Washington, DC –  Last night, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) received the prestigious Leadership Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for his efforts in Congress as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).  The award was presented at LULAC’s 11th annual National Legislative Awards event, held in Washington, DC.   

“I am honored to receive this esteemed award from LULAC, our nation’s oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization,” said Rep. Baca.  “I salute LULAC for working in a bipartisan fashion to support and promote issues of importance within the Latino community, and their continued efforts to protect the civil rights of all Americans.”

Founded in 1929, LULAC has served as an advocate for the Latino community for over 79 years.  Today, with over 700 local Councils located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC remains at the forefront of the movement to advance Latinos.  Last night’s Legislative Awards Gala was attended by Members of Congress, federal officials, ambassadors, and influential Hispanic leaders.  Legislative awards were also given out to other Hispanic Members of Congress including, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). 

As the Chairman of the CHC in this 110th Congress, Rep. Baca is active in promoting and protecting the interests of Latinos in the United States.  Working across party lines, the CHC has fought to ensure Latino veterans were included in the PBS documentary, “The War”,  worked to increase funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions, and blocked harmful anti-immigrant and anti-civil rights amendments from moving forward in the House of Representatives.  In particular, LULAC recognized Rep. Baca for his efforts to ensure the continued funding of LULAC’s National Educational Service Centers.

“There is no greater legacy we can leave behind than what we do for our next generation,” added Rep. Baca.  “I am proud of the work CHC has done to advance the Hispanic community here in America, and to open the doors of opportunity and equality for young people everywhere.”

The CHC is composed of Democratic Members of Congress of Hispanic descent.