On the weekend of April 13, 2012, President Barack Obama participated in the 6th Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia. The United States and Western Hemisphere region enjoy extensive economic linkages, rich cultural people-to-people connections, and a shared belief in inclusive growth and broad-based opportunity.
In his remarks at the Summit of the Americas, President Obama laid out the issues for discussion — including trade, strong cooperation on cutting edge energy security, and a network of connections among our countries and people that allow the efficient movement of knowledge, ideas and technology. To read more about the 6th Summit of the Americas, click here.
On April 12, 2012, the White House hosted the "White House Conference on Connecting the Americas." in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Council on the Americas. The all-day conference brought together business and community leaders from across the country with Administration officials working to expand opportunities for American businesses and people throughout the Americas. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson gave the opening remarks, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar gave remarks at the day's luncheon, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered the closing remarks. To read more about the conference, click here.
On April 11, 2012, the White House released a report, The Buffett Rule: A Basic Principle of Tax Fairness. This report highlights the need for Congress to take action and pass the Buffett Rule so that we can build an economy where everyone does their fair share and everyone plays by the same set of rules. Next week, Congress will have the opportunity to vote on the Buffett Rule. We'll see where everyone stands. To read more on The Buffett Rule, click here.
Last week the Department of Health and Human Services released an issue brief on What the Health Law Means for the Latino Community. Across the country, more than 50 million Latinos are part of our communities, classrooms and workplaces. And thanks to the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, an estimated 5.4 million Latinos will gain insurance coverage by 2016 under the new law, according to an issue brief released by HHS today (go here to read it in Spanish). Just two years after it was passed, the health care law has already improved health outcomes and increased access to care for approximately 6.1 million Latinos. To read the full report, click here.
We also want to share some important agency updates that have a direct impact on the Latino community across the nation in the areas of civil rights, labor, housing, and consumer protection.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
