August 2025 MCLA's Newsletter





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MCLA is an executive branch agency. We advise on policy and legislation. We work for the people of Minnesota and *367,000 Latino Minnesotans* to ensure equality and equity statewide.

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MCLA es una agencia de gobierno que asesora sobre políticas y legislación. Trabajamos para la gente de Minnesota y *367,000 Latinos*, a fin de asegurar igualdad y equidad en todo el estado.

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Contents 

* Message from the Executive Director [ #message ]
* MCLA's Survey: your voice matters! [ #Survey ]
* MCLA Committed to Strengthening Latino's Political Influence [ #MiLLA ]
* MCLA in the Community [ #Community ]
* MCLA's New Website and Legislative Report in Spanish [ #Idioma ]
* Updates in the process to hire a new Executive Director at MCLA  [ #Updates ]
* Other Opportunities [ #Opportunities ]

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Message from the Executive Director
Rosa Tock Ex Dir
Rosa Tock

A National Survey of Latino Adults by BSP Research [ [link removed] ] indicates that the cost of living/inflation continues to be a top issue for Latinos in the United States while immigration -not border security- is now in a second place. According to the same study, almost half of Latino adults fear deportation; 49% of them polled say they fear deportation of themselves, their family members, or their friends.

At the same time, Latinos know they will be impacted by the toughest provisions included in the federal budget bill that was signed at the beginning of July. Some particular setbacks that will impact all Americans, but especially Latinos, include significant cuts to social services such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); limit immigrant Medicare coverage for green-card holders and other immigrants beginning in 2027, imposing additional limits for individuals using the Affordable Care Act ("Obama Care").

According to a Los Angeles Times report [ [link removed] ], the Congressional Budget Office estimates [ [link removed] ] that 3 million people will not qualify for SNAP benefits, and the Pell Grant, which is awarded only based on exceptional need, will be reduced by nearly 23% [ [link removed] ]— bringing the annual maximum award from $7,395 to $5,710, starting in fall 2026.  Finally, to help fund the increased spending in immigration, the government will be collecting greater fees from certain noncitizens. Those with temporary protected status (TPS) will be required to pay $500 for the application, up from $50.

At MCLA, we are investigating how Latino/e Minnesotans are faring after the latest policies enacted at the federal and the state levels. 

As we talk with legislators and leaders in our communities to prepare for the next session and to advise state agencies, we want to hear from you and learn how you are being impacted and what programs can support you.

Give us 15 minutes of your time by responding to MCLA's survey [ [link removed] ]. See below!

A Spanish version of this survey is coming soon! Be alert!

Muchas gracias!

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MCLA Community Needs Assessment Survey

Tell Us How You Feel Impacted, Help Us Ensure Latino Wellbeing

MCLA is partnering with Management Analysis and Development (MAD), a separate state government division, to survey and hear from our communities. The goal is to understand the most important issues currently affecting our communities, to have a better sense of how existing state programs benefit Latinos/es, and to learn what more the state should be doing to ensure Latino/e prosperity and wellbeing.

Your response to this survey is completely *confidential and anonymous*, but your voice will help MCLA more authentically educate and advise legislators on the aspirations of our communities.

It only takes less than 15 minutes! *Respond here [ [link removed] ]*.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Aaron Sepulveda, Legislative and Policy Director in Education: [email protected]

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MCLA Building Our Policy Impact

MCLA Contributing to Co-create the MiLLA Space to Increase Latino Visibility and Political Representation

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Alliance of Latino Leadership
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MCLA has been working in the last three years along with partner organizations in the co-creation of a Latino advocacy alliance. 

The Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance [ [link removed] ] (MiLLA) exists to bring together Latino led organizations in Minnesota to collectively advance community-centered solutions through policy, organizing, and systems change, ensuring that Latino voices are heard, represented, and empowered at every level.

MiLLA promises to become a unity model that will serve as reference in the future, and will persist and be strengthen to address the most challenging situations that we face as Latino communities in the State of Minnesota.

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MCLA in the Community

Our Team Says Presente! in Latino Cultural Celebrations
David Campana and Rep. Long
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MCLA has been attending and sharing resources in various cultural events this past month. Aaron Sepulveda, Legislative and Policy Director in Education, talked with dozens of Latino members of the Colombian community during their successful independence celebration on July 20.

David Campana, Legislative and Policy Director in Economic Development/Labor, also attended the celebration of the Peruvian independence on July 26. He received the visit of Representative Jamie Long, DFL Floor Leader, and his family. At our table, his Peruvian-Minnesotan family learned more about the Council's work. We look forward to working with Rep. Long at the legislature, and in the community!

We are excited to be engaging with our communities in the next months.

