ICYMI: Building Back Together Hosts Rep. Leger Fernández And Tucson Mayor Romero To Discuss Biden-Harris Admin Delivering For Latinos
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2022
PRESS CONTACT: [email protected]
CYMI: BUILDING BACK TOGETHER HOSTS REP. LEGER FERNÁNDEZ AND TUCSON MAYOR ROMERO TO DISCUSS BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN DELIVERING FOR LATINOS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier today, Building Back Together (BBT) hosted a press call with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero to discuss the ongoing positive impacts of the Biden-Harris policy agenda for Latinos, from passage of the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act to the administration’s COVID response efforts.
Congresswoman Leger Fernández highlighted historic efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to expand vaccine equity for Latinos, help to reunite more than 2,760 families separated under the previous administration, and protect health care coverage for 700,000 Latinos through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Mayor Romero spoke about the impact of President Biden’s policies in the city of Tucson, highlighting funding for programs to revitalize communities of color, transform rundown hotels into affordable housing, and tackle the climate crisis, which has a disproportionate impact on Latinos. Since taking office, President Biden has delivered these and countless other historic wins for the Latino community.
Key Quotes from Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández:
“There were 230 CHC [Congressional Hispanic Caucus] member bills signed into law by the president this year. And that is significant because these bills represent reflections on what we are each facing in our communities. And since most of us represent communities with large Latino populations, you are seeing that the Congress is passing laws that are impacting our Latino communities and the president is signing them into law.”
“In the American Rescue Plan, we highlighted the need to make sure there was equity in terms of vaccinations, and we moved from a position where Latinos were disproportionately negatively impacted by COVID-19 to one where we are doing a whole lot better. And that was because the administration heeded our calls to make sure we use the promotora approach to addressing the vaccinations. And I think that’s how you see when the Congress works together with the administration, we can bridge these gaps and bridge these divides.”
Key Quotes from Tucson Mayor Regina Romero:
“I want to especially thank President Biden, because he really understands the challenges facing our nation’s Latinos families and communities. And I appreciate how intentional and proactive the Biden-Harris Administration has been in its outreach to the Latino community. Over the past two years, I would say that President Biden has signed into law three very historic pieces of legislation that, as a mayor of the 33rd largest city in this country, has been the difference between seeing our city fall into financial problems and being able to deliver the services that our residents deserve and need.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act, American Rescue Plan, which helped our city very directly with $137 million investment directly into the city of Tucson, and, of course, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – these landmark laws will provide opportunities for Latinos, small businesses and families to grow and prosper and create economic opportunities and jobs, the green jobs of the future that we need, and protect people’s health and our climate in our environment.”
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