Somos El Futuro centers on immigration, women’s issues

By DEBORAH A. MILES
The Somos El Futuro conference of the NY state Puerto Rican and Hispanic legislators provided a forum for PEF members to discuss issues and network with lawmakers in Albany at the end of April.

Members talked to lawmakers about issues such as housing, immigration laws, and economic opportunities at a legislative reception hosted by the PEF Hispanic Committee.

“This conference, especially in an election year, enabled us to speak with elected officials who are pro-labor and sensitive to immigration issues,” said Gustavo Santos, co-chair of the committee. 

FUTURE IS OURS — Carlos Garcia ( left) and Gustavo Santos, co-chair of the PEF Hispanic Committee right) speak at the PEF legislative reception, held at the annual Somos El Futuro legislative conference in Albany. — Photos by John Epting

This year’s theme, “The Year of The Woman,” celebrated women by focusing on issues such as health care, according to PEF co-chair Julio Munoz.

The committee also paid tribute to lawmakers, members and staff.

Honorees included Assembly Member and President of the NY City Central Labor Council Brian McLaughlin, who was instrumental in organizing the national Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride. 
Assembly Members Luis Diaz and Jose Peralta were recognized for their organizational roles in the Freedom Ride and efforts to keep the Bronx Psychiatric Center open. 

For leadership and being the longest tenured Latino on PEF’s Executive Board, Carlos Garcia received a plaque.

The committee also honored PEF’s Director of Public Relations Denyce Duncan Lacy. “Denyce has made remarkable changes in the public relations department and with The Communicator. “We were pleased to recognize her talents,” said Roxane S. Rosario, PEF Region 10 Training Committee chair and member of the PEF Hispanic Committee.

Rosario said the honorees provided education, exposure and political action to Hispanic causes.

“PEF President Roger Benson encouraged the Hispanic Committee to do grassroots organizing and to take major roles in the union,” Rosario said. “With that motivation and with this conference, we are moving forward and making that happen.”