The population shift in America is already creating massive political, economic, and social shifts in this country.  Hispanics are now 7% of the electorate, up from less than 4% just eight years ago.  The Hispanic buying power in the United States is over $400 billion and is expected to top $1 trillion in ten years.  Hispanic food, music, and entertainment have become part of American culture.

“For many years, the Hispanic community has played an increasingly important role in America,” U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-4) said.  “These new census numbers show that the face of Arkansas and our country is changing.  As we begin this new century, we must be able to accept and draw strength from our increased diversity.”
  
· Population:  In 2000, there were 35.3 million Hispanics in the United States, representing approximately 12.5% of the nation's population, a nearly 60% increase from 1990.  The Hispanic population continues to be concentrated in the Southwest and Northeast.  However, between 1990 and 2000, there was significant Hispanic population growth in states not traditionally associated with Hispanic communities, such as Arkansas, Iowa, and Mississippi.  For the fifteen states with 2000 Census population data released as of Tuesday evening, Hispanic population growth rates are as follows:

Arkansas – 344% Louisiana - 19% Oklahoma – 114% Vermont – 43%
Indiana - 125% Mississippi - 168% Pennsylvania - 79% Virginia - 112%
Iowa - 169% Nevada – 225% South Dakota - 101% Wisconsin - 120%
Kansas – 108%  New Jersey - 55% Texas – 55% 
            
Furthermore, 2000 Census data released to date show the Hispanic population growing rapidly in all areas, including suburbs, which have not traditionally been high-growth Hispanic areas.

· Education:  Hispanics are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have a bachelor’s degree, 10.6% and 28.1% respectively.  In addition, only 57% of Hispanics over the age of 25 have a high school diploma, compared to 88% for non-Hispanic whites.  It is, therefore, imperative that we make needed investments in education to reduce class size and increase the quality and relevance of our educational system for all students.

· Economics:  Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be employed in low-wage jobs that are less likely to offer health insurance and other benefits.  For example, 22% of Hispanics are operators and laborers and another 19.4% are employed in the service industry, but only 14% of Hispanics are employed in professional and managerial positions.  Because more Hispanics work in low-wage jobs, they are also nearly three times as likely as non-Hispanic whites to live below the poverty threshold, 22.8% and 7.7% respectively.  All of our nation's workers deserve a decent wage and access to health insurance.

Combined, Hispanics and African-Americans make up nearly one quarter, or 70 million, of our nation’s population.  Our leaders at the local, state, and national level must not overlook these numbers; and America must be prepared to invest in education, healthcare, and housing, so that all Americans have equal access to services on a level playing field.