2024 Indiana Latino Legislative Agenda by Indiana Latino Institute

2024 INDIANA LATINO LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Our mission is to advance Latino educational attainment and workforce preparedness statewide through advocacy, leadership development, and culturally responsive programming.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 OUR MISSION

08 EDUCATION

03 TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 HEALTH

04 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

12 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

05 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

14 PUBLIC SAFETY

06 PRIORITY FOCUS

18 SOURCES

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Over the course of the Indiana Latino Institute's (ILI) existence, ILI has offered effective programs and strong initiatives that have served Latinos throughout the state of Indiana. Established in 2001 as a statewide effort to aid Latino-serving organizations, ILI originally concentrated specifically on health-related programming. Over the years, ILI has grown to address other issues of importance to Indiana’s Latino communities such as educational support and an increased dedication to cultivating Latino leadership. Our daily work fulfills ILI’s mission to advance Latino educational attainment and workforce preparedness statewide through advocacy, leadership development and culturally responsive programs. We are committed to putting Latino issues front and center through efforts that systematically change the dialogue of Latino affairs. Statewide, our community consists of over 550,000 individuals of Latino descent, and growth is expected to continue at a consistent pace. As the Indiana Latino population increases, it is imperative that our elected leaders recognize and address important issues that impact our community.

Marlene Dotson President & CEO Indiana Latino Institute

ILI’s 2024 Legislative Agenda reflects where the issues currently stand and provides insight into the goals ILI and other advocates hope to achieve. It is critical that we have public policy that addresses economic improvement through workforce development, education, health, and public safety to positively impact Indiana socially, culturally, and economically. As a trusted voice for the Indiana Latino community, we must continue to move forward in all our organizational efforts. It is our hope that you will join us in our endeavors.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

1 2

2023-2024 The Indiana Latino Institute convened a group of representatives from Indiana’s nine Congressional Districts to form the Latino Legislative Committee. The committee's purpose is to discuss the state’s current legislative landscape and devise a plan to better serve Latinos. This group provides insight into their communities to improve ILI's legislative priorities, lifting Latino voices statewide.

4 5

MEMBERS DISTRICT 1 Valentine Torres Lydia McNeiley

DISTRICT 2 Savino Rivera Berto Leal

DISTRICT 3 Dr. JoAnne Alvarez Steve Corona

7 DISTRICT 4 Cassandra Salazar Paola Torreblanca-Fischer

DISTRICT 5 Monica Hingst

DISTRICT 6 Luz Elena Michel Matt Souza

DISTRICT 7 Sheryl Gonzalez Tracy Guerrero

DISTRICT 8 Evelyn Rivas Dennis Tedrow

DISTRICT 9 Juan Cano

8 9

PRIORITY FOCUS

EDUCATION

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

HEALTH

PRIORITY FOCUS PUBLIC SAFETY

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE

EDUCATION

Though 8.3% of Indiana's total population is Latino [24], Latino/Hispanic students comprise 13.3% of K–12 public school enrollment [12], establishing them as the largest minority student group in Indiana’s public schools. Hispanic students are often at a disadvantage when entering the K–12 pipeline. These disadvantages stem

13.3%

from parents’ immigrant and socioeconomic status, parents’ lack of understanding of the U.S. education system, language barriers, and a lack of support and resources from their school, such as qualified and culturally trained teachers [21]. According to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Community Data Snapshot, Latino

students’

ILEARN

proficiency

scores

are

the

second

lowest

LATINO STUDENTS are the largest minority student population in Indiana

all

race/ethnicities across all categories. Only 42.9% of Latinos passed the English Language Arts (ELA) ISTEP and 33% passed the Math ISTEP, compared to their White counterparts, where 49% passed the ELA ISTEP and 38.3% passed the Math ISTEP [19]. It is imperative to channel investments across all educational levels to elevate

[12]

the educational attainment of Latino Hoosiers and bridge existing equity gaps to compensate for the initial disparities faced by Latino students. [12]

Additional data highlights the shortage of qualified and culturally trained teachers as a barrier to academic success for Latino students. With over 83,000 students identified as English Language Learners (ELL), the availability of only 2,289 qualified ELL educators (1 teacher per 36.26 ELL students) accentuates a critical gap, leaving many Latino ELL students without the proper academic support to stay

43%

on par academically with their peers [13, 20]. Moreover, the underrepresentation of Latinos in the education profession, constituting a mere 1.8% of all educators, leaves Latino students without proper role models or mentors to pursue higher education and successful careers [11]. These data points raise questions about the capacity of Indiana’s K–12 education pipeline to meet the needs of Latino students statewide.

