December 1, 2015

Contact: Rania Batrice

Bernie Sanders Campaign Announces Latinos for Bernie

and Iowa Latino Leadership Committee

DES MOINES, Iowa -- On the heels of releasing his widely praised “Families First” Immigration Plan, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Iowa campaign announced the formation of Latinos for Bernie and a state Latino Leadership Committee.

The Iowa Latino Leadership Committee is comprised of 20 Latino activists and community leaders. Latinos for Bernie includes community leaders, students, DREAMers, and supporters all across Iowa who are helping to lead this campaign.

A growing number of Latinos across Iowa are applauding Sen. Sanders’ bold and consistent record of fighting for the rights of immigrants in the United States:

"For over 30 years, we have seen a decline of wages and good paying jobs for working Americans. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate that understands the need to improve our economy by reversing that trend and ensuring a strong middle class. I support his work to move our country forward.”

Joe Henry, Latino and community activist

"Our democratic form of government is in jeopardy because of the obscene influence of money - Bernie Sanders recognizes the danger. The Citizens United Supreme Court decision has cast a deep shadow on American politics, and all issues are clouded by big money. Bernie is the only candidate not beholden to big money entities, and he knows that corporations are not people. He will champion changes so that Government works for the people and not just the billionaires. Bernie is the real deal."

Maria Bribriesco, Vice President of LULAC in Iowa

“Bernie is the only hope to further immigration reform, and the only honest candidate out there discussing real issues and core values we share as Americans.”

Jose Zacarias, West Liberty City Council member

“Racial justice is the most important issue to me and so many of my generation right now. Bernie is committed to addressing institutional racism, disenfranchisement, criminal justice reform, mass incarceration, and putting an end to for-profit prisons. Bernie’s vision can help us build an America where there truly is justice for all.”

Claudia Zavala, North High School senior and activist

“I support Bernie because he supports students and the working class--he is exactly what we need to change this country. Bernie's campaign, funded by the people, is an opportunity to raise and address the issues that affect the working class and the nation as a whole.”

Yesenia Ayala, Student at Grinnell College and recipient of 2015 White House Champions of Change Award

The full list of names of Sanders' Iowa Latino Leadership Committee can be found below:

Joe Enrique Henry, Polk County

Maria Bribriesco, Scott County

Jose Zacarias, Muscatine County

Hector Salamanca, Polk County

María Belén Alcívar Zuñiga, Story County

Pastor Alejandro Alfaro-Santiz, Polk County

Yesenia Ayala, Poweshiek County

Dr. Julio Cammarota, Polk County

Fred Trujillo, Polk County

Marlu Abarca, Polk County

Claudia Zavala, Woodbury County

Maddie Cano, Polk County

Cristobal Francisquez, Woodbury County

Vanessa Marcano-Kelly, Polk County

Ana Mancebo, Polk County

Brenda Phongsavanh, Polk County

Becca Aguilar, Mahaska County

Diana Reyes, Polk County

Rocio Hermosillo, Polk County

Antonio Olvera-Perez, Polk County

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