La Liga: Weekly Newsletter
April 21, 2020

Issue No. 10
LULAC.org

Good morning,

We have a lot coming your way! Today, we highlight the CARES Act and how you can join us for a webinar on hate. Also, sign up to receive our COVID-19 Latino Impact Report for more on what can be done to support our communities being affected most by the pandemic.

Here’s what else you should read in this issue:

1. Recordings of our most recent virtual events: See “LULAC in Action”.
2. Ford Driving Dreams update: See “Empower Through Access”.
3. Brief moments in our history: See “Highlights At Hand”.

By Diego Tum-Monge

JUMP AHEAD

• LULAC In Action
• Empower Through Access
• In Latino News
• Highlights At Hand

COVID-19 Economic Relief Legislation

On March 27th, 2020, the House of Representatives passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) which President Trump then signed into law. This $2 trillion allocation is part of the federal response intended to help businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are some highlights of the CARES Act:

• Direct cash relief: Most individuals earning less than $75,000 can expect a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Married couples would each receive a check and families would get $500 per child. Unfortunately, undocumented individuals will not receive this check since only persons who file their taxes with a Social Security number are eligible.
• Unemployment Insurance: Creates a temporary unemployment assistance program during the pandemic for up to 39 weeks from Jan 27, 2020- Dec 31, 2020. Those who qualify would receive $600 in addition to the state unemployment benefit.
• Community Health Centers: The bill provides $1.32 billion in immediate additional funding for community-based centers that provide health care services for roughly 28 million people.

There are many other provisions under the CARES Act including student loan protections, and credit protection during the crisis. While this help was welcomed, we know it is not enough to sustain vulnerable communities who are experiencing the brunt of the pandemic. LULAC continues to fight for additional relief in future legislative packets that is targeted to all workers, including the undocumented and their families.

LULAC’s Latino Impact Report

Communities of color in the U.S. are disproportionately being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s response will impact the Latino community for years to come and set a precedent for how the essential needs of underserved communities are addressed during a crisis.

Sign up to receive the COVID-19 Latino Impact Report to learn more about how Latinos are impacted by the pandemic and what the government should do to support our communities.

LULAC is calling for a Pandemic Response Plan that takes into account the needs of underserved communities of color. We are fighting for equity in sick leave, unemployment and stimulus compensation, plus assistance for Latino-owned small businesses and others affected by this crisis. We must ensure that COVID-19 testing and treatment are covered 100% by the Federal government for every person in the United States. No one in the United States and Puerto Rico can be safe if our most vulnerable are left without treatment.

Webinar: Hate in the Time of Coronavirus

Join us TOMORROW, April 22, at 4 PM EST (1 PM PST) for a webinar that highlights the spread anti-Asian, anti-immigrant, and antisemetic messages and incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we can understand the state of hate and combat it.

Speakers include:

• Alan Tacher, Host of “Despierta America” on Univision
• Sindy Benavides, LULAC CEO
• Aryeh Tuchman, Associate Director, Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
• Claudia Ruiz, Analyst, Policy Analyst Center at UnidosUS
• Monica Baurer, Director of Hispanic Affairs at ADL

Click here to register and to get the link to the webinar.

Follow LULAC on social media and never miss our notifications for live events!

LULAC Councils Re-Charter Extension Date

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The LULAC National Executive Board of Directors has approved an extension for all LULAC Councils to submit their re-charter applications, dues, rosters and check-lists. All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2020.

NEW applications for a LULAC Charter must be submitted to Membership Services (and postmarked at least 45 days prior to district/state/national conventions). Membership Services will then review and process the new applications and send out official CHARTERS.

LULAC Press Conference: Labor Conditions of Food Workers

Tuesday, April 14

LULAC press video conference to call attention to labor conditions of essential food industry workers during COVID-19. We also honor the life of Saul L. Sanchez--one of the four workers, who died in Greeley, Colorado from the virus.

