Hispanic Families Hit Hard by Economic Recession

October 7, 2003

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement regarding the Pew Hispanic Center study released today about the economic difficulties Hispanics have faced during the recession. The study found that 500,000 Hispanics failed to get jobs because of the slow economy:

"Almost half a million Hispanics have lost their jobs since President Bush took office. On top of that, the Census Bureau reported last week that one out of three Hispanics is not covered by any type of health insurance. Yet Republicans continue to push for their reckless economic plan while Latino families bear the burden of their irresponsible policies.

"President Bush’s economic plan -- massive tax cuts for the wealthy -- has not created jobs. It has only created debt that is mortgaging our children's future for a tax break that benefits those who need it least.

"The legislative initiatives proposed by the Democrats in our Compromiso Demócrata con el Pueblo would increase the minimum wage, provide low income families with a child tax credit, give small businesses a health care tax credit, protect overtime pay for all American workers, keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S., and extend and expand unemployment insurance."

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