Latino Action Network Public Policy Agenda

The Latino Action Network (LAN) aims to advance policies that promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the Latino/a/x community. This agenda focuses on key areas impacting the community:


1. Education

• Equitable Funding: Advocate for increased and equitable funding for schools in predominantly Latino communities to ensure access to quality education and resources.
• Bilingual Education: Support the expansion and preservation of bilingual education programs to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELL).
• Diversity: Ensure greater racial, ethnic, and economic diversity in New Jersey public schools and programs.
• Higher Education Access: Promote policies that increase access to higher education for Latino students, including affordable tuition and targeted scholarships.
• Curriculum Diversity: Push for curriculum reforms that include Latino history, culture, and contributions to American society.

2. Immigration

• Pathway to Citizenship: Support comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
• Protect DREAMers: Advocate for permanent protections for DACA recipients and their families.
• Family Reunification: Work to prevent family separations and ensure humane treatment of immigrants at borders and detention facilities.
• Immigrant Services: Expand access to language assistance, legal aid, and healthcare services for immigrant communities.
• Humane Policies: Advocate for humane treatment and due process for migrants and asylum seekers.
• No Local Police Takeover: Support local and state policies that prevent cooperation between immigration enforcement and local law enforcement.

3. Criminal Justice Reform

• Eliminating Disparities: Address racial and ethnic disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration.
• Community Policing: Advocate for community-based policing models and training programs to prevent racial profiling and discrimination.
• Restorative Justice: Promote restorative justice practices to reduce recidivism and provide alternatives to incarceration.
• Re-entry Programs: Support programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society.
• Prison Industrial Complex: Work to end private prisons and detention centers that profit from detaining Latinos.
• Disability: Ensure police and law enforcement personnel are trained to respond appropriately during counters with people with disabilities.

4. Voting Rights

• Protect Voting Access: Advocate for policies that expand access to voting, including same-day registration and extended early voting periods.
• Combat Voter Suppression: Oppose any laws or practices that disproportionately disenfranchise Latino voters.
• Civic Education: Promote civic education initiatives that empower Latino communities to participate in the electoral process.

5. Environmental Justice

• Pollution Mitigation: Address environmental hazards in Latino-majority neighborhoods and advocate for clean air and water.
• Climate Change: Support policies aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on vulnerable communities.
• Community Engagement: Ensure Latino communities are included in environmental policy discussions and decision-making processes.

6. Labor Rights

• Workplace Protections: Advocate for stronger workplace protections, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and paid sick leave.
• Union Representation: Support initiatives that empower Latino workers to join unions and collectively bargain.
• Combat Exploitation: Work to prevent wage theft and exploitation, particularly among undocumented workers.

7. Social Equity and Health

• Healthcare Access: Push for expanded healthcare coverage and culturally competent services for Latino communities.
• Social Determinants of Health: Address systemic barriers to health, including housing, food insecurity, and lack of access to transportation.
• Mental Health: Promote access to mental health resources tailored to the needs of Latino populations.

8. Housing

• Affordable Housing: Advocate for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing options in Latino communities.
• Tenant Protections: Work to strengthen protections against eviction and housing discrimination.
• Homeownership Support: Promote programs that assist Latino families in achieving homeownership.

9. Economic Development

• Entrepreneurship: Support Latino-owned small businesses through grants, loans, and mentorship programs.
• Job Training: Advocate for workforce development programs that prepare Latino workers for high-demand industries.
• Economic Inclusion: Push for equitable access to banking and financial services.

10. Health and Healthcare (Including Mental Health)

• Expand access to affordable, culturally competent healthcare for all Latinos, regardless of immigration status.
• Address disparities in chronic disease outcomes and preventative care access.
• Promote mental health awareness and access to services, including reducing stigma within the Latino community.
• Advocate for Medicaid expansion and increased funding for community health clinics.

11. Disability Advocacy

• Accessibility: Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Latino-majority areas.
• Inclusive Programs: Promote adaptive sports, education, and employment opportunities for Latinos with disabilities.
• Healthcare Access: Advocate for equitable access to healthcare and support services for Latinos with disabilities.

12. Other Key Issues

• Hate Crimes Prevention: Support legislation and initiatives to prevent hate crimes against Latinos.
• Census Accuracy: Advocate for accurate census counts to ensure adequate representation and funding for Latino communities.
• Youth Empowerment: Invest in leadership and mentorship programs that cultivate future leaders within the Latino community

Implementation Strategies

• Legislative Advocacy: Lobby for policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Community Engagement: Partner with grassroots organizations to amplify community voices.
• Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public and policymakers about Latino community needs.
• Research and Data: Conduct research to inform evidence-based advocacy.

The Latino Action Network is committed to creating a just society where Latino individuals and families can thrive. This policy agenda serves as a roadmap to achieving these goals. This comprehensive agenda aims to address the systemic challenges faced by Latino communities while fostering social, economic, and political empowerment.

Latino Action Network Endorses Andy Kim for U.S. Senate in New Jersey

Original Insider NJ Article

New Brunswick, NJ — October 17, 2024 — The Latino Action Network (LAN), New Jersey’s leading statewide advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Latino communities, proudly announces its endorsement of Congressman Andy Kim for the United States Senate. As the race heats up following Senator Bob Menendez’s departure, LAN believes Kim is the right candidate to represent New Jersey and continue the fight for social, economic, and racial justice.

LAN’s endorsement is rooted in Congressman Kim’s proven track record as a leader who listens and takes action on issues important to Latinos across the state. Since being elected to Congress, Andy Kim has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing immigrant families, working-class communities, and minority populations. His commitment to education, affordable healthcare, fair wages, and comprehensive immigration reform aligns with LAN’s mission to build a more just and equitable New Jersey for all.

“We are proud to support Andy Kim in his campaign for the U.S. Senate,” said Javier Robles, President of the Latino Action Network. “Congressman Kim has consistently shown that he stands with Latino families, advocating for policies that uplift our communities. As a son of immigrants, he understands the struggles many of us face and will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of all New Jerseyans in Washington.”

Kim’s leadership on key issues like voting rights, labor protections, and expanding access to affordable housing has made a real difference for Latino families. LAN is confident that his dedication and passion will translate to strong action and advocacy for New Jersey’s diverse populations at the national level.

In accepting LAN’s endorsement, Congressman Kim expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to working hand in hand with Latino communities across the state. “Latino communities in New Jersey play an integral role in the fabric of our state, and I am committed to working with organizations like the Latino Action Network to ensure that their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their opportunities expanded,” said Congressman Andy Kim. “Together, we will build a future where every family, no matter their background, can thrive.”

LAN encourages all voters, especially those in the Latino community, to mobilize and support Congressman Andy Kim in his bid to become New Jersey’s next U.S. Senator. With his leadership, New Jersey will continue to move forward, creating policies that reflect the values of inclusivity, equity, and opportunity for all.