Our Speakers:

• Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President
• Sindy Benavides, LULAC Chief Executive Officer
• Dolores Huerta, President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, & Co-Founder of United Farm Workers
• Kim Cordova, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 of Colorado, represents the workers at the JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, CO
• Beatriz Rangel, Daughter of Saul L. Sanchez, employee for 30-years at JBS in Greeley, CO killed by COVID-19

Watch and share it through our official YouTube channel.

Submit your local event or stay up-to-date with our LULAC Calendar.

Ford Driving Dreams

Adapting to a Virtual Learning Model

LULAC Council #4614 is supporting education for at-risk students as classes are suspended due to COVID-19 in Richmond, Virginia. LULAC Council 4614 has continued the meaningful work that shaped their education initiative through the Ford Driving Dreams Alumni network. The LULAC Pa’lante Family Technology Center, developed through Ford Driving Dreams, has served as a hub for students and their families to obtain valuable education resources such as reading comprehension support, ESL tutoring and mentoring. LULAC Council 4614 has adapted to the school closures by creating a virtual support program providing students with academic support as well as mentoring. This is ensuring students don’t fall behind or lose their acquired language skills due to the class suspensions forced by COVID-19.

LULAC Councils in the Ford Driving Dreams program that are providing relief efforts for students and communities during the pandemic are eligible to apply for a COVID-19 Response Grant. For details, visit LULAC.org/covid19 or contact [email protected].

To learn more about the Ford Driving Dreams program, visit LULAC.org/ford.

Stay Connected!

LULAC is dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information and useful resources every week for you and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit our LULAC@Home page where you can find more updates, community events, opportunities to engage, and information on where to turn if you or someone you know is in need of help.

We will continue to upload previous and future recordings of our virtual events to this Facebook video playlist. Also, you can see our recent videos on YouTube to catch up with the events LULAC has hosted.

Reminder: LULAC National Programs

In-person activities for all LULAC National Programs are suspended until further notice. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other national public health officials are providing guidance which LULAC is taking into consideration to protect our communities, members, and staff.

LULAC will continue to diligently deliver fresh, innovative programs so that we can work to provide the same level of support and enthusiasm that has guided our organization for the past 25 years. Thank you for your patience!

For questions or assistance, contact [email protected]

Support these programs and others by donating today!

Upcoming Elections

Many states have taken measures to protect citizens from exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, we encourages you to do your civic duty and safely vote. Here are the latest updates and related information about elections:

Ohio Primaries

Ohio closed its polls mid-March and has moved its presidential primary election to April 28. Ballots must be postmarked by April 27 to be counted. Disabled voters and people without a permanent address will be allowed to vote in person at their local election boards. See the State Secretary’s answers to frequently asked questions.

The New York Times reported: “While Gov. Mike DeWine had initially proposed a June 2 primary as a substitute, the Ohio legislature has moved the official date to April 28. Under the new plan, approximately 7.8 million registered voters in Ohio will receive postcards with instructions for applying for a ballot.” Read more on that story.

After that... Guam and Kansas (May 2), Nebraska (May 12), Oregon (May 18)

News and Updates

As Latinos lose jobs, remittances to their relatives in Latin America dry up

Monday, April 20—NBC News highlighted: “The sudden end in remittances sent to Latin America each year is affecting the well being of families and crippling the economies of developing countries.”

Report: Undocumented students are a larger share of college enrollment than previously thought

Friday, April 17—Education Drive stated: “...these students ‘actively ready themselves to fill critical skills shortages’ in fields such as healthcare and teaching. Yet several financial hurdles can prevent them from finishing or even enrolling in college.”

Latinos Will Be Key in 2020. Here’s How One News Outlet Will Cover the Race.

Friday, April 17—City Limits spoke with Jesus Garcia, a digital writer at El Diario, and stated: “...the concept of a ‘Latino vote’ is especially oversimplified, encompassing as it does native citizens and immigrants, people from various racial groups (White, Black, indigenous and more) and an increasingly diverse mix of religious beliefs.”

Latinos Are Essential Workers. Will They Be Essential Voters?

Thursday, April 16—The New York Times reported: “In Iowa, [LULAC] officials have begun to press employers in the meatpacking industry to provide safer conditions for workers, hundreds of whom are working in cramped spaces without protective gear.”

