LATINA HEALTH: HOPE in Washington
Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) have taken their increasing political clout from the California Legislature to Capitol Hill this week in an effort to lobby Congress on a variety of issues, including health insurance for the working poor. The Los Angeles Times reports that more than 100 women will participate in three days of meetings with legislators, including a briefing at the White House, breakfast with House Republicans and a policy session with the Hispanic congressional caucus. Angela Acosta, conference attendee and economic developer said, "Latinos are working really hard, but they are not earning anything, and many are living below poverty." For nearly ten years, the group has organized its annual Latina Action Day with the state Legislature, hoping to "turn old stereotypes around." The success of decade-long advocacy culminated in the appointment of co-founder Maria Contreras-Sweet as the first Latina to head the state's Department of Business, Transportation and Housing (Alonso-Zaldivar, 9/13).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.