Latino Action Network Praises Judge’s Ruling Against Arizona Immigration Law

“The decision by Judge Bolton was wise and prudent and ensures that the most deplorable provisions of the Arizona Law will not be implemented tomorrow,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network.

Latino Action Network Praises Judge’s Ruling Against Arizona Immigration Law

For Immediate Release: July 28, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, President – 908-670-0552

          The Latino Action Network [LAN] today issued a brief statement on the decision by Federal District Court Judge Susan Bolton:

            “The decision by Judge Bolton was wise and prudent and ensures that the most deplorable provisions of the Arizona Law will not be implemented tomorrow,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network. “This is the first step in a long legal struggle which the Network will continue to monitor. We urge those planning to take part in protests to proceed and let their voices be heard.”

Argote-Freyre continued: “It now remains for the members of Congress to find the political courage to enact comprehensive immigration reform. There has been an abundance of political posturing from both parties on this issue and a scarcity of political will. It is this failure to act that leads mischievous minds to concoct laws such as the one blocked by Judge Bolton today."

The Network supports federal legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the estimated 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, a federal worker exchange program and an economic investment fund for Latin America.

           

            The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Supports Federal Lawsuit Against Arizona Immigration Law

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today endorsed a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department earlier this week seeking to overturn an Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

Latino Action Network Supports Federal Lawsuit Against Arizona Immigration Law

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, President – 908-670-0552

Emiliano Lemos, Chair of Immigration Committee – 973-518-8707

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today endorsed a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department earlier this week seeking to overturn an Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

The LAN and other civil rights groups argue that the law will lead to racial profiling of Latinos. The Arizona law also undermines federal control over immigration enforcement.

“The answer to the riddle of the broken immigration system is not to pass laws that undermine the civil rights of us all,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network. “The solution lies with Congress which for years has failed to find the political courage to address this contentious issue.”

Emiliano Lemos, chair of the Immigration Committee, said: “Arizona passed a law that usurps federal authority over immigration. It opens the door for every state to adopt its own laws. These state laws, as is the case in Arizona, could lead to racial profiling of Latinos and other racial and ethnic groups. The Arizona law is bad public policy and we commend Attorney General Eric Holder for challenging it.”

The Network supports federal legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the estimated 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, a federal worker exchange program and an economic investment fund for Latin America.

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Supports Lawsuit Against New Jersey for Suspending FamilyCare Benefits to Legal Immigrants

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today voiced support for a lawsuit filed by the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall University which aims to challenge the removal of legal immigrants from the FamilyCare health program.

Latino Action Network Supports Lawsuit Against New Jersey for Suspending FamilyCare Benefits to Legal Immigrants

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2010

Christian Estevez, Executive Vice President – 973-418-7012

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the Public Policy Committee – 732-496-9628

 

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today voiced support for a lawsuit filed by the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall University which aims to challenge the removal of legal immigrants from the FamilyCare health program.

 

The coverage expires as of today. The State Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office has yet to announce a plan for dealing with patients with chronic illnesses.

LAN intends to contact the Center for Social Justice to explore the possibility of joining the lawsuit.

“The lawsuit alleges discrimination and we agree,” said Christian Estevez, Executive Vice President of the Network. “It is immoral to suspend the benefits to these individuals and we praise the Center for Social Justice and the three immigrants for taking these steps to challenge this unjust policy.”

 

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the LAN Public Policy Committee, said: “It is ironic that at the same time the federal government is expanding health coverage, the Christie Administration is seeking to cut health care benefits. The Christie Administration is acting out of political expedience knowing it will soon have to expand health coverage.”

 

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Decries Christie’s Treatment of Patients to be Removed from FamilyCare

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today criticized the Christie Administration for failing to develop a plan to accommodate chronically ill patients removed from FamilyCare as part of the governor’s budget proposal. 

Latino Action Network Decries Christie’s Treatment of Patients to be Removed from FamilyCare

No formal plans announced for chronically ill; Termination set for July 1

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2010

Christian Estevez, Steering Committee Member – 973-418-7012

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the Public Policy Committee – 732-496-9628

 

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today criticized the Christie Administration for failing to develop a plan to accommodate chronically ill patients removed from FamilyCare as part of the governor’s budget proposal. 

The Christie budget proposes to remove approximately 11,700 legal immigrants from the health care program, including those suffering chronic illnesses, as of July 1.

