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March 11, 2016

LATINO LEADERS URGE SENATE CONFIRMATION ON NOMINATION OF JOHN KING AS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

WASHINGTON, DC— In a letter sent today to the U.S. Senate, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 40 of the nation’s most preeminent Latino advocacy organizations, urged Senators to approve John King’s nomination for Secretary of the United States Department of Education. Earlier this week the NHLA coalition urged the United States Senate’s HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) leaders, Senator Alexander and Senator Murray to support Mr. King’s confirmation. The committee voted 16-6 in favor of his nomination.

Latino leaders insist that it is critical to ensure that strong leadership is required in the Department of Education, particularly given the changing demographics of our nation. Research indicates that for the first time in our country’s history, our public schools are made up of majority-minority students, where Latinos account for one in every four students.

“Now more than ever, we need a Secretary who is qualified to lead the future of our education system and meet the diverse needs of America’s new and emerging demographics,” said Hector Sanchez, NHLA Chair and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. “We unite behind John King, who we believe is qualified to lead the U.S. Department of Education as exemplified by his personal experience and professional achievements.  We urge the Senate to confirm Mr. King and make him the fourth Latino to our serve our country through a high-level appointment this year.”

King started his career as a high school civics teacher in Puerto Rico and his of Latino and African American descent. NHLA believes that his prior work experience and his personal background uniquely qualify him to lead the Department of Education to meet the needs of all American children.

"With an assertive federal role essential to successful implementation of the recently-enacted Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Department of Education needs strong leadership that will ensure effective regulatory guidance and oversight," stated Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel.  "John King understands the urgent need to move aggressively, with determination and commitment, toward closing the education gaps faced by significant communities, including the Latino community."

As a group of Latino leaders who are working to advance the representation of Latino interests in public policy, the NHLA created the Latino Federal Appointments Program. Through this program NHLA supports highly qualified candidates in their efforts to serve the nation in the Executive branches of government.

The text of the letter can be seen here.

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Established in 1991, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. In 2013, NHLA launched the Latinos United for Immigration Reform campaign. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org and LatinosUnited.org and follow @NHLAgenda.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

| Teresa Acuña | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (202) 508-6917 |

| Brenda Arredondo | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (202) 587-4945 |

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