Following President Barack Obama's State Of the Union address, Latino policy makers and groups put out statements and went on social media; here's a roundup of some reactions:
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials: “As the president acknowledged in tonight’s address, ‘We can agree that the right to vote is sacred and that it’s being denied to too many.' We know this to be true and remain deeply concerned by inaction on legislation to restore strength to the Voting Rights Act, which provides protections for Latinos and those voters most vulnerable to unfair treatment."
Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., chair of Congressional Hispanic Caucus: “The Hispanic Caucus stands with President Obama in defending the immigration executive actions announced last November."
DREAM Action Coalition (immigration activists): "We are glad a Dreamer secured the opportunity to attend the president's State of the Union address. The White House, however, must not only highlight the accomplished Dreamer, but also shed light on the 7 million who were left behind from his executive action as House Republicans continue to block immigration reform."
Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, Republican Study Committee chairman: "Once again, President Obama used his State of the Union address to push a big government agenda full of unaffordable tax-and-spend initiatives."
Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.: “Tonight President Obama outlined a bold agenda that will help expand opportunity for the middle class – that will make college more affordable, give the middle class tax relief, and extend sick leave for working families."
Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho: "Once again, the president seems unfazed by last November's election results that were a complete repudiation of his presidency and his liberal agenda."
Marielena Hincapié, executive director of National Immigration Law Center: "We urge Congress to leave aside partisan politics and attacks on immigrants and (attacks on) Americans struggling to make ends meet and to engage in a meaningful legislative agenda that brings liberty and justice to all.”
Jessica González-Rojas, executive director of National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health: "The fight for reproductive justice and family economic security is far from over – and we urge the president to act by advancing access to healthcare, including comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all, regardless of income or immigration status."
