Speech #960307869

Despite all that Hispanics have contributed to American society and culture. they are still not provided with adequate opportunities in employment. housing. and education. The median income for Hispanics is only $7.000. as opposed to $10.000 for the average worker. Only 40 percent of Hispanics have had the opportunity to complete high school. as compared to 64 percent for the population as a whole. Hispanics are our fastest growing minority. increasing in population by 1 million last year. Yet we have barely begun to address the problems of immigration. language. affirmative action. voting rights. and housing for these people. In honoring Hispanics and their contributions to our Nation this week. we must think of what contributions we should make to them in return.*