WASHINGTON
Senate passes Padilla, Cornyn bipartisan resolution to honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus, and John Cornyn (R-Texas) announced that the Senate passed their bipartisan resolution to designate the week starting on September 9, 2024 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. The resolution is co-led in the House of Representatives by Congressional HSI Caucus co-chairs Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.-06).
Hispanic-Serving Institutions are accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25 percent or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time students. There are 600 HSIs in the United States that enroll over 5.2 million Hispanic students, two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates, and 32.2 percent of total Pell recipients — empowering and improving communities. California is home to 172 HSIs and 45 Emerging HSIs.
“Hispanic-Serving Institutions play a critical role in fostering our nation’s economic growth and vitality,” said Senator Padilla. “California is home to the most HSIs of any state, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how important their work is in providing more equitable access to higher education for Latino students and other underserved student populations. As a founder of the first-ever Hispanic-Serving Institutions Senate Caucus, I’m glad to see the Senate unanimously recognize the crucial role HSIs play in uplifting Latino communities and other underserved students across the country.”
“Millions of students across America – including many in San Antonio – benefit from the incredible education that Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) provide,” said Representative Castro. “I was honored to work with Sens. Padilla and Cornyn and Reps. González-Colón, Grijalva, and Ciscomani to introduce this resolution, and I am very proud to see it advance in the Senate by unanimous and bipartisan consent. Hispanic-Serving Institutions play a critical role in opening doors to opportunity for undeserved students, and I have been glad to see the Biden-Harris administration take major steps to bolster HSIs through executive action. In Congress, I’ll continue to work to get HSIs the support they deserve.”
“The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is grateful for Congress recognizing the vital importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions during National HSIs Week,” said Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “HSIs are America’s best hope for a vibrant democracy and a future as prosperous and just country. These rapidly growing institutions educate and train the newest generations of professionals, technicians, engineers, scientists, and leaders from diverse backgrounds that are the backbone of the nation’s economic and social advancement.”
This resolution celebrates the vast contributions of HSIs across the country. It also highlights the important role these institutions play in educating many underserved students, helping them attain their full potential by creating opportunities and increasing access to higher education.
This resolution is supported by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
As chair of the Senate HSI Caucus, Senator Padilla has been a strong advocate for expanding educational opportunities for Latino students. For the last two years, Padilla has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. Earlier this year, Padilla, Representative Castro, and Representative Grijalva issued a joint statement applauding key actions the Biden-Harris Administration will take to expand educational opportunities for Latino students. Last year, Padilla also introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment (HERE) Act, which aims to provide Hispanic and Latino students with the necessary tools and resources to lessen the higher education achievement gap.
Previously, Padilla and Senator Cornyn passed a bipartisan resolution expressing support to close the gap in STEM jobs among Latino students and young professionals entering the workforce. Padilla also unveiled a bipartisan resolution in 2022 recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Hispanic National Internship Program (HNIP), a seminal program of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities known for promoting Latino excellence and creating greater career development opportunities for Latino and Hispanic students across the country.
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LAKEPORT
City of Lakeport Public Works Project Updates
The City of Lakeport has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to support the ongoing renovations at the Silveira Community Center, 500 N. Main Street. This funding, along with a $1 million grant from a Community Development Block Grant, will help us make critical improvements to the electrical and HVAC systems, enhancing safety and energy efficiency at the center.
What’s happening with the $1 million grant:
Electrical Upgrades: We’re bringing the facility up to current electrical codes by replacing outdated panels and wiring. The system will be able to handle the increased load from the new HVAC units, ensuring long-term reliability and safety.
HVAC Enhancements: Energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are being installed, including new ductwork, air handlers, and compressors. These upgrades will not only improve climate control but also reduce the center’s operational costs, making the facility more sustainable.
What’s next with the $1.2 million grant:
ADA Accessibility Improvements: This grant will focus on improving accessibility throughout the center. Ramps, wider doorways, and fully renovated restrooms will be installed, ensuring compliance with ADA standards. These improvements will provide better access for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and families.
Additional Facility Enhancements: Beyond accessibility, the funding will enhance the building’s functionality and safety, making it more usable for a variety of community events, including social, recreational, and educational activities. The project will also include upgrades to the building’s overall infrastructure to improve long-term use and community benefit.
These projects will begin to transform the Silveira Community Center into a modern, accessible, and efficient facility for all. The City is committed to ensuring that the project is carried out smoothly and in compliance with all regulations and safety standards.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development for our community. For more information on this grant, visit: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/disaster-recovery-and-mitigation/infrastructure-and-resilient-infrastructure-programs.
Please contact the Public Works office at (707) 263-3578 or pwinfo@cityoflakeport.com with questions.
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