WASHINGTON, DC (March 31, 2009) – Nevada Senator Harry
Reid released the following statement in celebration of civil rights
activist César Chávez's birthday and also in support of
a state bill introduced by Nevada
Assemblyman Rubén Kihuen, which would officially recognize
March 31 as César Chávez Day in Nevada. The bill has the
support of nearly 20 other assembly members. Similar bills have been
passed in nine states, including California, Arizona, and Texas:
"Today, on what would have been César Chávez's 82nd
birthday, I join the Hispanic community in celebrating a man who dedicated
his life to leveling the playing field for workers and to the advancement
of the community. I also commend Assemblyman Rubén Kihuen and
his colleagues for presenting a state bill to officially recognize this
important date commemorating the life of a man who gave so much to our
country.
"César Chávez learned the struggles and rewards of
hard work and dedication at an early age. At age 10, he was a migrant
farm worker toiling in the fields of California and Arizona. His experiences,
coupled with the realities of post-Depression America, shaped his passion
for labor and civil rights, social justice, and education.
"Alongside fellow civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, he co-founded
the United Farm Workers of America, the country's first successful farm
workers' union, and advocated for the abolishment of child labor, safe
and fair working conditions, and equal wages.
"I am certain he would have been proud with the passage of the
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, an important piece of legislation
which eliminates pay discrimination based on gender, race, age, ethnicity
or disability.
"César Chávez also was a staunch advocate for education.
Despite the fact his own schooling was cut short because he had to help
support his family, he understood the importance of education and cultivating
a competitive work force.
"The impact of Cesar Chávez's work is so deep, it reaches
beyond the Latino community. All American workers benefit directly or
indirectly from his dedication and progressive views."
_____
Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen,
D-Las Vegas, will be a featured speaker at the annual
César Chávez event at Circus Circus in Reno on Tuesday,
March 31.
Co-sponsors of
Assemblymember Kihuen's AB 301
Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas
Sheila Leslie and David Bobzien, both D-Reno
Bernie Anderson and Debbie Smith, both D-Sparks
Bonnie Parnell, D-Carson City
Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas
Ellen Spiegel, D-Henderson
Morse Arberry, Jerry Claborn, Moises Denis, Kathy McClain, Harry Mortenson,
Harvey Munford, John Oceguera, Peggy Pierce, Tick Segerblom, all D-Las
Vegas
Assemblymember Chad Christensen, R-Las Vegas
Complete
text of AB 301 in .pdf format
