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.