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 Press Releases and Statements
 
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2006		 Contact: Sonia Melendez
(202) 225-5464; (202) 225-4573
 
Solis to be Honored by the Walter Kaitz
Foundation with the Diversity Advocate Award
 

Washington, D.C. -  Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA) will be honored by the Walter Kaitz Foundation on September 13th in New York City for her commitment to diversity in the work force and leadership in protecting the interests of groups of color in California and throughout the country.

The Walter Kaitz Foundation was founded in 1980 and strives to diversify the executive suites of the cable television industry with talented and qualified ethnic minorities. The Diversity Advocate Award is given to an individual outside of the cable industry who has demonstrated a firm commitment to diversity. Congresswoman Solis will be the second recipient of this award.

“I’m honored that my efforts in Congress are being recognized by the Walter Kaitz Foundation,” said Congresswoman Solis. “As the first Latina appointed to the Energy and Commerce Committee, I want to expand employment opportunities in the telecommunications industry and to ensure equal access and services to the latest technology for all Americans, including groups of color.”

Congresswoman Solis sponsored a so-called “buildout” amendment to the Barton-Rush-Upton Telecom Reform bill to require telephone companies entering into the video marketplace to serve all consumers, regardless of race and ethnicity. Although unsuccessful, she has vowed to continue to pursue this goal as Congress considers changes to the telecom laws.

In addition, Congresswoman Solis is also dedicated to ensuring diversity in the telecommunications industry work force; access to the industry for Latino actors, producers and writers; and internship programs for Latino youth. She commends the cable industry for the creation of Latino tiers but also encourages the industry to provide more English-language, family-friendly Latino-themed programming.

Congresswoman Solis is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. She was first elected to Congress in November 2000, and is serving her third term. Prior to her election to Congress, she served eight years in the California state legislature.

 

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