Hispanic Caucus to Take on Racial Disparity in Prison

DENVER - The Colorado Legislature has long had its four major caucuses made up of the two separate chambers and the two major political parties.

Though at times the caucuses are used for purely political purposes, they are generally helpful for party leaders to help like-minded people think alike.

So with the large number of Latino lawmakers in the Legislature, it's no surprise a handful of them have created the Colorado General Assembly Hispanic Caucus this session.

That bipartisan group of representatives and senators, which includes several from Southern Colorado, focuses on civil rights matters affecting Hispanics and Latinos living in the state.

In a draft letter obtained by The Pueblo Chieftain, the final version of which is still being worked out, the group says:

"With this legislative session, we have become increasingly concerned with the additional statutory requirements that have been introduced into legislation," the letter reads. "These additional statutory requirements have had a negative impact on legal immigrants, as well as other Colorado citizens."

The group - includes such regional lawmakers as Rep. Rafael Gallegos, D-Antonito, and Pueblo Democrats Sen. Abel Tapia and Rep. Dorothy Butcher

The caucus, which plans to rewrite portions of the letter and deliver it to their fellow legislators soon, also addresses concerns about an increase in the number of Hispanics being sent to Colorado prisons. The group calls on the Legislature to address that, in part, by helping reduce the state's high school dropout rate, and through early childhood development programs.

Pueblo Chieftain Article