Each

Latino

student

faces

different

contexts,

such

being

undocumented, being an ELL student, or having parents who do not speak English. 8

LATINO COLLEGE-GOING RATE 2021 [31]

POST SECONDARY AND

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION In a rapidly changing world with “skill instabilities," a college education remains important for students to adapt to different career demands and decrease the risk of unemployment and poverty [26]. Across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on college going rates, decreasing the enrollment rates for Latino students in Indiana from 49% (2019) to 44% (2020) [9]. Data from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) College Readiness Dashboard indicates that Latino college going rates dropped to 43% (2021) [31]. Moreover, undocumented students still struggle to access higher education, facing

tuition

restrictions

state

institutions.

Approximately

85,364

undocumented immigrants live in Indiana, making up 1.2% of the state's

85,364 undocumented

Approximately immigrants live in Indiana

[8]

POLICY SOLUTIONS Offer in-state tuition for undocumented postsecondary students

population [8]. Lastly, 1 in 4 Latino adults holds a degree in higher education, lagging significantly behind African Americans and White Hoosiers, leaving Latinos at a higher risk of facing poverty and unemployment [18]. To better serve the Latino community, state policymakers must set Latino degree-attainment goals, provide resources for colleges and their students, and hold the institutions accountable. National experts, such as Excelencia in Education, can provide technical guidance to transform Indiana’s postsecondary schools into exemplary

Add minority completion metrics to the state’s higher education performance-funding formula Offer financial incentives for postsecondary institutions to serve more Latino and other underrepresented students Increase college access for Latino high schoolers by setting a statewide goal for dual credit participation

Hispanic and Latino-serving institutions. Higher education institutions must prioritize Latino and undocumented student enrollment and degree completion. Investments are crucial for aiding undocumented students on their educational

Expand access for Latino families to participate in quality earlychildhood education programs, using state resources for continuing subsidies for families and grants to programs

journey. 9

HEALTH Indiana ranks 35th in overall health, with concerning disparities affecting minority communities, particularly Latinos [23]. Disturbingly, Latino middle schoolers exhibit the highest smoking rates, and Hispanic adults face elevated risks of cancer and heart disease [14]. Suicide rates spiked among Hispanics aged 10–24 and 25–34, making it the 3rd leading cause of death among these age groups [22]. COVID-19 and tobacco use pose significant threats, claiming lives among Latino Hoosiers. Notably, Latinos face a 1.8 times higher risk of COVID-19 mortality compared to their White counterparts, with only 9% of the Hispanic/Latino population in Indiana being up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations [3].

Data highlights that 1 in 7 Hispanic/Latino adults in Indiana continue to smoke, and that lung cancer is the leading

INDIANA: IN OVERALL HEALTH America's Health Rankings [11]

cause of cancer deaths among Latino men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Latina women [14]. These health disparities stem from a lack of information reaching

Latino

communities,

culturally

competent

providers, limited resources, and immigration status [17]. Education, socioeconomic status, language access, and

$3.40 billion $7.5 billion

SMOKING COSTS INDIANA AS WELL AS

IN ANNUAL

mental health further affect Latino health outcomes. To tackle these challenges, there needs to be comprehensive state-level policy and funding changes. These policy changes need to consider behavioral factors, physical

AND PREMATURE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO SECONDHAND

environments,

and

socioeconomic

SMOKE. [27]

influencing health outcomes for Latinos and other marginalized communities.

determinants

Tobacco use directly impacts both individuals who smoke and those who do not. Indiana’s cigarette tax is well below the national average. In Indiana, smoking is responsible for 11,070 deaths among Indiana’s entire population annually [14], with approximately

1,770

Hoosiers

dying

from

secondhand smoke [15]. Latinos and Hispanics are considered an "easy-to-reach" population by tobacco companies, putting them at risk for

