Murray seeks Latino vote in Yakima

U.S. Senator hears concerns, praise from group leaders

YAKIMA- U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash, said many of the issues at stake during this year's elections will directly affect the Latino families of the state.

Murray, receiving the endorsement of nearly 40 Washington Latino leaders in the Southeast Yakima Community Center Wednesday, said issues such as health care, higher education and job creation, are and will be the focus of her efforts at a federal level, all of which are important to Latino people.

She added that she was honored by the show of support from the Latino community from all across the state and that she is "working to make sure the federal government helps Latino families."

Among her achievements, Murray touted the DREAM Act, which stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, which centers on helping children from immigrant families, the support of the GEAR-UP program, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, providing scholarships and support for children of low-income families, and the funding for community health centers in the state.

She added that her work on topics like these make her a better candidate for the Latino vote than her opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt.

"I think about these issues every day," she said. "My opponent does not."

She added to her list of accomplishments her support of the confirmation of Washington state's first Latino district court judge, Ricardo Martinez, the creation of the Community Business and Training Resource Center to train Latino business owners and the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Murray said that it is important for Democrats to continue representing best the Latino communities.

"A future that is so important is at stake during these elections," she said. "We need to make sure health care is strong for Latino families, that student loans are available. These are important issues we need to address."

School truancy among Latino students is something that has to change, Murray said, noting that about 51 percent of Latino students are graduating from high school.

"We can't afford to have half of our Latino students not graduate," she said, mentioning her work on the PASS Act. PASS stands for Pathways for All Students to Succeed.

The participation of Latino people in the political process is equally crucial, Murray said, particularly when it comes to voter turnout.

"Low voter turnout is due to people not knowing how issues impact them," she said. "It's their responsibility to help shape our country."

Antonio Ginatta, director of the Latino Vote Project of the Democratic Party praised Murray for her involvement with the minority group.

"The Latino community is extremely excited about the work Patty Murray has done," he said, "and about a partnership in the future."

Murray pledged to keep working for Latino people in all areas of public life.

"Whether it's investing in education for all our children, assisting small business owners or investing in bilingual health centers," she said, "I will always stand up for what is best for Washington state's Latino community."