Top Census, Congressional and Community Leaders Convene at Fundacion Azteca America-Sponsored 'State of Latinos: Census 2010' Forum in Washington DC

Top Census, Congressional and Community Leaders Convene at Fundacion Azteca America-Sponsored 'State of Latinos: Census 2010' Forum in Washington DC

In coordination with the U.S. Census Bureau, leading national Latino organizations and members of Congress discuss the importance of the Census for U.S. democratic process

Partnerships with media, local businesses, religious and educational leaders can help reduce undercounting, as well as increase mail response rate

Detailed findings and recommendations from event to be presented in July by University of Denver in a white paper

WASHINGTON, March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fundacion Azteca America is pleased to announce the issues forum series "The State of Latinos: Census 2010," where top leaders convened in the Capitol Visitors Center to share concerns and recommendations to ensure a successful 2010 Census, which was considered by attendees as one of the most critical events for the Latino community of the moment and in coming years.

"Census data empower citizens at every level of government and are integral in achieving equitable political representation and fair allocation of resources," said Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), chairperson of the Senate subcommittee responsible for overseeing the census. "Unfortunately, every census in the nation's history has failed to count all residents, resulting in an undercounting of the general population."

"The time has never been more critical to ensure a fair and accurate count in the upcoming 2010 Census," said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). My colleagues and I will continue our commitment to ensure the Census Bureau has the resources needed for an accurate decennial count. The Latino community simply cannot afford for us not to."

"The Census is a local effort. It is important for organizations to share experiences of what works best at local levels. There are hard to count area and then our communities, which are the hardest to count. The challenge is to convince the hardest to count that it is in their interest to be engaged," said Congressmember Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), who is spearheading Census activity on behalf of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus.

"It's important that we understand what the Census means to our communities, not only in terms of redistricting, but in terms of programs, like education, health and infrastructure. It's our responsibility to all work together. On the contrary, we lose; the American people lose; the Latino community loses," said Congressmember Joe Baca (D-CA).

"It is vital that we do everything within our considerable power to help ensure that each person -- including each Hispanic man, woman and child -- is counted in 2010," said Congressmember Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR). "We must impress upon them the fact that this simple act can have a profoundly positive impact, just as not filling out the census form can have serious negative consequences".

In outlining the U.S. Census efforts to focus on groups that are hard to count, U.S. Census Bureau Assistant Director Arnold Jackson said "Trust is the key to victory" in getting the most complete Census count in history and called on all Census partners to help spread the word of the importance of the Census. He added that 40% of the advertising dollars of the US Census are targeted to ethnic markets.

The event included a stellar panel of senior representatives of some of the most influential Latino organizations in the country, including: Maria Teresa Petersen, Executive Director, Voto Latino; John Trasvina, President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF); Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Esther Aguilera, President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI); Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, Executive Director, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI); Andres Ramirez, Vice President of Hispanic Programs, NDN; Angelo Falcon, President, National Institute of Latino Policy; and Arturo Vargas, Executive Director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

Arturo Vargas, from NALEO, summed up many voices when he said "the Census is fundamental to Latino human rights," and also called for comprehensive media cooperation to ensure a successful census count next year.

"We an excited to see proactive planning to ensure that our community is properly counted and we offer the full support of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America to this end," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America Network and Fundacion Azteca America.

Fundacion Azteca America is currently airing a public service campaign on Azteca America "Porque tu vales, dejate contar! Because you're worth it, let yourself be counted." It is also distributing print material and sponsoring regional forums on the Census throughout the country. The first regional event will be held on April 16 in Ft. Myers, FL.

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas. For more information, visit http://www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org/.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (http://www.gruposalinas.com/) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (http://www.ricardosalinas.com/), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (http://www.irtvazteca.com/), Azteca America (http://www.aztecaamerica.com/), Grupo Elektra (http://www.grupoelektra.com.mx/), Banco Azteca (http://www.bancoazteca.com.mx/), Afore Azteca (http://www.aforeazteca.com.mx/), Seguros Azteca (http://www.segurosazteca.com.mx/), and Grupo Iusacell (http://www.iusacell.com/). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

Media Contact:
Daniel McCosh
011 52 55 1720 0059
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Source: Fundacion Azteca America; Azteca America; Grupo Salinas

CONTACT: Daniel McCosh of Grupo Salinas, +011-52-55-1720-0059,
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/
http://www.gruposalinas.com/
http://www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org/

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