Democrats Matter: Latino Caucus invites you to celebrate

There is no doubt that the influence of Latinos in every aspect of our economy and life is powerful. In Idaho, Latinos are rarely at the table to ensure that our voices our heard. The Idaho Democratic Latino Caucus has made it our goal to make our voices heard, and see that the best interests of the Latino Community are served.

As Hispanic Heritage month approaches, we want to share important facts that you might not know about Latinos.

When is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15^th. It kicks off on a day when five Latino countries celebrate their independence days: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Gautemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Three other countries also celebrate their Independence during Hispanic Heritage Month: Mexico, Chile, and Belize.

When and Why did HH Month start?

Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as one week of observance, and was expanded to one month of observance in 1988. Its purpose is to "celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American Citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America." (hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about)

Latino Facts

The number of states in which Hispanics are the largest minority group. These states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Source: American FactFinder: United States DP-1

8.4%

The percentage of voters in the 2012 presidential election who were Hispanic. Hispanics comprised 7 percent of voters in 2010.

Source: News Release: Census Bureau Reports Hispanic Voter Turnout Reaches RecordHigh for Congressional Election

and Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2012: Table 2

2.3 million

The number of Hispanic-owned businesses in 2007, up 43.6 percent from 2002.

1.2 million

The number of Hispanics or Latinos 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 American Community Survey: Table B21001I

If you want some more information on Idaho Latinos, the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs has great information on their website. Take a look at their Snapshot of the Idaho Latino Community.

If you're interested in more information on the Idaho Democratic Latino Caucus, please feel free to like our Facebook Page. We have formed to engage Latino voters in the political process and to encourage Latinos to run for office. We will work hard to help them win. We are a new organization, but our membership is growing rapidly. You are welcome to join us as we pursue these important goals. We cannot succeed without your help. Please learn about us and consider ways that you can help us-like volunteering to attend or organize events, attending important community functions, writing letters to the editor, becoming a candidate for office, or donating money to help recruit and elect Latino candidates.

Together, we will create stronger communities and greater opportunities for all of Idaho's children.

Until next time,

Idaho Democratic Latino Caucus

Websites with more Info

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb13-ff19.html

http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/

http://icha.idaho.gov/

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