BY: SOPHIE NIETO-MUNOZ

Soon after Bob Menendez joined Congress in 1993, he earned a reputation as a leading voice for Latinos.

Menendez, a former mayor of Union City in Hudson County and the son of Cuban immigrants, was lauded for his constituent services, with his office aiding people through the citizenship process and helping them secure working papers. He joined the bipartisan “gang of eight” to push for major immigration reform, and often bucked his own party on issues related to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.

He’s revered by the Latino community in Hudson County, where he returned to host massive parades and heritage events attended by thousands. He spoke to voters in English and Spanish, instilling a sense of pride in Hispanics who saw themselves represented on the national stage.

“He’s always been a real champion for immigrants,” said Kevin Brown, executive vice president of the 32BJ Service Employees International Union, which represents thousands of Latino workers. “He played that role, and things have changed recently in terms of his position, but that was a historic function of his. We very much appreciated it.”

Latino Action Network Partners in the Fight for Justice

Posted by Javier Robles · February 05, 2024 11:12 AM · 1 reaction

The Latino Action Network hosts several signature events throughout the year, including the Latino Action Network Annual Legislative Assembly, which brings together hundreds of policymakers, advocates, leaders, labor, government, and business people for learning and networking. The annual Latino Action Network fundraiser is another opportunity to have fun while networking and developing leadership connections. We hope that you can join us as we continue to offer more events throughout New Jersey. We also encourage you to attend events by our membership and partner organizations. Please check back often to see what is being offered.

Dear Esteemed Guest,

We extend a warm invitation for your attendance at the forthcoming Latino Action Network’s Annual Legislative Assembly, a significant gathering that unites Latino community organizers and public policy advocates from across the state of New Jersey. Building on the success of the 2023 Assembly and Resource Fair at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where we saw the participation of over 300 activists and elected officials, we are thrilled to announce that the 2024 event will take place in person on Saturday, March 2nd.

Prepare for a captivating full-day program featuring keynote presentations by esteemed federal and state legislators, and Latina Caucus leaders, complemented by dynamic breakout sessions. These sessions, aligned with our legislative agenda for 2024 and beyond, will delve into critical topics such as immigration, health, disabilities, political empowerment, workers' rights, and criminal justice reform. As an engaged participant, we encourage you to select two panels based on your interests and legislative priorities.

In the spirit of collaboration, the Latino Action Network, in partnership with The Latino Action Network Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization, aims to address the political and social issues affecting all Latinos in our communities. Your presence at this assembly is instrumental as we collectively advocate for the welfare of the Latino community throughout the state of New Jersey.

To register for this transformative event, please visit LAN Assembly Registration. The link to the Latino Action Network 2024 Annual Legislative Assembly will be shared exclusively with registered participants. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the Latino Action Network and consider becoming a member.

If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring this impactful event, supporting our cause, and gaining visibility among community leaders, fill out the following forms and email to [email protected]

2024 LAN Assembly Sponsorship Package Form

2024 LAN Assembly Resource Table Form

We eagerly anticipate your presence at this significant gathering, and together, let us continue to champion the cause of the Latino community in New Jersey.

Best Regards,

Latino Action Network Conference Team

To become a member please visit: https://lan.nationbuilder.com/membership

To donate to the Latino Action Network visit: https://lan.nationbuilder.com/support_us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Latino Action Network Announces Endorsements List for the November 7th General Election

Trenton, New Jersey – November 1st, 2023

The Latino Action Network (LAN) is a grassroots organization composed of individuals and organizations committed to engaging in collective action at the local, state, and national levels to advance the equitable inclusion of diverse Latina/o/x communities who represent 22% of New Jersey's population. The Latino Action Network is dedicated to building political representation in New Jersey and nationally, which reflects our community and values. 

“In these uncertain and trying times, our community faces economic instability, isolation, and discrimination. We are excited about the group of candidates we've selected and urge our members, Latina/o/x to cast their votes in support of these legislators. Together, we will collaborate with them to build a more prosperous New Jersey that benefits everyone.” said Javier Robles, President of the Latino Action Network.

As an organization, we have a vested interest in ensuring that the rights of Latina/o/x immigrants, refugees, and seekers of political asylum are protected.  We will work with our lawmakers to push for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and ensure that they are counted.  This includes protecting the rights of Dreamers and continued support, both financial and political, so that they may achieve the American dream of a robust education and employment. 

The endorsements made by the Latino Action Network are based on questionnaires, established relationships, and their voting record on issues of importance to our community.  We wish these candidates luck and expect to work with them in the future to address the issues and concerns of our community. 

For more information on the Latino Action Network, please contact:

Javier Robles, JD 

President, Latino Action Network (LAN)

[email protected]

Cory Garriga

Endorsements Chair, Latino Action Network (LAN)

[email protected]

The Latino Action Network endorsed candidates for the New Jersey State Senate 

Paul Moriarty (LD-4), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (LD-5), James Beach (LD-6), Troy Singleton (LD-7), Gabriel Franco (LD-9), Vin Gopal (LD-11), Lucille Lo Sapio (LD-13), Linda Greenstein (LD-14), Shirley Turner (LD-15), Andrew Swicker  (LD-16), Bob Smith (LD-17), Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.(LD-18), Joseph F.Vitale (LD-19), Joe Cryan (LD-20), Nicholas P. Scutari (LD-22), Denise King (LD-23), Christine Clarke (LD-25), John F Mckeon (LD-27), Renee Burgess (LD-28), Teresa Ruiz (LD-29), Angela Mcknight (LD-31), Raj Mukherji (LD-32), Brian Stack (LD-33), Britnee Timberlake (LD- 34), Nellie Pou (LD-35), Gordon Johnson (LD-37), Paul A. Sarlo (LD-36), and Joe Lagana (LD-38). 

The Latino Action Network endorsed candidates for the New Jersey General Assembly 

Damita White-Morris (LD-1), William Moen Jr. (LD-5), William Spearman (LD-5), Louis Greenwald (LD-6), Pamela Lampit (LD-6),  Herb Conway Jr. (LD-7), Carol A. Murphy (LD-7),  Andrea Katz (LD-8), Anthony Angelozzi (LD-8), Luanne Peterpaul (LD-11), Margie Donlon (LD-11), Raya Arbiol (LD-12), Danielle Mastropiero (LD-13), Anthony S. Verrelli (LD-15), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (LD-15), Roy Freiman (LD-16), Joe Danielson (LD-17), Joseph Egan (LD-17), Robert J Karabinchak (LD-18), Sterley S. Stanley (LD-18), Yvonne Lopez (LD-19), Craig Coughlin (LD-19), Annette Quijano (LD-20), Reginald Atkins- (LD-20), Elizabeth Graner (LD-21), Linda S. Carter (LD-22), James J. Kennedy (LD-22), Tyler Powell (LD-23), Guy Citron (LD-23), Diane Salvatore (LD-25), Dr. Jonathan Torres (LD-25), Rosaura Bagolie (LD-27),Cleopatra Tucker (LD-28), Shanique Speight (LD-29) Garnet R. Hall (LD-28), Eliana Pintor Marin (LD-29), William Sampson (LD-31), Barbara Stamato (LD-31), Jessica Ramierez (LD-32), John Allen (LD-32), Carmen T. Morales (LD-34), Shavonda Sumter (LD-35), Benjie Wimberly (LD-35), Clinton Calabrese (LD-36), Gary Schaer (LD-36), Shama A. Haider (LD-37), Ellen Park (LD-37), Lisa Swain (LD-38), Chris Tully (LD-38), and Giovanna Irizarry (LD-40)

The Latino Action Network endorsed candidates for local elections

Our endorsements in local elections are for Dan Benson for Mercy County Executive. In Hudson County,  William “Bill” O’Dea for County Commissioner (District 2), Yraida Aponte-Lipski for County Commissioner (District 4), and Anthony Romano for County Commissioner (District 5). Alpa Patel, George Blount, and Dejon Morris for the Jersey City Board of Education. In Hawthorne, we endorse Craig Cayetano for City Council (Ward 3).

IMMIGRATION:

Our nation was built by immigrants and we advocate for fair treatment of new immigrants in all aspects of the law. We favor comprehensive immigration reform and a path for citizenship for undocumented immigrants. We greatly favor immigrant participation in the United States Census.

We oppose the efforts of local, county, and state governments to enforce federal immigration laws, including such efforts as 287g, the deputization of local law enforcement, local ordinances requiring landlords to determine immigration status, and any similar efforts targeting Latino communities. We strongly encourage, state and local governments to create practical policies regarding the humane treatment of immigrants living in their states.

