EASTON, Pa. – A legislative Hearing on the state of the Latino community in Pennsylvania was held in Easton on Tuesday.
It coincides with this year’s 9th annual Pennsylvania Latino Convention, bringing attention to the realities facing the Latino population.
During the convention’s third and final day, a more than two-hour hearing inside Easton City Hall brought together lawmakers, community leaders and policy experts from around the Keystone State.
More than a discussion, it’s a statewide urgency highlighting the priorities and opportunities affecting the more than one million Pa. Latino residents.
“We have to remember that Latinos who come into this country are seeking a better life not only for themselves and their families, but also to be part of that American dream,” said State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz.
Cepeda-Freytiz, who represents Berks County’s 129th legislative district, is the chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus.
She sat alongside a panel of legislators, listened, questioned, and encouraged testifiers as they addressed statewide issues impacting Latino residents.
“We do have policies and bills in place that might be either stuck in committees or are stuck in the Senate, and so I think it’s very important for people to understand that elections have consequences,” said Cepeda-Freytiz.
Topics include demographics and civic engagement, gun violence, housing, economic development and workforce, and more.
“We heard from areas ranging from education and the need for more bilingual teachers, bilingual psychologists, bilingual therapists. We also heard about the need for access to health,” said Cepeda-Freytiz.
Pennsylvania Latino Convention Chairman Normal Bristol Colon said the hearing and the convention overlapping is intentional, strategic, and serves as an opportunity for all attendees, especially young professionals.
“Sharing what they think will be the Pennsylvania of their dreams, the Pennsylvania of the future,” said Bristol Colon.
“Because you belong. We all belong,” said Cepeda-Freytiz.