Washington, DC – Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) officially became the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) for the 110^th Congress (2007-2008) as the House of Representatives convened yesterday. 

Rep. Baca was introduced by Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk), the outgoing CHC Chair, at a ceremonial swearing-in event hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) last night.  

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity and thank my colleagues for their vote of confidence as I commit my energy and creativity to advancing our common goals,” said Rep. Baca in a speech attended by many CHC members, leaders of prominent Hispanic organizations, CHCI’s corporate sponsors and members of the Baca family. 

Highlighting his priorities and goals for CHC for the next two years, Rep. Baca cited expanding access to a good education, affordable education, quality healthcare, fair labor standards and a secure retirement.  

The 43^rd Congressional District, which Rep. Baca represents, includes the cities of Colton, Fontana, Ontario, Rialto and San Bernardino, areas where many Latino families reside and many Hispanic-owned businesses are located.  

“These priorities are not only important to Hispanic Americans in my district and throughout the United States, but also to residents of the Inland Empire of all races and ethnicities,” noted Rep. Baca.  “I want to reassure my constituents that I will continue to work hard on behalf of all of you.”

He expressed his intention to continue to work with local leaders and organizations on issues affecting the Inland Empire.  On the same day that he became CHC Chair, Rep. Baca introduced the Inland Empire Water Preservation Act, H.R. 13, which relates to cleaning up local water sources contaminated by perchlorate.  

The CHC was established in 1976 to address the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life.