates

State Characteristics: Median Age by Race and Hispanic Origin <http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/asrh/2011/index.html>

14.4 million

The estimated population for those of Hispanic-origin in California as of July 1, 2011.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates State Characteristics: Population by Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin <http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/asrh/2011/index.html>

8

The number of states that have a population of 1 million or more Hispanic residents -- Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates State Characteristics: Population by Race and Hispanic Origin

<http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/asrh/2011/index.html>

More than 50%

The percent of all the Hispanic population that live in California, Florida, and Texas as of July 1, 2011.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates State Characteristics: Population by Race and Hispanic Origin

<http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/asrh/2011/index.html>

46.7%

The percentage of New Mexico's population that was Hispanic as of July 1, 2011, the highest of any state.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates State Characteristics: Population by Race and Hispanic Origin

<http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/asrh/2011/index.html>

147.9%

The percentage increase in the Hispanic population in South Carolina between April 1, 2000, and April 1, 2010, the highest of any state. Alabama had the second highest increase, with 144.8 percent.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

4.7 million

The Hispanic population of Los Angeles County, Calif., in 2010. This is the highest of any county.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

97%

Proportion of the population of East Los Angeles, Calif., that was Hispanic as of 2010. This is the highest proportion for any place outside the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with 100,000 or more total population.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

82

Number of the nation's 3,143 counties that were majority-Hispanic.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

1 in 4

The amount of counties in which Hispanics doubled their population since 2000.

Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

25

Number of states in which Hispanics were the largest minority group. These states were Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.

Source: American FactFinder: United States DP-1 <http://factfinder2.census.gov>

Businesses

Source for statements in this section: Statistics for All U.S. Firms by Industry, Gender, Ethnicity, and Race for the U.S., States, Metro Areas, Counties, and Places: 2007, Table SB0700CSA01

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=SBO_2007_00CSA01&prodType=table>

2.3 million

The number of Hispanic-owned businesses in 2007, up 43.6 percent from 2002.

$350.7 billion

Receipts generated by Hispanic-owned businesses in 2007, up 58.0 percent from 2002.

23.7%

The percentage of businesses in New Mexico in 2007 that were Hispanic-owned, which led all states. Florida (22.4 percent) and Texas (20.7 percent) were runners-up.

Families and Children

10.7 million

The number of Hispanic family households in the United States in 2011.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements: Table F1 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2011.html>

63.1%

The percentage of Hispanic family households that are married couple households in 2011.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements: Table F1 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2011.html>

61.1%

The percentage of Hispanic married couple households that have children younger than 18 present in 2011.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements: Table F1 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2011.html>

66.9%

Percentage of Hispanic children living with two parents in 2011.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements: Table C9 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2011.html>

43.6%

Percentage of Hispanic married couples with children under 18 where both spouses were employed in 2011.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements: Table FG-1 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2011.html>

Spanish Language

37.0 million

The number of U.S. residents 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2010. Those who hablan español constituted 12.8 percent of U.S. residents 5 and older. More than half of these Spanish speakers spoke English "very well."

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey: Table B16001 <http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B16001&prodType=table>

17.3 million

The number of U.S. residents 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 1990.

Source: Language Use in the United States: 2007 <http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/acs-12.pdf>

75.1%

Percentage of Hispanics 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2010.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey: Table B16006 <http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B16006&prodType=table>

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance

$37,759

The median income of Hispanic households in 2010.

Source: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, Table A <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb11-157.html>

26.6%

The poverty rate among Hispanics in 2010, up from 25.3 percent in 2009.

Source: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, Table B <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb11-157.html>

30.7%

The percentage of Hispanics who lacked health insurance in 2010, which is down from 31.6 percent in 2009.

Source: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, Table C <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb11-157.html>

Education

62.2%

The percentage of Hispanics 25 and older that had at least a high school education in 2010.

Source: American Community Survey: 2010 Table B15002I

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B15002I&prodType=table>

13.0%

The percentage of the Hispanic population 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2010.

Source: American Community Survey: 2010 Table B15002I

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B15002I&prodType=table>

3.6 million

The number of Hispanics 25 and older who had at least a bachelor's degree in 2010.

Source: American Community Survey: 2010 Table B15002I

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B15002I&prodType=table>

1.1 million

Number of Hispanics 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2010 (e.g., master's, professional, doctorate).

