If you’re new to latino politics in Colorado, or just want to learn more about the subject, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss three main points: who latinos are, their political power in Colorado, and some of the challenges they face. We’ll also provide a few resources if you’d like to learn more.
So, let’s get started!
Who are Latinos?
In the United States, “Latino” is an ethnic category, not a racial category. This means that anyone of Latin American descent can identify as Latino, regardless of their race. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2018, there are approximately 58 million Latinos living in the U.S., making up 18% of the population. The five largest latino groups in the U.S. are Mexican (64%), Puerto Rican (11%), Salvadoran (five percent), Guatemalan (four percent), and Honduran (three percent).
What is their political power in Colorado?
Colorado has one of the fastest-growing latino populations in the country. As of 2018, latinos make up 21% of the state’s population. And their political power is only growing. In 2016, latinos made up 14% of Colorado’s electorate and voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton (70%).
What are the main issues affecting Latinos in Colorado?
The latino community in Colorado is diverse, with different groups coming from different countries and having different experiences. But there are some issues that affect all latinos in Colorado, such as access to healthcare, education, and affordable housing.
Healthcare: According to a report by the Colorado Health Institute, latinos are more likely than any other group to be uninsured. In 2018, 14% of latinos were uninsured, compared to just over 11% of whites. This is due in part to the fact that latinos are more likely to work in jobs that don’t offer health insurance, and they are also less likely to be eligible for Medicaid.
Education: Latinos in Colorado have made great strides in education in recent years. The high school graduation rate for latinos has increased from 49% in 2006 to 72% in 2016. However, there is still a significant achievement gap between latinos and their white counterparts. In 2016, only 21% of latino students graduated from college, compared to 41% of whites.
Affordable housing: Affordable housing is a major issue for latinos in Colorado. According to a National Low Income Housing Coalition report, a latino worker in Colorado would need to earn $17.42/hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment. This is well above the state’s minimum wage of $11.20/hour.
As the latino population in Colorado continues to grow, it is important to be aware of the issues they face. With latinos making up 21% of the state’s population, they are an increasingly important voting bloc. By understanding the issues that matter to them, we can create policies that will improve their lives and make our state a better place for everyone.
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