Washington - Today, member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) met with Senate Democrats at the invitation of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force (HTF). The group talked about policy solutions to strengthen the economic recovery and identified the critical issues that concern the Hispanic business community. The reception was part of the USHCC's 22nd Annual Legislative Summit, and allowed members of the Hispanic business community from across the country to listen to policy proposals put forth by Senate Democratic Leadership to help Hispanic-owned business grow and succeed.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Col.), U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), hosted the reception. Among the participants were Ms. Mary Ann Gomez from the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, Mr. Javier Palomarez from the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Elizabeth Soto of the Girl Scouts.

"Today my colleagues and I had the opportunity to meet with Hispanic business leaders to discuss how we can work together to ensure the prosperity of America's small businesses," said Senator Menendez. "The availability of adequate capital to help businesses expand, grow and create jobs is a primary concern, especially for the more than 2 million Hispanic American-owned firms that are playing a key role in getting our economy back on track. As Chair of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, I pledge to continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Latino businesses to succeed."

"As one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy, Latinos play a vital role in ensuring access to capital, creating jobs, and promoting economic opportunities in our communities. Latino small business owners represent the backbone of our economy, creating jobs for millions of Americans," said Senator Begich. "I look forward to partnering with the Latino community on these critical issues as we continue to support the growth of Latino-owned businesses."

"I look forward to working with Senior Democratic Leadership on the priorities we put forth in the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Legislative Agenda, which is a comprehensive plan for America's business future," said Javier Palomarez. "These Senators understand that Hispanic businesses are first and foremost, American businesses."

"Today my colleagues in the Hispanic Task Force and I met with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to discuss policies that will help Hispanic-owned business to grow and succeed," said Senator Reid. "Last week the Senate approved the Transportation jobs bill, which is vital for the construction industry. With 30 percent of Latino firms describing themselves as construction companies, this bill would be vital for Latino workers and employers. I hope House Republicans pass this bill as soon possible. Three million workers, many of them Hispanic, depend on it."

About the Senate Democratic Steering & Outreach Committee
The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee facilitates an ongoing conversation between Senate Democrats and the American public. At the direction of the Chairman, the Committee seeks to inform, engage, and mobilize advocacy groups and constituencies to advance the policies and priorities of the Senate Democratic Caucus. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring that diverse communities have a voice within the Democratic Caucus on key issues facing our nation. The Committee is one of two Democratic Leadership Committees in the Senate. Senator Mark Begich (Alaska) serves as Chairman and Senator Daniel K. Akaka (Hawaii) serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee.

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