MCLA will be at:

Minnesota State Fair [ [link removed] ]: La Raza Pan Latino Festival, State Fair Grounds at Dan Patch Park: August 30, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

CLUES Fiesta Latina [ [link removed] ], Saint Paul: September 13, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ACHLA's Latino Fest [ [link removed] ], Rochester: September 20, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

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Nuevo: en tu idioma

En español: nuestro sitio Internet y el resumen legislativo de 2025 

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Como prometimos, la versión de la pasada sesión legislativa está ahora disponible en español. Puedes leerlo aquí [ [link removed] ].

Además, MCLA ahora tiene disponible su página de internet en español. Puedes consultar en este enlace [ [link removed] ]. 

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Updates About the Hiring of the Next Executive Director at MCLA

Actualizaciones sobre la contratación del próximo(a) Director(a) Ejecutivo(a) de MCLA

Updates hiring of new Ex. Dir.
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Under Minnesota Statute _15.0145 [ [link removed] ]_, the _Legislative Coordinating Commission [ [link removed] ]_ (LCC) serves as the appointing authority for the Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. The LCC is currently working in consultation with members of the Council who volunteered to be involved in the process to screen candidates for consideration of appointment by the LCC. The tentative timeline includes a goal of having a new director appointed *by the middle of October.* Please contact Michelle Yurich, LCC Executive Director, at [email protected]_ if you have any questions about the process or timeline.  

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Según el Estatuto de Minnesota 15.0145, la Comisión de Coordinación Legislativa (LCC) es la autoridad que designa al Director(a) Ejecutivo(a) del Consejo de Asuntos Latinos de Minnesota. La LCC está trabajando actualmente en consulta con los miembros del Consejo que se ofrecieron como voluntarios para participar en el proceso de selección de candidatos para la consideración del LCC. El cronograma tentativo incluye el objetivo de nombrar a un(a) nuevo(a) director(a) *para mediados de octubre*. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el proceso o el cronograma, comuníquese con Michelle Yurich, Directora Ejecutiva de la LCC, a [email protected].

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Other Opportunities

Jobs and More

*MN Department of Commerce*

*Grants Specialist Intermediate*

Responsible for federal and state grants including, contracting, invoicing and the development of Request for Proposals and solicitations. Monitor contracts with vendors, solicit and evaluate proposals, make recommendations for vendor selection, finalize terms of contracts, and contract revisions. Oversee monitoring and compliance of contractor and grantee activities, manage related budgets and financial requirements, and ensure contract requirements are met and all activities through closeout are performed in compliance with contract terms.

Learn more by searching *Job ID* *87672* here [ [link removed] ]. Application deadline: August 5, 2025.

*Media & Public Affairs Director*

Lead communications strategy for the department, with a high level of autonomy, this position manages major media relations, public affairs, and consumer engagement efforts, while aligning communications plans with agency priorities and strategic goals. Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs. Telework can be outside of the state of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location in St Paul, MN.

Learn more by searching *Job ID 87379* here [ [link removed] ]. Application deadline: August 13, 2025.

To see more open positions with the Department of Commerce, click here [ [link removed] ]. 

*Undergraduate Internship Program*

Minnesota House of Representatives

The Undergraduate Internship Program is primarily focused on serving and learning. A sincere interest in public service is expected of all applicants for a House internship. The House, which is filled with public servants, both Members and staff, is a great place to nurture that interest and to discover allied career paths. A genuine desire to learn is also expected and in a dynamic and diverse institution like the House, opportunities for learning abound. Many of those opportunities will be organized for you while others will be the reward of your own curiosity and initiative. Like much in life, what you get out of an internship is largely determined by what you put into it. Learn more and apply here [ [link removed] ]. 

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Board application
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?? Volunteer on MCLA's Board! We are still accepting applications!
??️ Are you interested in serving on MCLA's board to help strategize and advise staff to successfully accomplish its mission and purpose? Do you want to make a difference and support legislation and public policies that advance Latine interests, dreams, and aspirations?
?? There is still one open vacancy. Join MCLA to serve and make a difference:
✔️ A member representing Congressional District 6
?? If interested, apply now with the Secretary of State here [ [link removed] ].
??️ Governor Walz appoints the Council's community members.

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?? ¿Te interesa formar parte de la junta directiva de MCLA para ayudar a diseñar estrategias y asesorar al personal para que cumpla con éxito su misión y propósito? ¿Quieres marcar la diferencia y apoyar leyes y políticas públicas que promuevan los intereses, sueños y aspiraciones de la comunidad latina?
?? Hay una vacante todavía disponible. Ven y únete al Consejo para servir y marcar la diferencia:
✔️ Miembro que represente al Distrito Congresional 6
?? Si te interesa, postúlate ahora con la Secretaría de Estado en este enlace [ [link removed] ].
??️El Gobernador Walz nombra a los miembros comunitarios del Consejo.

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*Do you have an event or job openings you want to share with the community? **Let us know! Email: [email protected] <[email protected]>*

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