Conversation during the first meeting gravitated heavily towards educational issues. Participants then chose to assign a particular subject area to each meeting in order to better study the topics at hand. At today’s meeting, senators and community leaders discussed health care in Hoosier Latino communities. Participants noted preventative treatment, provider cultural sensitivity, nutrition, and tobacco control programs as major areas of concern.  

“I’m pleased we have been able to have these meetings and listen to the Hispanic community on how to best represent them at the Statehouse,” Sen. Lanane said. “We’ve had the opportunity to talk about education and health care, but there are many other topics to discuss like the criminal justice system, community sensitivity, job training and more.”

The forum consisted of participants with an array of backgrounds including representatives of the Mexican Consulate, health care providers, and business leaders.

“The legislative process does not happen overnight. We are starting a process to address the needs of this community that I hope will occur regularly,” remarked Lanane.

The forum is set to meet the second Wednesday of every month. The next forum will discuss the topic of job training and entrepreneurship on March 13 at noon.

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For more information on the Senate Democratic Caucus, their legislative agenda or other State Senate business, call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.SenateDemocrats.IN.gov.