Latino Legislative Day attracts hundreds
Wenatchee High School junior Judy Leon and other members of the Wenatchee High School Mariachi band perform at the capitol during Latino Legislative Day this week.
OLYMPIA - Mariachi music and chants of "Sí, se puede" ("Yes, we can") were added to the usual sounds of political debate in the Washington state capitol Monday.
Latino Legislative Day, a yearly event held by the Latino Civic Alliance, gathered about 300 people in the capitol building's rotunda to listen to speeches by Gov. Jay Inslee and legislators.
They also listened to music and watched dances performed by the Wenatchee High School Mariachi band during the keynote event. The day-long event included meetings with legislators and sessions on issues such as healthcare and immigration.
"When people journey to the capitol, share their voices, share their real stories, things can change," Inslee said during his address.
He cited the Dream Act, which would allow undocumented immigrants' children to receive state need grants for college, as an example of the effects of students meeting with legislators and sharing their concerns.
The Dream Act was introduced last year but failed to pass the Senate. This session, the house again passed the bill, and the senate passed a similar measure called the Real Hope Act.
Inslee reiterated calls to fund an extra $200 million toward K-12 education by ending tax breaks.
"(Education's) a higher priority than some of these loopholes," he said.
He mentioned the importance of voters' rights, and also cited the state's healthcare exchanges as a success. He urged people to "get the word out" and encourage others to join.
Rep. Luis Moscoso, D-Mountlake Terrace, was one of several legislators who spoke after Inslee. He noted that there are a record number of Latino/Latina delegates in the Washington state legislature this year.
"This is your house. We are here to represent you, speak for your needs. We have more voices than ever before," Moscoso said.
Leilani Leach is an Olympia-based intern with Washington State University's Murrow News Service.
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