Democratic Hispanic Radio Address

Democratic Hispanic Radio Address
Congressman José E. Serrano
Air Date: Saturday, June 5, 2004

"Good morning. I am Congressman José Serrano from New York.

"This week, our community was dealt yet another economic blow. National unemployment numbers were released and once again, the Latino unemployment rate is disproportionately higher than the national average.

"And what is the solution? Well, just this week, Republicans proposed taking away unemployment assistance for workers, in exchange for personal reemployment accounts that could disburse as little as $500. And at the same time, they refused to extend unemployment insurance benefits for the 1.75 million Americans who have been looking for a job so long that they have exhausted regular unemployment cash payments. Then how do they expect our families to pay for rent, groceries and health care bills? Well, their answer is the same as the question-HOW-an acronym for a phony public relations scheme that stands for 'Hire Our Workers.'

"Our community has worked hard and deserves a chance at the American dream, the same chance every other American deserves. Latinos have much to be proud of. There are 2.2 million Hispanic-owned small businesses with revenues of almost $200 billion dollars. Just last week, press reports stated that Hispanic purchasing power has reached $700 billion and is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2010.

"All of this hard work, however, is being ignored and stifled by economic policies that have resulted in the loss of more than half a million Hispanic jobs since President Bush took office. By favoring tax cuts for those who need them the least, by slashing funding for the Small Business Administration, and by proposing to take away our workers' overtime pay, the Republicans have shown where their true priorities lay.

"Democrats have a better way. Our economic plan would create one million jobs without adding a single penny to the deficit. We believe in providing tax relief for working class Americans and providing incentives so that every American has access to quality health care insurance. Democrats believe that by recognizing the contributions of the Hispanic community, and providing the necessary tools to expand opportunities for all, we will be able to improve the nation's economy, and the well being of all our families.

"Latinos deserve more than mere lip service. We deserve to be recognized and rewarded for all of our hard work to provide for our families and improve our communities. That is why Democrats have always worked on behalf of working families, for economic policies that create jobs and provide opportunities for all. So the next time that the Republicans ask HOW to improve our economy, we will tell them to stop working for special interests and start
looking out for hard working taxpayers.

"I'm Congressman José Serrano from New York. Thank you for listening."