Source: American Community Survey: 2010 Table B15002I

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B15002I&prodType=table>

6.2%

Percentage of students (both undergraduate and graduate students) enrolled in college in 2010 who were Hispanic.

Source: School Enrollment Data Current Population Survey: October 2010, Table 1

<http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2010/tables.html>

23.2%

Percentage of elementary and high school students that were Hispanic in 2010.

Source: School Enrollment Data Current Population Survey: October 2010, Table 1

<http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2010/tables.html>

Foreign-Born

47.1%

Percent of the foreign-born population that was Hispanic in 2010.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey, Table: S0501

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_S0501&prodType=table>

Names

4

The number of Hispanic surnames ranked among the 15 most common in 2000. It was the first time that a Hispanic surname reached the top 15 during a census. Garcia was the most frequent Hispanic surname, occurring 858,289 times and placing eighth on the list - up from 18th in 1990. Rodriguez (ninth), Martinez (11th) and Hernandez (15th) were the next most common Hispanic surnames.

Source: Census 2000 Genealogy <http://www.census.gov/genealogy/www/freqnames2k.html>

Jobs

67.8%

Percentage of Hispanics or Latinos 16 and older who were in the civilian labor force in 2010.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey, Table: S0201 (Hispanic)

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_S0201&prodType=table>

19.0%

The percentage of civilian employed Hispanics or Latinos 16 and older who worked in management, business, science, and arts occupations in 2010.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey, Table: S0201 (Hispanic)

<http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_S0201&prodType=table>

Voting

7%

The percentage of Hispanic voters in the 2010 congressional election. This is the highest percentage of Hispanics for a nonpresidential election. Hispanics comprised 6 percent of voters in 2006.

Source: News Release: Census Bureau Reports Hispanic Voter Turnout Reaches Record High for Congressional Election

<http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/voting/cb11-164.html>

Serving our Country

1.2 million

The number of Hispanics or Latinos 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey: Table B21001I

http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_1YR_B21001I&prodType=table

Conventions do little to motivate Latino voters

Tracking Poll Wave 3: No increase in Latino enthusiasm following conventions by Latino Decisions

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Despite two weeks of widespread political coverage in which both parties made an effort to reach out to Latino voters, enthusiasm about November is still very much in question.  Wave 3 of the impreMedia/Latino Decisions tracking poll did not find any noticeable increase in levels of enthusiasm or certainty to vote, and to the contrary, the poll found a small decrease compared with two weeks ago.  While general election campaigning is just getting started and enthusiasm may peak in late October, as of today, more Latinos say they were more enthusiastic back in 2008 than they are in 2012.  Still, President Barack Obama continues to maintain a large lead among Latinos following the DNC Convention with 66% support to 29% for Mitt Romney.  Turnout though will be the key in many swing states, as we have outlined on the Latino Vote Map. Latino voter turnout is going to be critical in states like Colorado, Nevada, Florida and Virginia, and while a majority of Latinos currently plan to vote for Obama, the bigger question is just how many will come out to vote?  In 2008 we saw record turnout, but so far in 2012 enthusiasm remains a question. [View Full Wave 3 Results]

Further, after two weeks of national convention outreach, both parties have seen decreases in their favorability ratings. In week 1 of our tracking poll congressional Democrats registered 64% favorability and in week 3 they stand at 53% (however, Obama continues to perform better than congressional Democrats with 72% favorability).  Likewise, when asked about how good or bad a job they were doing at outreach to Hispanics the Democrats fell from 59% approval in week 1 to 49% approval in week 3 following the DNC.  The news for Republicans is far worse.  GOP favorability among Latinos was 32% before either convention and is now just 26% (and Romney tracks quite similarly with 27% favorability).  The percent rating Republicans positive on outreach actually increased, but from an anemic 14% to only 19% today who say Republicans are doing a good job reaching out to Hispanics.

While the conventions gave both parties a chance to shine, it also opened up an opportunity to unleash attacks against one another on a national stage.  According to the impreMedia/Latino Decisions week 3 tracking poll, Latino voters identify too much fighting and negative politics as a major problem. A clear majority of Latinos say fighting by both parties in Congress is the real reason the economy is not recovering faster.

