Fuerza Latina:

A Paradox of Success and Hardship

Phillip J. Bowman Lecture

Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy

Sylvia Puente

Executive Director

Latino Policy Forum

MARCH 13, 2013

Illinois Population by Race/Ethnicity, 2010

Latino Population: 2,027,578

Latinos as Percent of the State Population: 16%

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 210 Redistricting Data (Latino of any race; White, not Hispanic or Latino; Black, not Hispanic or Latino)

Illinois Population Changes By Race, 2000-2010

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 2000 & 2010 Redistricting Data(Latino of any race; White, not Hispanic or Latino; Black, not Hispanic or Latino)

Total Latino Population7 County Region

Congressional and County Lines (Census 2010, Block Level)

Investment In Latino Community Has Not Kept Pace With Growth

Funding to Latino organizations from the Illinois Department of Human Services has declined by 40% since 2009, from $35 m to $21.2m

Less than 1% of Foundation dollars have been invested in in Latino organizations over the past decade according to a study done by the Foundation Center and Hispanics in Philanthropy

Nativity of Latino Children in Illinois, 2009

Native Born92%

Naturalized1%

Not US Citizen

7%

Source: U.S. Census. 2009 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate

Native Born41%

Not US Citizen41%

Naturalized18%

Nativity of Latino Adults in Illinois, 2009

Nearly one quarter of all U.S.-born

children in Illinois have at least one

foreign-born parent.

Nativity of Latino Children and Adults in Illinois, 200993% of Latino Children are Citizens

Dashboard of Latino Well-Being: Economic Well-Being

OUTLOOK PERCENT CHANGE

INDICATOR: Median Latino Household Income

Illinois per capita income 2010

Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2010 1-Year Estimate

28,661

14,801

17,569

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

White AfricanAmerican

Latino

Per Capita Income

Economic Well-Being

Tax contribution exceeds public costsU of Notre Dame, Institute for Latino Studies)

Economic Well-Being

80 percent increase in buying power

Economic Well-Being

Increase in child poverty Increase in high-income families

Dashboard of Latino Well-Being: Education

INDICATOR: Percent of Latinos 25 years and over with at least a Bachelor’s degree

OUTLOOK PERCENT CHANGE

Education31 percent increase in college attainment

EducationSignificantly lower high school graduation rates when compared to the total population

EducationSignificantly lower third grade reading levels than the overall population

Economic Well-Being

Concentration in low-wage industries

Dashboard of Latino Well-Being: Health and Human Services

INDICATOR: Percent of Latino children 18 and under with health insurance

OUTLOOK PERCENT CHANGE

Health

90% of Latino children now have access to healthcare

vs.

HousingSlight increase in home ownership

Dashboard of Latino Well-Being: Housing

INDICATOR: Percent of Latino households that are not cost burdened

OUTLOOK PERCENT CHANGE

Illinois Latino Voters in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Elections

42,000 new Latino Voters Registered for the 2008 U.S. Presidential Elections in Illinois

Latinos account for 40% of national increase in total voter turnout

Nearly 47% Latino Citizens (18+) in Illinois Voted

Source: U.S. Census, Current Population Survey, November 2008

What we’re doing to shape our future

The Forum conducts analysis to

inform, influence and lead.Its goals are to

improve education outcomes,advocate for affordable housing,

promote just immigration policies, and engage diverse sectors of the

community,

with an understanding that advancing Latinos

advances a shared future.

Long Term Goals

EARLY EDUATION - All Latino children have access to high quality services that are linguistically and culturally appropriate

IMMIGRATION – All individuals living in the U.S, regardless of their country of origin, are recognized as valuable and contributing members of society and have equal access to equity and prosperity

Long Term Goals

HOUSING – All Latinos, including low and mid-income families, have access to safe, quality, affordable housing

CIVIC ADVANCEMENT – A Latino community that is strong from the inside out, with thriving organizations able to meet their missions and work in strategic alliance with one another and other groups/coalitions to accomplish larger goals

What we’re doing to shape our future

The Latino Policy Forum integrates Research Policy Advocacy Community Engagement

Link Policy to Advocacy and Community

Acuerdo Established Stakeholder partnership

through Acuerdo model Developing an education, issue specific

Latino voice Consensus on agenda, principles, talking

points Build and expand leadership Position members at policy tables Engage with over 100

organizations

Theory of Change

INFORM Change to public awareness and attitudes

INFLUENCE Policy ChangeLEAD Community

Level Change

Addressing the Paradox

Paradox of strengths and challenges will continue

Articulate a cohesive vision and an organized voice to address strengths and challenges

Future of region’s and Latino community are intertwined – shared future

Photo from front page of Red Eye, May 2, 2006

For More Information

Sylvia Puente

Executive Director

Spuente@latinopolicyforum.org

312-376-1766 x 224

180 N Michigan, suite1250

Chicago, IL 60601

www.latinopolicyforum.org

Latino Policy Forum

@latinopolicy