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 (DLorain) 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!