GOP Latino Outreach: Latino-Owned Businesses Are 'Backbone' to US Economy, Says RNC Chairman Reince Priebus at USHCC Summit
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus identified the backbone of the U.S. economy has been supported by Latino-owned businesses.
The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) has been hosting several events this week on Latinos' impact on U.S. business, including remarks by Democratic Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, and the RNC was provided a platform to discuss its view and efforts on the topic.
"You're (Latinos) the ones creating good jobs so more moms and dads can go back to work and provide for their families. You're creating opportunity for others to realize their American Dreams," said Priebus on Thursday.
The RNC chairman claimed the federal government, however, has not been easy toward Latino-owned businesses, which may have resulted in shop owners to take less risks. He added, "But our country needs businessmen and women like you to take those risks and create those opportunities."
"As Republicans, we're the party of small business. We understand you need predictable regulations and a sensible, simple tax policy. To grow, you need easy access to capital and a skilled workforce," said Priebus. "We all want an outstanding education system that equips our kids for the jobs of today and tomorrow. And we want a functional immigration system that provides both security and opportunity."
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Priebus's comment on immigration is not new, as it echoes from the RNC's "Growth and Opportunity Project" report, which recommends Republicans must support the Latino community by embracing and championing comprehensive immigration reform. The report noted, "If we do not, our Party's appeal will continue to shrink to its core constituencies only. We also believe that comprehensive immigration reform is consistent with Republican economic policies that promote job growth and opportunity for all."
During Thursday's address, the RNC chairman spoke about the progress and engagement his organization has made toward the Latino-business community. Priebus stated the RNC has Hispanic Advisory Councils in national and state levels to improve its ties with Latinos and its community leaders. He said the RNC's engagement teams connected with more than 1.3 million people, through events, which made a difference in securing GOP victories in Colorado and Florida, two states with a higher Latino population rate than the national average.
"[Last year] also brought a number of new Hispanic Republican leaders to office -- like Congressman Carlos Curbelo, Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti of Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera of Florida and over 150 newly-elected local and state officials," said the RNC chairman. "We also saw the re-election of America's first Latina governor, Susana Martinez of New Mexico...as well America's only other current Hispanic governor, Brian Sandoval of Nevada. Both Republicans."
In regards to the 2016 election season, Priebus said engagement efforts with the Latino electorate will expand.
"It's up to us, the national party, to make sure we have Hispanic Republicans in areas with large Hispanic populations," Priebus continued. "As you know, more than 60,000 Hispanics turn 18 each month. If we don't talk to these new or independent voters, how will they ever hear from Republicans?"
The RNC chairman's comments came as the USHCC hosted its Legislative Summit from Washington, D.C., to discuss America's small business community.
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