Today, following a vote in the Senate of 80-17, Hilda Solis was confirmed as Secretary of Labor. Solis, the first Latina to serve in Obama’s Cabinet, will lead the Department of Labor and is one of the strongest supporters of America’s workers and labor movement.
Hispanic and Labor groups are applauding the Senate’s approval. “The confirmation of Rep. Hilda Solis is a huge victory; finally, Americans will have a Secretary of Labor who represents working people, not wealthy CEO’s. It is also a historic moment as Rep. Solis becomes the first Hispanic Secretary of Labor,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said in a statement.
Anna Burger of the Change to Win coalition said, “In the midst of this economic crisis – when thousands of jobs are lost every day – it is crucial to make the economy work for working people again. Americans need a plan to help put families back to work, back in their homes, and back on the path of prosperity. In addition to bold economic recovery plan, America’s workers need a strong Department of Labor.”
Finally! This is what we have been waiting for. We will need a strong Latina to lead us through these hard economic times and protect our rights.
I think this is great for all Hispanics in America and moreover the world. This really solidifies our ethnicity and how Obama plans to represent us. Obama!!!
A step forward for the Latino/Latina community!
This is an amazing and huge change from Elaine Chao, who used to achieve what her husband couldn’t in the Senate. If the GOP had it their way, Solis probably wouldn’t be able to get involved with the key responsibilities of the Department of Labor like job creation, unemployment benefits, mine safety, job retraining, worker safety, etc. A true accomplishment for the Latino community!!!
I am extremely proud of this dynamic lady whom I have known for many years and volunteered in most of her campaigns. She is truly an inspiration to Latinas nationwide. Hilda Solis is an asset to the Presidential cabinet.