FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2005
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431

 DENVER, CO – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) held her annual Hispanic Leadership Roundtable this week to talk about issues of importance to the 1st District’s Hispanic community with local community and business leaders.
 
“The leadership roundtables are great opportunities to talk with community leaders about the issues they are dealing with on a daily basis and how we can work together to address them,” said Rep. DeGette. “They want the President and Congress to start fixing the problems of skyrocketing health care costs, cuts to small business and student aid and outdated and unfair immigration laws.”
 
Rep. DeGette also discussed her work as a member of the Congressional Hispanic Working Group.  This year, the working group is seeking to create opportunities to increase homeownership among Hispanics in congressional districts with at least 25% Hispanic population.
 
Participants at the meeting were very concerned about the impact the federal budget deficit will have on critical government services used in the First District.  With approximately 90% of new spending going towards Defense and Homeland Security, the President’s budget threatens to slash domestic spending priorities that help the Hispanic community.
 
“We must win the war against al Qaeda and provide for the homeland defense, but we cannot do so at the sake of investments here at home: helping Americans own their own home, assisting them in paying for college or ensuring access to quality, affordable health care,” said Rep. DeGette.
 
“Congresswoman DeGette provided outstanding information on legislative issues of the 109th Congress, “said former Colorado State Representative Tony Hernandez, “and is seeking input with the community on how to improve the quality of life for Hispanics and all residents in her District.”
 
In addition to the annual leadership roundtables, constituents can always contact Rep. DeGette’s Denver or Washington offices for assistance with federal grants, help with specific problems involving the federal government or information on legislation in Congress on the Internet at www.house.gov/degette, via phone in Denver at Denver 303-844-4988 or Washington, DC at 202-225-4431, or via email at degette@mail.house.gov.

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