Gov. Blagojevich signs trade memorandum with nine Mexican governors    

Governor spreads message of opportunity and inclusion to Chicago's Latino community and Mexican delegation

[DEC. 15, 2004]  CHICAGO -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich met with nine Mexican governors, two Mexican congressmen, the secretary for social development, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez and several hundred leaders from Chicago's Latino community Friday at the Mexican Consulate General.

The governor signed a memorandum of understanding on trade with the Mexican governors and gave a message of political inclusion and participation.

The governor's memorandum pledged to increase trade and cooperation between Illinois and the Mexican states. Mexico is Illinois' second leading trading partner, after Canada.

"I am honored to be here with so many of my esteemed counterparts from Mexico and leaders from Illinois' Mexican community," the governor said. "By improving trade between our states, I'm confident that we will improve the lives of the people of Illinois -- and the people of Mexico as well.

"I am inspired by the vigor and solidarity of the Latino community here in northern Illinois, the second largest Mexican community in the United States. The size and vitality of the Mexican community carries so much strength, but unfortunately, this strength is not being translated into political power. As a first-generation American, I know firsthand the struggles and hardships of being an immigrant. However, I believe deeply in the American dream, and one of the best ways to achieve it is to work hard in this country and become politically active. By becoming naturalized citizens and becoming involved in civic activities like voting, your voices will be heard not only in Chicago and Springfield but also back in Mexico as you demonstrate your political voice here in America.

"In this country I had the opportunity to get a great education and become governor of a great state like Illinois. I am working hard to ensure that all of Illinois' children and citizens have access to a good education and quality health care. With the right to vote, new immigrants will finally have an amount of political power that's equal to their numbers."

Gov. Blagojevich has shown steadfast support for the Latino community and other immigrant groups during his tenure as governor, including the following actions:

• Appointing over 40 Latinos to his cabinet and other high-level state positions.
• Expanding educational opportunities to immigrants by signing a bill allowing undocumented Illinois residents to pay in-state tuition while attending Illinois' public colleges and universities.

• Supporting legislation that would permit undocumented workers to apply for driver's licenses, allowing them travel more easily and safely.
• Raising the minimum wage, helping newly arrived immigrants to get off their feet and start a new life in America.
• Spearheading the New Americans Initiative, a $3 million program that will help eligible immigrants to become citizens by providing citizenship counseling, legal assistance, civic engagement training and English classes.
• Appointing members of the Latino Worker Safety Panel, which investigates work-related deaths and unsafe working conditions among Latino workers.

The Mexican delegation of governors, congressmen and a Cabinet-level secretary are in Chicago to meet with constituents and promote an innovative remittance program. The Mexican governors represent over 36 million people, over a third of Mexico's population. The Mexican delegation includes the following:

• Josefina Vazquez, secretary of social development
• Ismael Alfredo Hernandez, governor of Durango
• Juan Carlos Romero, governor of Guanajuato
• Rene Juarez, governor of Guerro
• Manuel Angel Nunez, governor of Hidalgo
• Francisco Ramirez, governor of Jalisco
• Lazaro Cardenas, governor of Michoacan
• Melquiades Morales, governor of Puebla
• Marcelo de los Santos Fraga, governor of San Luis Potosi
• Amalia Garcia, governor of Zacatecas
• Abelardo Martin, undersecretary of social development
• Carlos Flores Rico, Mexican congressman
• Rafael Flores Mendoza, Mexican congressman

[News release from the governor's office]