Latinos United for a Fair Economy is a campaign, launched by the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and co-chaired by the National Council of La Raza and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, that urges Congress and the President to support policies that provide economic security and empowerment to Latino families, improving our standard of living. Latinos United for a Fair Economy is guided by the following principles:

Grow the Economy for All. We need to create an economy that works for everyone -- where an entrepreneur can start a successful business and an individual’s hard work can support a family. Increase opportunities for small businesses to grow, and training Latino workers to compete and thrive in the 21st century economy.

Boost investments in our economy. We should train workers to compete and thrive in the 21st century economy by expanding the role of businesses in job training programs so that workers gain the skills that employers seek. We should expand universal preschool as many states have begun, implementing dropout prevention programs, enhancing community programs that support youth through challenging years, and making college more affordable. We should also focus on building reliable roads and bridges, flood protection, and other major public works projects, not only create good jobs, but provide a lasting benefit for the entire economy that businesses and families can rely on.

Ensure a Fair Playing Field. Companies and workers who are working hard and playing by the rules shouldn’t be undercut by those who knowingly break the law to get an advantage over their competitors. To ensure a fair playing field for employers and employees alike, we support vigorous enforcement of employment laws to deter and remedy illegal practices and equal pay initiatives to remove unfair pay disparities and boost Latinas’ and families’ incomes..

Increase Latinos in Economic Policy-Making Positions. Promoting the appointment of talented Latino leaders to positions at key agencies will help our community’s economic prospects. More Latino leadership in the federal and state agencies that are tasked with directing and promoting investment in our businesses and workforce will help government better understand our community’s unique character and needs, and better enable America to tap in our community’s energy.

Maintain Support for the Most Vulnerable. With all of the economic challenges facing Latinos, it is more important than ever to ensure that the basic social safety net remains intact so as to provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community and those families that have been hit by hard times.