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Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) introduced the Cesar Estrada Chavez Study Act to honor Chavez and his commitment to public lands. This legislation authorizes the U.S. Department of Interior to study significant lands in Chavez’s life and movement for inclusion into the National Park Service. This legislation already has 42 co-sponsors.
Chavez was born near Yuma, Ariz., and grew up in migrant labor camps where he suffered from the poverty of a migrant worker’s life. He tirelessly dedicated his life to championing the rights of farm laborers and all workers. Chavez’ is best known for his humility and strength in his peaceful fight to help farm workers attain social justice and freedom from exposure to poisonous chemicals, poor housing, discrimination, low wages and limited education opportunities. Along with Dolores Huerta, Chavez founded the United Farm Workers, an organization dedicated to garnering better wages, working conditions and respect for farmworkers.
“Cesar Chavez’ courageous life inspires me daily to continue the fight for environmental justice so our children and families have a stronger, healthier future. As Latinos, the environment is such a large part of our culture, and Latinos frequently use our national park system,” said Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis. “To have the National Park Service trace landmarks significant to his life is a very fitting honor to Chavez and the greatest way to make Latinos feel at one with the Park Service.”
A companion piece of legislation (S. 670) has been introduced in the Senate by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Ken Salazar (D-Colo.). In the 108th Congress, the Senate approved this legislation, but it was not given consideration in the House.
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