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CA State Senator Gil Cedillo and Businessman David Lizarraga Discuss Hispanic Politics, Business, and Education
SACRAMENTO OBSNews At the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 29th annual convention and business expo in Sacramento this year California State Senator Gilbert "Gil" Cedillo in a video interview (see below for link) praised businessman David Lizarraga as a visionary businessman whose impact on the Hispanic community in California and throughout the nation has been enormous.
Mr. Lizarraga was instrumental in founding in 1968 TELACU (http://Telacu.com), the nation's largest Community Development Corporation and one of the biggest Hispanic businesses in the United States. TELACU devotes is $500 plus million in assets to empower individuals and communities in which it operates.
"David is one of those people where others say 'he helps so many people by what he's done for them,'" said Senator Cedillo, the incoming Chair of the California Latino Caucus (http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/latinocaucus). "He is truly a great American and pioneeryou can always hear his passion."
Cedillo also recounted his own route to political office from humble beginnings with the Community Service Organization led by Tony Rios who passed away in 1999. He credits the late Rios, who also mentored legendary labor leader and political activist Cesar Chavez, with helping him understand the power of service and political leadership.
Cedillo currently serves the 22nd Senate District in the California State Senate (http://dist22.casen.govoffice.com) and has become famous for advocating for the rights of immigrants in California. His repeated attempts at legislation to secure drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants have not been successful, but he has become known as one of the most persistent Senators in California history.
He also advocates legislation designed to permit children of illegal immigrants to apply for scholarships for California-sponsored colleges and to create pathways to citizenship for all immigrants to, "build on foundation of this nation and continue our legacy as a nation of immigrants."
Of Cedillo, Lizarraga said, "he's a tremendous role modelhe gives back to the community in so many different ways by showing his leadership, his real passion for the community."
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More about Senator Cedillo:
A lifelong resident of Los Angeles, Gilbert Cedillo was elected as the State Senator from Californias 22nd District, in November 2002 and is proud to represent the diverse cities of Los Angeles, Alhambra, Maywood, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Vernon. Prior to his election in the Senate, Gilbert Cedillo served his constituents as the Assemblyman of Californias 46th District (1998-2002). His legislative record demonstrates his strong commitment to tackling tough issues and making real improvements in the day-to-day lives of the people he represents.
Senator Cedillo is committed to championing justice and equality for all people that live in California and has become a statewide leader for protecting the rights of working men and women; increasing and expanding access to health care; assimilating immigrants into California's social and economic fabric; devising regional solutions to combat homelessness and providing new economic development opportunities throughout the state and in his downtown Los Angeles District.
Senator Cedillo is steadfast in his pursuit of a progressive policy agenda that includes significant homeland security, civil rights and transportation legislation. Senator Cedillo recently reintroduced a homeland security and highway safety measure that would enable the State of California to comply with federal law by standardizing driver's licenses and processes used to issue them. Senator Cedillos proposal would also create a separate driving-only license, distinctive in color or design, for undocumented workers who are ineligible to legalize their status.
Prior to being elected to the California Legislature, Senator Cedillo was the general manager of the countys employees union and in that capacity is best known for championing workers rights at a time of massive threatened layoffs, prohibiting the dismantling of the Los Angeles County public health system; protecting libraries and youth programs; and saving more than 25,000 local jobs. He also played a critical role in securing federal assistance to ensure that the Los Angeles County Health Care system remained financially afloat.
Senator Cedillo is a member of the Senate standing committees on Judiciary, Public Safety, Rules, Transportation and Housing. Senator Cedillo grew up in Boyle Heights, attended local schools, and graduated from UCLA in 1977.
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