Latino Leaders Gather at Ohio Statehouse for Day of Civic Engagement On May 5 th , the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission was proud to partner with the Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to host its annual Hispanic Legislative Visit Day. The event convened nearly 200 Latino leaders from across the state to foster dialogue with Ohio legislators on the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio's Hispanic community. Nearly 50 state legislators attended the event, and numerous formal meetings were coordinated between participants and their state senators and representatives. The event included morning and afternoon workshops, providing educational advice on a wide range of topics. Additionally, a panel of state legislators came together to discuss important issues facing the community. State Representatives Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) and Dan Ramos (D- Lorain) together with Senators Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville), comprised the legislative panel and answered a variety of questions brought forth by the Latino community. Questions ranged in topic from ways the Ohio General Assembly can support Latino small business owners, to how to ensure limited English proficient Ohioans have access to translated materials. Gustavo Velasquez, the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Mr. Velasquez built upon themes discussed by the legislative panel, focusing his discussion on civil rights, and ways of ensuring equal opportunities for the Ohio Latino community. The morning and afternoon workshops bookended the panel discussion and keynote address, featuring talks led by regional experts on government affairs, education and small business operations. The popularity and turnout of the 2015 Hispanic Legislative Day was deeply encouraging to all those in attendance. Once again the commission was pleased to facilitate dialogue between Ohio elected leaders and their Latino constituents. Next year’s Hispanic Legislative Day will take place on May 17, 2016. Mark your calendars!

Latino Leaders Gather at Ohio Statehouse for Day of Civic Engagement

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Latino Leaders Gather at Ohio Statehouse for Day of Civic Engagement

On May 5th

, the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission was proud to partner with the Columbus,

Dayton and Cincinnati Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to host its annual Hispanic Legislative

Visit Day. The event convened nearly 200 Latino leaders from across the state to foster dialogue

with Ohio legislators on the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio's Hispanic community.

Nearly 50 state legislators attended the event, and numerous formal meetings were coordinated

between participants and their state senators and representatives. The event included morning

and afternoon workshops, providing educational advice on a wide range of topics.

Additionally, a panel of state legislators came together to discuss important issues facing the

community. State Representatives Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) and Dan Ramos (D-

Lorain) together with Senators Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus) and Gayle Manning (R-North

Ridgeville), comprised the legislative panel and answered a variety of questions brought forth by

the Latino community. Questions ranged in topic from ways the Ohio General Assembly can

support Latino small business owners, to how to ensure limited English proficient Ohioans have

access to translated materials.

Gustavo Velasquez, the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, served as the events keynote speaker. Mr.

Velasquez built upon themes discussed by the legislative panel, focusing his discussion on civil

rights, and ways of ensuring equal opportunities for the Ohio Latino community. The morning

and afternoon workshops bookended the panel discussion and keynote address, featuring talks

led by regional experts on government affairs, education and small business operations.

The popularity and turnout of the 2015 Hispanic Legislative Day was deeply encouraging to all

those in attendance. Once again the commission was pleased to facilitate dialogue between Ohio

elected leaders and their Latino constituents. Next years Hispanic Legislative Day will take

place on May 17, 2016. Mark your calendars!