Dear John,
Last week, Rep. González-Colón (Puerto-Rico) joined me on a walk to visit businesses in South Omaha and speak with Hispanic community leaders and several organizations about reforming our immigration system, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the economy.
First, Rep. González-Colón and I sat down with Hispanic community leaders in South Omaha. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and supporting family and minority-owned businesses help our community thrive. We also talked about providing aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to listen to everyone’s concerns and their perspectives.
Next, we met with Linoma Financial Services and the Mejias family to discuss financing issues that impact small businesses. We also had a conversation about reforming our immigration system, including DACA and TPS programs. I have long advocated for Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, while also pushing for immigration reform that respects our rule of law.
We cannot continue to leave our DACA youth, as well as TPS recipients in ‘no man’s land.’ But we have to secure our border and reform the immigration system at the same time. Adults who break the law should be held accountable. We cannot do one and not the other.
Following that, I introduced Rep. González-Colón to PACE Omaha. Youth sports are a great way to reduce violence in our communities and build a stronger relationship between the police and local youth. I am glad I had the opportunity to showcase this program which has made a positive impact on our community.
Next, Rep. González-Colón and I finished our South Omaha Business walk by visiting the Latino Center of the Midlands to learn more about their impact on our local community, their internship programs, and improving immigration and other programs for Latino immigrants. I really appreciated hearing what they had to say on these topics.
Finally, Rep. González-Colón and I sat down with students involved with the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Office of Latino/Latin American Studies. We discussed the status of Puerto Rico, our nation’s infrastructure needs, and our work on the Problem Solvers Caucus. Thank you to Chancellor Li for hosting and to Dr. Benjamin Alvarado for guiding the discussion.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at (402) 938-0300 or you can contact us at https://bacon.house.gov/contact/. God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Don Bacon