Thus we oppose cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] as well as the honoring of detainer requests by local law enforcement agencies, and New Jersey state and county correctional institutions. We believe that these detainers violate the civil rights of those being detained.

The Latino Action Network supports legislation at the local, state, and federal levels banning wage theft against workers regardless of Immigration Status. The withholding of earnings for full worked performed or the payment of less than the required minimum wage and overtime standards is a widespread issue that affects many people from different socio-economic backgrounds.

We also support New Jersey legislation granting Immigrant Children that are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status [SIJS] under Federal Immigration Law access to New Jersey Courts.  SIJS provides an opportunity for immigrant children who have been abandoned, abused, neglected or mistreated by one or both parents to obtain lawful immigration status. New Jersey is currently one of two states in the United States where current case law holds that a family court must find that the a child was abandoned, abused, neglected, etc. by both parents before issuing an order that is needed by the child to apply for SIJS with immigration officials. Thus, many children who live in New Jersey who are eligible for SIJS under immigration law cannot apply for this status because of New Jersey state law.

We oppose legislation at the local, state, and federal levels mandating landlords to determine the immigration status of their tenants for any purpose whatsoever. These types of ordinances have frequently been used on a local level to deter immigrants from living in those communities. These types of legislation break down the fabric of communities and promote mistrust and enmity.

Volunteering is a powerful force for positive change in any community, and for Latinos and Latinas, active participation in volunteer work holds particular significance. By engaging in volunteer activities, individuals from the Latino community can contribute to the betterment of society while simultaneously strengthening their own sense of identity and community. One crucial aspect is the opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and dispel stereotypes. Volunteering allows Latinos and Latinas to showcase their diverse talents, skills, and dedication to making a difference, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding among different communities.

Furthermore, volunteering offers a platform for personal and professional development. Many Latinos and Latinas face challenges related to socio-economic status and access to educational resources. Volunteering provides a chance to acquire new skills, gain valuable work experience, and expand social networks. This can empower individuals to pursue higher education or improve their employability, creating a positive ripple effect within the community. Additionally, volunteering often instills a sense of pride and accomplishment, bolstering self-esteem and motivation to overcome obstacles.

Beyond individual growth, the collective impact of Latino and Latina volunteers is immense. By actively participating in various community initiatives, they contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and supportive environment. This involvement helps address specific needs within the Latino community, whether related to education, healthcare, or social services. Through collaborative efforts, Latinos and Latinas can amplify their voices and advocate for positive change, ensuring that their unique perspectives are heard and valued.

Volunteering is a powerful vehicle for Latinos and Latinas to play an active role in shaping their communities and breaking down stereotypes. The personal and professional development opportunities that arise from volunteering can have a transformative impact on individuals, while the collective efforts contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society. As Latino and Latina volunteers continue to make meaningful contributions, they not only enrich their own lives but also inspire positive change on a broader scale.

Founded in 2009, the Latino Action Network [LAN] advocates on the issues of most significant importance to the Latino community, including Immigrant Rights, Education, Healthcare, Affordable Housing, Criminal Justice Reform, Voting Rights, Disability Equity, youth empowerment, environment, community organizing, and poverty.

LAN was founded by a group of Latino leaders across New Jersey who agreed that the time had come for progressive Latinos to come together to take action against the attacks our community was facing.  Since its inception, LAN has played an essential role in influencing legislative redistricting in the state. It has been a clear voice on the need for diversity on the state’s highest court and marriage equality. 

Our members continue to testify at public hearings, write opinion pieces for many publications, and meet with legislators to champion our various causes. We have participated in numerous legal challenges promoting fair housing, equitable healthcare delivery, desegregation of New Jersey schools, and quality public education. We have spoken out against the proliferation of unaccountable charter schools and voucher gimmicks.

The Latino Action Network invites you to learn more about our organization and connect with other Latinos and our allies, working hard every day to improve the lives of Latino families.

Latino Action Network Announces 2023 Legislative Endorsements

Check out the 2023 New Jersey Legislative Endorsement by the Latino Action Network a statewide advocacy group on Latina/o/x issues. Everyone deserves to live, work, play, learn, and thrive in an environment that respects the contributions of our community.

 

---