POLICY SOLUTIONS Increase cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack to reduce smoking, and increase tax on vaping/e-cigarette products Decrease tobacco and e-cigarette product appeal and marketing to young people, specifically:

Restrict marketing and advertising to youth

cigarette and tobacco advertisements [14]. Removal of flavorings in tobacco and e-cigarettes

By raising the cigarette tax, Indiana policymakers will immediately see reduced smoking rates, especially among low-income populations, youth, and communities of color. Moreover, a long-term

Increase public health professionals’ outreach to Latinos, raising vaccine rates for COVID-19, flu, and other illnesses Increase outreach to Latinos to promote mental health literacy and awareness

result of a higher cigarette tax is that Latinos and other Hoosiers will see lower rates of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illnesses causing untold

personal,

hardships.

familial,

and

economic

1 in 7 HISPANIC ADULTS IN INDIANA CONTINUE TO SMOKE. LUNG CANCER IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER DEATHS AMONG LATINO MEN AND SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER DEATHS AMONG LATINA WOMEN

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Indiana has untapped potential within the growing Latino community for business growth and employment. The trends in economic and demographic data predict that Latinos will become the largest drivers of population increases in Indiana and its counties. With a larger population, Indiana’s future workforce will increasingly be Latino. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Hispanics are driving labor force growth in the United States and are projected to account for 78% of all net new workers between 2020 and 2030 [4]. With over 554,191 Hispanics/Latinos making up 8.3% of the population, Latinos bring in $1.1 billion in revenue to Indiana’s economy through their owned businesses, and Hispanic immigrants contribute $567.3 million in taxes paid [10]. Yet, Latinos make up a considerable proportion of the poverty rates in Indiana, accounting for 15.9% of the total poverty rates, considerably higher than their White counterparts [16].

24%

[4]

Non-Hispanic 21.7%

15.9%

INDIANA POVERTY RATES 24% - LATINOS UNDER 18

10.3%

15.9% - LATINO POVERTY 10.3% - WHITE POVERTY [16, 28]

Hispanic 78.3%

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportional and negative affect on Latino workers, as they are overrepresented in industries that were impacted by emergency shutdowns, such as the service industry [7]. Latinos accounted for 23% of the initial jobs lost nationwide after federal restrictions and stay-at-home orders [25]. Latina workers likewise had the highest unemployment rate of any racial, ethnic, or gender group in April 2020, at 20.1%, with employment rates still below pre-pandemic levels in January 2021 [25]. 12

According to a U.S. Small Business Administration report, “An important contributor to economic inequality in the United States is the large and persistent racial and ethnic disparity found in business ownership and performance. Blocked opportunities for minorities to start and grow businesses create losses in economic efficiency, especially through their effects on limiting job creation, wealth accumulation, innovation, and local economic growth” [5]. Increasing college access and success are vital to combating this inequality. But Indiana can still help hard-working Latinos climb above the poverty rate with efforts such as increased wages and supporting entrepreneurship amongst the Latino community. And, for undocumented Latinos graduating from Indiana’s rigorous professional schools, they should be permitted to apply for and receive professional licenses. Indiana’s public schools need more Latino teachers, but undocumented Latinos cannot apply for teaching licenses or any other professional certificates.

POLICY SOLUTIONS Increase resources to launch and expand Latino-owned small businesses Improve public transit and infrastructure for Latino student transit

$1.1 Billion is contributed by Latino owned businesses to Indiana’s Economy.

Increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour Offer professional licensure opportunities to all undocumented professionals graduating from accredited institutions

[10]

Increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early education 13

PUBLIC SAFETY Facilitating essential mobility for the professional advancement and economic prosperity of undocumented students and those with immigrant parents is crucial. Yet, within the Latino community, a pervasive fear exists that a simple traffic violation might result in a parent's deportation. This apprehension is intensified by incidents eroding trust between communities and law enforcement. Consequently, these Latinos forego internship opportunities, job prospects, higher education, and even high school, all stemming from safety concerns in private transportation, especially in rural Indiana.