 

The LAN calls on Governor Christie to reconsider this immoral and inhumane decision and maintain health care for these individuals.

 

“Even at this late date the Christie Administration has failed to indicate what provisions will be made to provide health care for those suffering from chronic illnesses,” said Christian Estevez, a member of the LAN Steering Committee. “Is the state of New Jersey really going to discontinue health care coverage to someone receiving cancer treatments? Is Governor Christie really going to pull the plug on someone receiving dialysis treatment?”

 

“The individuals effected by these unconscionable cuts need to know their status as soon as possible,” Estevez continued. “The public needs to know as well so they can judge the morality of Governor Christie’s actions.”

 

Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the LAN Public Policy Committee, called the FamilyCare cuts the cruelest of all. “Those people losing their health coverage are caught up in the budget circus. The Christie administration is playing with their health and their lives.”

 

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice.

Latino Action Network Condemns Arizona Immigration Law

Latino Action Network Condemns Arizona Immigration Law

Endorses Economic Boycott of the State;

Calls on Governor Christie to Speak Out Against It

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, Interim Chair – 908-670-0552

Christian Estevez -- 973-418-7012

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today condemned a recent Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants arguing that the law will lead to racial profiling of Latinos.

The LAN endorsed an economic boycott of Arizona and began exploring strategies to make the boycott effective. It called on its members to avoid recreational travel to Arizona.

The organization called on New Jersey Governor Christie to speak out against the Arizona law and reassure the immigrant communities of the state that no similar action is planned here.

“The Arizona law is the clearest indication yet that the federal immigration system must be fixed and it must be fixed now not in some vague distant future,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, interim chairperson of the Latino Action Network. “The law is an open invitation to racial profiling and will most likely be declared unconstitutional, but in the interim lives will be ruined by its enforcement.”

Christian Estevez, a member of the LAN Steering Committee said: “The LAN will review the different economic boycott strategies being put forth by various organizations across the nation and will advise its membership accordingly. We will issue our recommendations in the next few weeks.”

The Arizona law is not set to take effect until August.

Latino Action Network Releases Policy Paper Critical of Governor Christie’s Budget

Latino Action Network Releases Policy Paper
Critical of Governor Christie’s Budget

Report finds Christie Claim of “Shared Sacrifice” a Myth

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, Interim Chair – 908-670-0552
Daniel Santo Pietro, Chair of the Public Policy Committee – 732-496-9628

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today released a policy paper on Governor Christie’s proposed budget for 2010-2011 entitled: The Myth of Shared Sacrifice.

The five-page report outlines the devastating impact the proposed spending cuts will have on the Latino community and in general on the poor, the vulnerable and the middle class.

The following is an excerpt from the report: “This is a spending plan that attempts to balance the budget on the backs and wallets of working families, the vulnerable and the middle class. The wealthy are asked to sacrifice nothing by Governor Christie. In fact, in these difficult economic times the Governor has decided the wealthy need a little more money in their pockets and has repeatedly said he will accept no restoration of a tax on incomes over $400,000, which brought in an estimated $1 billion to state coffers last year.”

The report continues: “With regards to Latinos this represents an attack on the entire community and we urge organizations across the state to mobilize against this spending plan. The Governor and his Administration have been meticulous in cutting or eliminating virtually every program serving the community.”

The policy paper offers four recommendations to Governor Christie to minimize the impact on the poor and middle class. The suggestions include a reform of the income tax system and the maintenance of the tax on those with incomes above $400,000, an increase in the gasoline tax to bring it in line with surrounding states, salary cuts for the governor and the cabinet, and a restoration of the programs of importance to the most vulnerable in society.

The Latino Action Network calls on all segments of society to mobilize against the Christie budget. The report concludes: “The Christie budget plan sacrifices the poor, the vulnerable, and the middle class at the altar of financial responsibility and asks nothing of the wealthy. There is nothing equitable or shared about the Governor’s vision for New Jersey.”

The LAN was founded in 2009 as a vehicle to mobilize the Latino community to seek greater social and economic justice. The policy paper is attached to this press release. It will be translated into Spanish in the next few days.

