Lt. Gov. Quinn served as keynote speaker for the first annual Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation conference - Illinois Latino Empowerment...A New Direction

CHICAGO - Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn served as keynote speaker for the first annual Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation conference where he discussed key issues affecting today's Latino communities, including Taxpayer Action Amendment, consumer fraud and education. Quinn also outlined the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning program.

"The Taxpayer Action Amendment will provide permanent and guaranteed property tax relief to each of Illinois' 2.7 million homeowners every year guaranteed by the state Constitution, affecting many Latino homeowners across the state," Quinn said.

This amendment will generate at least $575 million every year in new education funding for the state's 2,071,391 public school students.  Latinos comprise 16.2% of the state's student population and 36.4% of Chicago's student population.

Consumer fraud is an alarming epidemic in Latino communities, specifically with pre-paid calling cards and money transfer remittance fees.

"Pre-paid calling card carriers rob members of the Latino community by hiding fees and wiping the value of card out before services can be enjoyed," Quinn said.  "Remittance fees carry the same hidden costs where senders are unaware of the full price tag they are paying to send money home."

As part of his commitment to the Latino community, Quinn has led the charge to enact the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning, a program geared toward K-12 students across Illinois who, in honor of the legacy and stewardship of Cesar Chavez, are encouraged to participate in community service projects on or during the week of March 31^st.

"The goal behind the program is to promote an ethic of service and civic responsibility among today's youth," Quinn said.  "Honoring Chavez' birthday through the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning will continue to push forward the legacy of this great man."

            Quinn recently met with the Governor of the State of Mexico -- Arturo Montiel Rojas - where they discussed economic exchange opportunities between Illinois Latino businesses and the State of Mexico; solar power and energy efficient programs; and Internet dialogue among Illinois university students and students from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico.