ICYMI: Somos Votantes Unites with Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus for Latino Lobby Day
On March 31st, Somos Votantes, in collaboration with the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus and local Latino organizations, united community members from across Northern and Southern Nevada for Latino Lobby Day.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 31st, Somos Votantes, in collaboration with the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus and local Latino organizations, united community members from across Northern and Southern Nevada for Latino Lobby Day. This bi-annual event is a powerful opportunity for civic engagement where Nevadans meet directly with state lawmakers and advocate for policies that reflect their community’s needs and priorities, ensuring Latino voices are not just heard but actively shape Nevada’s future.
"On Latino Lobby Day, Somos Votantes brought our community's lived experiences directly to lawmakers,” said Melissa Morales, founder and president of Somos Votantes. “Our families keep Nevada's economy moving, and today we're empowering hardworking Latinos to shape the policies that impact our future. From healthcare and education to small business support and more affordable housing, we're advocating for opportunities that allow our community to fully participate in building a stronger, more inclusive Nevada."
This year’s Latino Lobby Day coincided with César Chávez Day, honoring the enduring legacy of the civil rights and labor leader who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and dignity of Latino farmworkers. While celebrating his contributions, the event served as a platform for critical discussions on long-term change, with economic concerns at the forefront.
Throughout the day, community leaders and advocates engaged in impactful discussions with legislators, sharing firsthand accounts of how policies affect Latino families, workers, and businesses. As Latino voters face increasing financial pressures, a recent Somos poll conducted in March revealed that 67% rate the U.S. economy as poor, and only 14% report living comfortably economically, highlighting the urgent need for policies that promote economic stability and opportunity.
Hear more about the concerns raised by local Nevadans below:
“Some of us, some of our Latino brothers and sisters haven't had the opportunity to attend or don't have the resources to attend the legislative session and that's why the Latino Lobby day is important. It allows Latinos from all over Nevada to engage with our legislators and advocate for the policies that support our community and it's why Somos Votantes is a proud sponsor of Latino Lobby Day. Because we want to provide more opportunities for Latinos so you can participate and be involved in our democracy.” - Jesse Rivera Gaytan, Intern at Somos Votantes (Press Conference)
“A lot of Nevadans, regardless if they're Latino or not, can talk about the rising costs of housing, the rising cost of groceries, the rising cost of living in general. So I don't think that it's necessarily a Latino specific issue, but Latinos are up here advocating for these issues, as well as their community and the overall community.” - Cecelia Gonzalez, Assembly Member and Chair of Nevada Legislative Latino Caucus (KRNV)
“Getting our youth involved, getting all of our generations, all of our people involved in this side and learning more of the process. With getting or engaging a community, and then engaging with local government…We have so much power in our voice and we need to realize that sometimes and put it into practice, and this is our opportunity. We have specific days, and we can meet with people.” - Osvaldo Jimenez Estupinan, Director of Latinx/Hispanic Community Relations at the University of Nevada, Reno (Fox 5 Vegas)
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About Somos Votantes
Somos Votantes is a Latino-led, Latino-focused organization that runs some of the largest independent Latino civic and voter engagement programs in the country. We envision a nation where hardworking Latinos have the opportunities and tools to fully participate in our democracy. Somos Votantes seeks to empower hardworking Latinos in shaping the future of our democracy, primarily through non-partisan civic engagement programs, by increasing our participation in elections and advocating for progressive policies. Visit https://www.somosvotantes.com/ for more information on this program and other projects, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and X.