Bingaman Amendment Increases Funding for Hispanic-Serving Education Programs

Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., today applauded the U.S. Senate’s passage of legislation to increase funding for eight federal education programs which have been proven effective in improving the academic achievement of Latino children, ensuring that Hispanic young people graduate from college, and helping adults learn English. The amendments, whose chief sponsor was Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), were added to the Senate’s Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill.

“Poll after poll shows that Latinos care deeply about their children’s education. I’m pleased to see the United States Senate affirm our community’s need for, and support of, these education programs and work in a bipartisan manner to address the Latino academic achievement and high school graduation gaps,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

The programs included in the amendments serve the children of migrant farmworkers, English language learners, parents, and adult learners. In addition, the amendments provide additional funding for Hispanic-serving postsecondary institutions.

“We are pleased that Senator Bingaman, who has consistently championed Latino education issues, was able to receive the support of senators from both parties in order to pass these amendments,” continued Murguia. “We call on the Senate to also work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that these funds are included in the final education appropriations legislation.”

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