On Shaky Ground: New Poll Reveals Latino Families Experiencing Much Slower Economic Recovery

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to a new poll conducted by Latino Decisions and NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the majority of Latino voters believe the economy is improving, but their own financial outlook has not. While their belief in the American Dream remains strong, many Latino voters are anxious about losing a job and 70 percent of respondents say they are not earning enough to cover basic expenses.

"The economy is improving but Latino families are still waiting for their own economic recovery," said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. "Latinos still have faith in, and are working hard to achieve, the American Dream, but policymakers also need to do more to support workers and families with policies such as raising the minimum wage. Come this fall, millions of Latino voters will be looking for candidates who respond to Latino voters' real economic concerns, such as their job prospects, paying for college, and owning and keeping their own homes."

According to the poll, which was executed with the support of Univision, 55 percent of Latinos, including 60 percent of women, would be more likely to vote for an elected official who voted for a minimum wage increase. Half of Latinos polled reported having trouble paying their bills last year, and almost 70 percent said they are not earning enough to cover their basic expenses. Earlier this year, the Senate failed to proceed with a vote to increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour.

The poll also shows that younger Latinos are struggling in the job market, with 78 percent of them saying they are concerned about lack of career advancement. Latinos also contend with unpredictable work schedules and unfair treatment at work. By 2050, one in three American workers will be Latino.

"While Latinos struggle economically, the vast majority believe in the basic pillars of the American Dream, including homeownership," said Matt Barreto, Co-founder of Latino Decisions. "Immigrants especially believe that owning a business is essential to achieving the American Dream."

For complete results of the poll, visit: http://bit.ly/econpoll14

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
(202) 776-1566
[email protected]

SOURCE National Council of La Raza

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