19 STATES & THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA have driver’s licenses for undocumented individuals [29]

The Indiana Latino Institute advocates for extending driving privileges to all immigrants in the state. Enabling this policy would not only foster collaborative relationships but also generate an anticipated $7.2 million in new state-budget revenue and an additional $68 million for the auto insurance

POLICY SOLUTIONS Offer driver’s cards for undocumented immigrants

industry alone, and it would decrease fatal hit-and-run incidences by 3.6% in Indiana [1]. Establishing trustful

Strengthen penalties for biased crimes

partnerships between immigrants, irrespective of status, and local law enforcement would enhance crime investigations and alleviate tensions. Indiana's journey toward diversity, equity, and

Fund law-enforcement reforms and training, including culture and language programming

inclusion should encompass safeguarding hate crime victims, implementing law enforcement best practices and training, and enhancing access to court processes for limited-English-

Improve language translation services in Indiana courts and administrative proceedings

speaking Latinos.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Full civic participation allows community voices to be heard. Representatives from disadvantaged groups have been traditionally left out of policy development. As the second-largest minority population in the state, Latino representation in positions of authority and influence is important. According to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), less than four dozen Latino Hoosiers hold elected positions. In the Indiana General Assembly, only five members of the 150 elected officials—3.33% identify as Latino. Latino elected officials are woefully absent from town, city, and county councils. Latino voices are missing from the local discourse on education policy and practice. Latino students make up 14% of the student body in almost 300 Indiana school districts. In contrast, less than two dozen of the 1,500 school board members identify as Latino (1.6%) [6]. The Indiana Latino Institute encourages the diversification of leadership positions in an effort to connect with the growing Latino community. Efforts should be made to increase young Latino Hoosiers awareness of their civic duty and how to fulfill it.

CIVIC REPRESENTATION & ADVOCACY REPRESENTATION AT ALL LEVELS Civic participation in public policy is not confined to elected roles. Beyond the underrepresentation of Latinos in elected positions at all levels, their participation is also lacking in appointed boards and commissions. These bodies play a crucial role in debating and adopting public policy regulations and systemic practices that directly impact the Latino community. It is essential for the Latino voice to be heard in state, county, and local appointed and executive positions to ensure proper representation and support for the Latino community. ILI encourages Indiana leaders to appoint Latinos to senior agency positions and boards and commissions.

POLICY SOLUTIONS Facilitate voter engagement

Diversify executive and legislative branch staffing

Appoint a Latino leader to the Indiana State Board of Education

Appoint a Latino leader to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education 17

SOURCES [1] Aimone, P., et al. (2021). Safer Roads, A Stronger Indiana: Projected Social and Economic Effects of Driving Privilege Card Legislation in Indiana. Notre Dame Student Policy Network, Working Paper Series (No. 1). [2] American Cancer Society. (2022). Cancer Facts & Figures| Hispanics-Latinos | American Cancer Society. Www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/hispanics-latinos-facts-figures.html [3] Coronavirus (COVID-19), N. (2021, November 24). Vaccine Dashboard. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/vaccine-dashboard/ [4] Dubina, K. (2021, September 15). Hispanics in the Labor Force: 5 Facts | U.S. Department of Labor Blog. Blog.dol.gov. https://blog.dol.gov/2021/09/15/hispanics-in-the-labor-force-5-facts [5] Fairlie, R. (2018, January 1). Latino Business Ownership: Contributions and Barriers for U.S.-Born and Immigrant Latino Entrepreneurs. SBA’s Office of Advocacy. https://advocacy.sba.gov/2018/01/01/latino-business-ownership-contributions-and-barriers-for-u-s-born-and-immigrant-latinoentrepreneurs/ [6] Gazette, A. S. (2023, December 26). New Indiana task force focuses on Latino students. Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/new-indiana-task-force-focuses-on-latino-students/article_303414da-a28d-11ee-99802b191574db69.html#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20institute%2C%20fewer [7] Gould, E., Perez, D., & Wilson, V. (2020, August 20). Latinx workers—particularly women—face devastating job losses in the COVID-19 recession. Economic Policy Institute. https://www.epi.org/publication/latinx-workers-covid/ [8] Higher Ed Immigration Portal. (2023). Indiana - Data on Immigrant Students | Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Presidents’ Alliance. https://www.higheredimmigrationportal.org/state/indiana/ [9] Indiana Commission for Higher Education. (2023). INDIANA COLLEGE READINESS REPORT 2022. https://www.in.gov/che/files/2022_College_Readiness_Report_06_20_2022.pdf [10] Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. (2020). 2020-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN. https://www.in.gov/ichla/files/Strategic-Plan-20202022-2.pdf [11] Indiana Department of Education. (2020). Educators. INview. https://inview.doe.in.gov/state/1088000000/educator [12] Indiana Department of Education. (2021, October 1). Indiana | Indiana. Inview.doe.in.gov. https://inview.doe.in.gov/state/1088000000/population [13] Indiana Department of Education. (2023, July). 2023-2024 English Learner Guidebooks. Files.eric.ed. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED630827.pdf [14] Indiana Department of Health. (2022). Hispanic Indiana Adults and Smoking. https://www.in.gov/health/tpc/files/Hispanic-Indiana-Adultsand-Smoking.pdf [15] Indiana University Indianapolis. (2016). Report on the Tobacco Epidemic in Marion County and Indiana. https://fsph.iupui.edu/doc/community/Richard_M._Fairbanks_Tobacco_Report_September_2016.pdf 18

