Mexican American Legislative Caucus

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The Mexican American Legislative Caucus is a 501(c)(6) non-profit, non-partisan organization composed of members of the Texas House of Representatives committed to addressing issues of particular importance to Latinos across the state.

1 History
2 Mission
3 Membership
4 See also
5 Sources
6 External links

[edit] History

The Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) was founded in 1973 in the Texas House of Representatives by a small group of lawmakers of Mexican American heritage for the purpose of strengthening their numbers and better representing a united Latino constituency across the state.

In the 1990s, recognizing the growth of the Hispanic population in Texas and anticipating a new ethnic majority, MALC opened membership eligibility to House members of any race or ethnicity who represent majority-Latino constituencies.

[edit] Mission

Latinos today represent Texas’ fastest growing political and economic sector. To meet the needs of this rapidly growing population, MALC serves as an information clearinghouse to Caucus members and non-members alike. By researching the implications of policy on Texas' Hispanic communities and by voting together, the Mexican American Legislative Caucus ensures that the interests of all Texans are represented.

MALC’s educational outreach initiatives, conducted between bi-annual sessions of the Texas Legislature, strive to raise the level of Latino engagement in Texas government and politics.

[edit] Membership

In 2008, MALC has a membership of 43 House members from all parts of the state, and is the second-largest caucus in Texas. MALC members vote as a bloc on consequential matters for Latino constituents.

2008 Officers

Chairman Pete P. Gallego Alpine

Vice-Chairman Trey Martínez Fischer San Antonio

Secretary Veronica Gonzales McAllen

Treasurer Michael U. Villarreal San Antonio

Legal Counsel Abel Herrero Corpus Christi

Roberto Alonzo Dallas

Rafael M. Anchía Dallas

Lon Burnam Fort Worth

Joaquín Castro San Antonio

Norma Chávez El Paso

Garnet Coleman Houston