OKLAHOMA CITY – Four legislators have formed a Latino Caucus at the state Capitol so they can help address the needs of the state’s fastest-growing population while also celebrating their contributions to Oklahoma’s economy.
Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan), whose grandparents were born and lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, said the concerns of Latinos are the same as most Oklahomans, but they are looked at through a different lens.
“We want to key in on issues that are important to that specific group in the state,” she said. “Like most people, Latinos are concerned about access to health care, education and the criminal justice system, but those
issues look different because of someone’s location, ethnicity or language barrier.”
Garvin’s grandmother learned English by reading a dictionary and became a naturalized citizen at an older age.
“She became a productive citizen who contributed to society,” the lawmaker said, a reference to the wishes of most Latinos in Oklahoma.
Education is a critical component for the Latino community, especially learning the English language.
“They migrate to the U.S. and they should learn the language of the environment they’re in, but we should also be adaptable. We’re a melting pot and we should serve those different populations with programs that help,” Garvin said.
English as a Second Language is a program used by Latinos in most Oklahoma school districts.
So far, there is no direct legislation aimed at the Latino community, Garvin said. However, she added that the legislature should “look like” the communities lawmakers serve.
State Sen. Michael Brooks (D-Oklahoma City) said Latinos comprise more than 11% of the state’s population, own more than 10,000 businesses and have buying power of almost $8 billion annually.
“This caucus will ensure the legislature stays informed of the Latino community’s economic and cultural contributions to our state. We also will ensure their voices are heard and their needs and concerns addressed,” he said.
Other Latino Caucus co-founders are Reps. Ryan Martinez (R-Edmond) and Jose Cruz (D-Oklahoma City).
Martinez said the Latino community has a strong presence in Oklahoma with 440,000 residents.
“Every area of our state government is impacted by these incredible people, from the workforce to our schools, and let’s not forget their strong family values,” he said. “We want our fellow Latinos to know that they have a voice in the Oklahoma Legislature, and now they have a platform to really get involved and bring about positive change for their families and our state.”
The four founding members will spend time this summer and fall visiting with the Latino communities and leaders in their respective districts and establish the bylaws and membership qualifications for the caucus. When the final U.S. Census data is released later this year, they will use it to determine which legislative districts have significant Latino populations and invite those members to join the caucus next session.
While they will not be voting members, the caucus will also welcome legislative staff, Senate executive assistants and House legislative assistants who are of Latino descent.
The newly formed Latino Caucus is one of several caucuses that try to help various groups of people in Oklahoma, Garvin said. Other caucuses include the Republican and Democrat caucuses, a Women’s Caucus, Sportsmen Caucus among several others.