Reid Commemorates Cesar Chavez Day

Statement

Nevada Senator Harry Reid issued the following statement today commemorating Cesar Chavez day. Cesar Chavez, who founded the National Farm Workers Association, fought to institute a minimum wage, worked for access to clean drinking water for farm workers, and advocated for equal pay for equal work. A World War II Navy veteran, Chavez was also the recipient of the Navy's highest honor with the commissioning of the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Cesar Chavez in 2011.

"Today we honor an American hero who dedicated his life to improving working conditions for farm workers and defended labor rights for all Americans. Although Cesar Chavez is no longer with us, we must carry on his legacy by creating jobs for the middle class, restoring long term unemployment insurance for those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, making sure all workers earn fair pay for their work, and stopping the separation of families by passing immigration reform.

"Eliseo Medina, who worked alongside Cesar Chavez during the 1970s, honors his legacy today by fasting and organizing communities across the nation to join the fight against the separation of families. As Eliseo and all of us celebrate the life of this iconic American, we must work to protect his legacy and continue to fight for every American family, in Nevada and every state, to have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream and to stay united as a family."

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