Goals & Challenges for the
Hispanic/Latino Community

Challenges:

Income gap

According to a national study published by the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute, Washington, D.C., in March 2001, a substantial income gap remains between Hispanic households and U.S. households in general. That gap widened from about $12,000 in 1976 to more than $16,000 in 1998. At the same time, about 60 percent of white, non-Hispanic households had achieved middle-class status, but only 35 percent of Hispanic households had done the same.

Educational disparities

Only 10.6 percent of Hispanics who are 25 years or older have obtained a college degree, compared to 25.6 percent of the rest of the U.S. population of the same age.

Overrepresentation in correctional facilities

The percentage of Hispanics in corrections facilities in Oregon is at 10 percent, despite the fact that Hispanics make up eight percent of the entire state population.

Goals:

1. Education of Hispanics

• Addressing the high drop-out rate among Hispanic college and high school students

2. Investigation and attention to the issue of overrepresentation of Hispanics in the correctional system

• Support the governor's juvenile-crime-prevention strategies

• Provide information to Hispanic youth through forums such as the Latino Youth Summit, which provides information about the consequences of Measure-11 crimes and the overrepresentation of Hispanics in correctional facilities
  

3. Improved access to health and social services

• Work with the Oregon Health Division's Office of Multicultural Health to address health issues affecting Hispanics

• Address state-agency abilities to provide culturally competent services

Planned Services

Database

The Commission intends to create a networking database to facilitate and improve communications statewide.

Community Meetings

The Commission plans to create and maintain a system of community meetings throughout Oregon for ongoing communication with the Commission.

Agency Survey

The Commission plans to facilitate survey instruments for assisting state agencies.

Latino Representation on State and Community Boards

The Commission plans to facilitate the nomination of Hispanics to state and community boards and commissions.