We need a National American Latino Museum
The contributions of American Latinos to this nation date back to even before its creation, and we are committed to rightfully honoring those stories with a national institution. Currently there are over 50.5 million Americans of Latino descent in this country, representing more than 16% of the U.S. population. The passing of the Smithsonian American Latino Museum is vital for the development of this growing population that is estimated to total 25% of the U.S. population by 2050.
The Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act
The Latino vote was integral in President Obama’s re-election. 71% of the Latino vote went for the President, and Latinos significantly increased their share of total voters, and will be gaining influence that could be decisive in future elections.
This bill authorizes key elements that significantly advance the effort to create what will be a historic museum:
- Site Designation: The bill seeks to designate the Arts and Industries Building (AIB) as the future home of a museum, including an annex that would be constructed underground and adjacent to the AIB.
- Site Development: The legislation gives the Board of Regents 18 months to conduct a plan of action to study the best way to plan, design, fund and construct an American Latino Museum, taking into account the Commission’s report.
- Funding: The bill simply authorizes a site to allow for private fundraising to begin for the planning, designing and construction of the museum.
You can help!
This is our time to act and make sure we are represented in our nation’s capital and the retelling of American history! Here are some easy ways to make a big impact:
Pick up the phone and call your U.S. Representative or Senator by following these three easy steps:
- Find your Representative
- Call the U.S. House switchboard operator at (202) 225-3121 to get transferred to your designated office
- Ask your Representative to support the American Latino Museum Act (script below):
“Hello my name is (______) and as your constituent, I urge you to support the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act. I believe the creation of this museum is long overdue, and I believe it can educate, inspire, and encourage understanding of the richness and diversity of the American Latino experience within the U.S. (insert what an American Latino Museum would mean to you). I hope I can count on you to co-sponsor the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act and make this museum a reality.”
Send a ‘Thank You’ tweet to our bill co-sponsors:
Thank you @_______ for your support towards the American Latino Museum Act!! #LatinoMuseum
House (HR 1217)
Rep Chu, Judy [CA-27]
Rep Cicilline, David N. [RI-1]
Rep Denham, Jeff [CA-10]
Rep Diaz-Balart, Mario [FL-25]
Rep Farenthold, Blake [TX-27]
Rep Foster, Bill [IL-11]
Rep Garcia, Joe [FL-26]
Rep Grimm, Michael G. [NY-11]
Rep Pearce, Stevan [NM-2]
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-27]
Rep Roybal-Allard, Lucille [CA-40]
Senate (S 568)
Sen Bennet, Michael F. [CO]
Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA]
Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA]
Sen Cornyn, John [TX]
Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA]
Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY]
Sen Heller, Dean [NV]
Sen Nelson, Bill [FL]
Sen Reid, Harry [NV]
Sen Rubio, Marco [FL]
Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY]
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Sen Udall, Mark [CO]
Sen Udall, Tom [NM]
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