Hispanic Caucus demands protections for agricultural workers in next coronavirus bill

Wednesday, April 15—The Hill described: “The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) called on legislative leaders Wednesday to include salary, social safety net and immigration protections for farmworkers in any future coronavirus relief packages.” Read their letter.

Life Of A Seasonal Farmworker In The Time Of Coronavirus

Monday, April 13—Latino Rebels shared an interview conversation between Julio Ricardo Varela and Misael, a worker from Mexico who earns a living in the United States under the H2-A guest worker program. Latino Rebels wrote: “...these workers still lack basic protections.”

Local Council Spotlights

Rest In Peace: Mendez Jr., Desidoro Rosalez D.R.

Tuesday, April 14—The Eagle noted: “One of Desi's proudest affiliations was with L.U.L.A.C. While living in Houston, he served as Vice-President to Council #402 from 1980 – 1983. He later would move to Bryan and was involved with L.U.L.A.C Council #229 until his passing.”

'Racist behavior': LULAC denounces Salinas council member Tony Villegas in letter to the city

Monday, April 13—KSBW8 (local news) stated: “In a letter to Salinas' Mayor, Joe Gunter and the Salinas City Council, Salinas League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) described a video from council member Tony Villegas as, ‘disturbing and racist.’” Read more of this story with Monterey County Weekly.

LULAC in the News

Latinos Feeding the Nation During the Pandemic Are Being Left Behind
Friday, April 17—Remezcla

LULAC asks Iowa meat factories to prioritize workers' safety
Thursday, April 16—KTVO

LULAC Launches #AyudaEnEspañol Initiative To Provide Critical, COVID-19-Related Resources In Spanish
Thursday, April 16—PR Newswire

Latino Man Is First To Die As Part Of Nation’s Largest Coronavirus Cluster
Thursday, April 16—NPR’s Latino USA

Latinos' coronavirus deaths at meat processing plant raise alarms about worker safety
Tuesday, April 14—NBC News

Our Press Releases

LULAC Launches #AyudaEnEspañol Initiative To Provide Critical, COVID-19-Related Resources In Spanish
Thursday, April 16—Read it in Spanish.

COVID-19 Latino Impact Report
Tuesday, April 14

Letter to Congress Urging Additional Funding for Election Assistance in Response to COVID-19
Monday, April 13

Read our latest press releases published at LULAC.org.

Do you have a special story? Connect with us via email!

Latino Discovery Hub
Look here to find new authors, stories, artists, podcasts, and social influencers who helped shape the identities, cultures, and thoughts of your fellow readers.

This week is about: LATINA HERSTORY

Selena Day

In case you missed it, this special day celebrated the impact of Selena Quintanilla, a young Texas singer and cultural icon, 25 years after her death. We enjoyed the inspiring messages everyone shared on Twitter.

Dr. Mari-Luci Jaramillo: First Latina Ambassador Of The US

In an interview with Dr. Cecilia Navarrete, Verónica Sanchez and Ann Uremovich, Cristina Baccin highlighted the life and legacy of the first Latina Ambassador. KUNM affirmed: “Throughout her career as a teacher, scholar, community leader, and writer, she focused on education, bilingualism and Latina´s rights.”

10 Latina Pioneers of the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries

Here’s a list of Latinas who became pioneers by defying stereotypes in their fields and countries. See how many you might recognize.

Mujeres of LULAC

These are the accomplishments and highlights of our women in LULAC. We acknowledge and are inspired by the dedication of Latinas in our organization and the Latino community’s history.

Share your favorite icons via email.

Engage with us online.

Use @LULAC and #LULAC for a chance to be in the next issue of La Liga!

That’s all we have for you today. Stay safe and connected.

WHAT’S NEXT?

• New updates have been made to our LULAC@Home page. Check it out!
• Look ahead to the Spring 2020 edition of LULAC News. Coming soon!

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What do you think of the newsletter? What would you like to see? Email us with your suggestions or questions at [email protected].