Thursday, June 6, 2024

TAMACC E-Newsletter

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024
TAMACC Calls on President Biden to Extend Work Permits to Help Alleviate Labor Shortage

The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is urging President Biden to address the severe labor shortage by extending work permits to long-term immigrants. This includes undocumented spouses and immediate family members of U.S. citizens, “Dreamers” ineligible for DACA, and other long-term workers who have significantly contributed to the U.S. economy.

Labor Shortage Crisis
Texas is facing a critical labor shortage, with over 749,000 non-farm job openings as of February 2024. The state has only 80 available workers for every 100 open jobs. Nationally, there are 8.7 million job openings but only 6.4 million unemployed workers, leaving nearly 2.4 million positions unfilled even if all unemployed individuals were hired.

Immediate Action Needed
While bipartisan legislation is ideal, the urgency of the situation calls for immediate executive action. TAMACC urges President Biden to use his authority to issue work permits to long-term immigrants who have paid taxes and contributed to the economy for years. These individuals have raised families, many of whom include U.S. citizen children.

Economic and Moral Imperatives
Extending work permits would generate $16 billion in economic activity and benefit 10.6 million U.S. citizens living with undocumented immigrants. It would also protect immigrants from exploitation and enable them to seek jobs matching their skills.

Conclusion
TAMACC calls on President Biden to use his statutory authority to extend work permits to long-term immigrants. This action is both an economic necessity and a moral obligation, crucial for addressing the labor shortages in Texas and nationwide.
Celebrate the Inaugural Fiesta San Marcos
June 14, 2024 - 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Immerse yourself in a day of unparalleled Tejano music featuring AJ Castillo and a lineup of talented friends. This outdoor extravaganza showcases five different Tejano groups, presenting a variety of your favorite tunes.

Indulge in a delicious selection from food booths, explore unique finds from vendors, and discover arts and crafts. Fiesta San Marcos has something for the whole family – join us for an unforgettable event!

Fiesta San Marcos is set to become an annual tradition, bringing a rich cultural experience to the San Marcos and Central Texas area. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local school district, providing essential resources to children in need. AJ Castillo’s vision for this event is to create more opportunities for the Hispanic community in Hays County and the surrounding areas, where opportunities are currently limited.

Sponsorships, Vendors, and Volunteer Opportunities Are Still available for the Extravaganza of Tejano and Cumbia Music
For information, call 512-444-5727.
It is not too late for YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Congress has until June 7, 2024, to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) legislation and give reparations to harmed families in New Mexico. RECA would add the Downwinders of New Mexico and the post-1971 uranium miners/workers to the fund for the first time along with other states/territories including Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Guam, Arizona, and Utah.

Cancer does not play politics. This bill has bipartisan sponsorship by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Josh Hawley (R-MO). RECA will deliver justice to people who have waited as long as 78 years.

We must push the House leadership to act swiftly and pass the bill that extends and expands the life-saving programs the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides.

Please contact:
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson at 202-225-4000
Majority Leader Steve Scalese at 202 225-3015
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at 202-225-5936

Urge these leaders to support the passage of RECA Amendment S.3853.

Tell them: An extension will not do. We have waited long enough, and many people have died since the last extension was granted two years ago. An extension is not a solution, especially not for those people who are sick and dying now. 
America’s Most Famous Hispanic War Hero
 
Many know his name, but few know the full story. Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez’s bravery during the Vietnam War makes even the most dramatic war films pale in comparison. As America’s most famous Hispanic War Hero, his story deserves to be told.

Join us on this podcast as we talk with Sergeant Benavidez’s daughter, Yvette Benavidez Garcia, and historian William Sturkey, author of The Ballad of Roy Benavidez. Discover the remarkable journey of a true American hero. Check the podcast notes for links to more resources about Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez. Prepare to be inspired.
TAMACC | (512) 444-5727 | Website | Podcast