At their convention two weeks ago, the Republican Party attempted to push a message of economy, economy, economy as their leading mantra in winning Latino voters, but the polling data does not support them on this. Overwhelmingly, Latino voters reject the idea that the slow recovery is Obama's fault.  Two weeks ago our tracking poll found, a large majority of Latino voters (68%) blamed the policies of the Bush administration for creating the economic conditions we face today and few blamed Obama policies (14%).  Last week, Latinos said they trust Obama and the Democrats to fix the economy by a 2-to-1 margin over Romney and Republicans (59% to 30%). And now this week, a majority of Latinos blame partisan fighting in Congress, not the President, for the recovery being so slow.

• Full results comparing waves 1 - 3 posted here

Post-convention data says Romney gained Latino Voters

Tracking Poll Wave 2: Romney gains among Latinos post-convention by Latino Decisions

WASHINGTON D.C. -- After a week in the spotlight in many prominent Latinos took to the stage at the RNC Convention, the impreMedia/Latino Decisions tracking poll finds a noticeable bump in support for Romney and Republicans among Latinos, as reported by Pilar Marrero.  The question will be can they sustain it, or will the new found support erode after the Democrats get their turn in Charlotte.  In the second week of the impreMedia/Latino Decisions tracking poll Romney stands at 30%, up from 26% in week 1, and also improved his favorability from 27/55 (net -28) to 31/54 (net-23).  While the clear majority of Latino voters continue to support Obama, this is the first time Romney has managed to climb to 30% of the Latino vote in the 10 months that impreMedia/Latino Decisions has polled on an Obama-Romney match-up. [Jump to full results]

In addition to Romney, the Republicans may have made some small in-roads with their presentation of Latino elected officials such as Susana Martinez, Brian Sandoval and Marco Rubio.  The tracking poll asked, "During the Republican National Convention Latino elected officials such as Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Susana Martinez were given prominent speaking roles. Does this give you a more favorable or less favorable impression of the Republican Party, or does it have no effect on how you feel about the Republican Party?"  Overall, 21% said they had a more favorable impression, 7% said less favorable and 62% said it had no effect.  Although a large majority said the Latino RNC speakers had no effect on their view of Republicans, among those who did take this into account, we found a 3-1 advantage for Republicans in favorability.

Glass one-third full / Glass two-thirds empty?

While Romney made some gains following the RNC convention, the gains are relatively small.  After their best week of coverage in which Romney and the RNC got to dictate the message, and President Obama struggled for coverage, Romney still maintains a net negative favorability rating of -23 while the President enjoys a net positive favorability rating of +43.  And while Romney is inching towards one-third of the Latino vote, the data still suggest that close to two-thirds of Latinos (64%) plan to vote against Romney.

In looking at the question about perceptions of party outreach to Hispanics, the impreMedia/Latino Decisions tracking poll reveals almost no movement in the larger images of either party.  One week ago 14% thought the Republican party was doing a good job of outreach to Hispanics, and today that number is 17%.  Combined, 72% of Latinos think the Republican party either 'doesn't care' or is 'being hostile' towards Hispanics, and that number that will take more than a 3-day convention to move.  As Governor Jeb Bush acknowledge during the RNC, Republicans need to stop "acting stupid" and "to have a tone that is open and hospitable," if they want to win over Latino voters.

The Republicans believe their path to the Latino vote is through the troubled economy, a message they reiterated during the RNC convention.  However Latino voters may not share their views of who is to blame, and who can fix things.  Last week, the impreMedia/Latino Decisions tracking poll asked who was to blame for the current state of the economy and 68% of Latinos said the policies of the Bush administration, compared to 14% who blamed Obama.  This week we asked, "thinking about the future of our economy, which party do you trust more to make the right decisions and improve our economic conditions?"  Here, 59% of Latinos said they trust Obama and the Democrats compared to 30% who said Romney and the Republicans.  In courting Latinos, the Republicans need to do more than point the finger at Obama, they need to provide a clear policy alternative that does not sound like "Bush tax cuts" that would seem to benefit the Latino community.  To this point, Latinos continue to give the Democrats a 2-1 advantage on fixing the economy.  Back in February 2011 the impreMedia/Latino Decisions tracking poll asked what strategy was best for turning around the economy, and 57% said the federal government should invest in projects while 27% said we should lower taxes, a number quite consistent with the 59-30 advantage reported today, 19 month later on which party is best to fix the economy.