Latino Action Network denuncia recortes presupuestarios del gobernador Christie

Latino Action Network denuncia recortes presupuestarios del gobernador Christie

El sacrificio no es compartido; la carga es sólo para la clase pobre y media

Frank Argote-Freyre, Interim Chair – 908-670-0552

Daniel Santo Pietro, Steering Committee Member – 732-496-9628

La Latino Action Network (LAN) denuncia las decisiones de recortes del presupuesto hechas por el gobernador Chris Christie al preparar su presupuesto 2010-2011, debido a su énfasis en eliminar programas que afectarán a la clase pobre y clase media y por su fracaso en hacer un llamado al sacrificio a los miembros más adinerados de la comunidad de Nueva Jersey.

La LAN ha hecho una disección del presupuesto estatal presentado por el gobernador Christie y planea publicar un breve reporte sobre el mismo en las próximas semanas. Una primera revisión del presupuesto encontró numerosas decisiones políticas censurables por su efecto negativo para las clases pobre y media.

A continuación una lista de algunas de las más lamentables decisiones de recortes del presupuesto:

*La eliminación de 11,700 adultos inmigrantes legales de los programas de FamilyCare. No se han declarado esfuerzos por encontrar planes de tratamiento alternos para aquellos que sufren enfermedades crónicas. Simplemente serán echados por la borda del programa sin ninguna consideración sobre su futuro. Este recorte dará inicio el 1 de abril y continuará durante el siguiente año fiscal. El presupuesto anunciado también congela las inscripciones de todo adulto. El ingreso familiar de aquellos afectados abarca de $18,000 a $36,000.

*La eliminación del Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development. El programa del Gobernador elimina los $3.6 millones en fondos para dicho Centro que ha existido desde 1975. Estos fondos ayudan a mantener agencias de servicio social en todo el estado, varias de las cuales probablemente cerrarán sus puertas como resultado de estos recortes. Además, esta decisión contradice la promesa de campaña del entonces candidato Christie de mantener abierto el Centro. El Centro, junto a la Division of Youth and Family Services, ha cofundado importantes programas de fortalecimiento familiar que anualmente ayudan a 300,000 familias de bajos recursos –en su mayoría hispanas- a resolver problemas antes que éstos amenacen la estabilidad familiar. Otros $3 ó $4 millones de fondos más se perderán como resultado de esta decisión del Gobernador.

*El presupuesto para el Department of Children and Families se recortó por $4.59 millones con los cuales se ayuda a familias en crisis que enfrentan problemas de vivienda, empleo y atención médica. Estos programas ofrecen ayuda bilingüe y bicultural a una población que carece de este tipo de servicios alternativos dentro de sus comunidades.

*Una amplia variedad de subsidios serán recortados, incluyendo los fondos para el programa “NJ After 3” el cual provee programas de cuidado infantil en horario extendido en 114 escuelas públicas del estado en muchas de las áreas económicamente más desfavorecidas. Además, el presupuesto del Gobernador recorta $5.3 millones en fondos para ayuda a familias de bajos recursos con el pago de preescolar en horario más allá de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. El State Department of Human Services planea lograr estos ahorros restringiendo la entrada a padres que den un copago de aproximadamente $35,000. La reducción de este programa será un duro golpe para las familias de los 55,000 niños inscritos en preescolar, de los cuales la mitad son latinos.

*Muchos de estos recortes podrían evitarse manteniendo el impuesto extra a los ingresos mayores a $400,000, el cual ya venció. El año pasado este impuesto produjo casi mil millones en ingresos.

“El sacrificio no es compartido en el presupuesto de Christie”, dijo Frank Argote-Freyre, presidente interino de Latino Action Network. “Reconocemos la difícil situación financiera que Christie heredó al tomar el cargo como gobernador, pero sus decisiones presupuestarias significan una estrategia al estilo Robin Hood pero a la inversa: Christie toma dinero de los pobres para no tener que pedirle nada a los ricos”.

Daniel Santo Pietro, miembro del Comité Directivo de LAN y ex director ejecutivo de la Hispanic Directors Association, hizo los siguientes comentarios: “Un estudio reciente muestra que más del 20% de las familias que trabajan en Nueva Jersey no ganan lo suficiente como para igualar los costo de vida en Nueva Jersey. Los recortes que hemos señalado, aunados a otros como aquellos en el programa de crédito reembolsable State Earned Income Tax Credit Program, son una agresión para las familias trabajadoras. Y los hispanos estarán entre los más afectados”.