SOURCES [16] KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION. (2022). Poverty Rate by Race/Ethnicity. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/other/stateindicator/poverty-rate-by-raceethnicity/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22 [17] Medrano, L. (2023, April 28). Hispanic people – especially men – are less likely to see a doctor, and the reasons can be complex. Www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/05/01/hispanic-people-especially-men-are-less-likely-to-see-adoctor#:~:text=The%20reasons%20many%20Latino%20people%20stay%20away%20from%20the%20doctor [18] Periscopic. (2021). A Stronger Nation: Lumina Foundation. Www.luminafoundation.org. https://www.luminafoundation.org/strongernation/report/#/progress/state/IN [19] Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. (2023). Education. Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. https://www.rmff.org/community-datasnapshot/education/ [20] Rodriguez, C. (2022, November 3). Some Indiana schools may be failing to meet staffing rules for English learner students. Chalkbeat. https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2022/11/3/23437484/indiana-english-learner-students-teachers-staffing-shortage-federal-requirement/ [21] Schhneider, B., Martinez, S., & Ownes, A. (2010). Barriers to Educational Opportunities for Hispanics in the United States. Nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19909/ [22] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019, April 8). Hispanic/Latino. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/hispanic-latino [23] United Health Foundation. (2022). America’s Health Rankings | AHR. America’s Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2022-annual-report/state-rankings [24] United States Census Bureau. (2020). Explore Census Data. Data.census.gov. https://data.census.gov/profile/Indiana?g=040XX00US18 [25] Zamarripa, R., & Roque, L. (2021, March 5). Latinos Face Disproportionate Health and Economic Impacts From COVID-19. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/latinos-face-disproportionate-health-economic-impacts-covid-19/ [26] World Economic Forum. (2023). The Future of Jobs Report 2023. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-ofjobs-report-2023/in-full/4-skills-outlook/ [27] Campaign for Tobacco Free-Kids. (2023, November 21). The Toll of Tobacco in Indiana. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-us/indiana [28] United States Census Bureau. (2022). Explore Census Data. Data.census.gov. https://data.census.gov/table/ACSSPP1Y2022.S0201? t=-09:Income%20and%20Poverty&g=040XX00US18&y=2022 [29] National Conference of State Legislators. (2023, March 13). States Offering Driver’s Licenses to Immigrants. Www.ncsl.org. https://www.ncsl.org/immigration/states-offering-drivers-licenses-to-immigrants [30] Indiana General Assembly. (2024). Indiana General Assembly. Iga.in.gov. https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/legislators [31] CHE. College Readiness Dashboard. CHE. https://www.in.gov/che/college-readiness-reports/college-readiness-dashboard/

Our mission is to advance Latino educational attainment and workforce preparedness statewide through advocacy, leadership development, and culturally responsive programming.

www.indianalatinoinstitute.org

Indiana Latino Institute

Indiana Latino Institute @IndianaLatinoInstitute @IndianaLatino Indiana Latino Institute

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