Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) has received a perfect rating from the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) in its recently released evaluation of Congress. NHLA, a non-partisan coalition of civil rights and public policy groups, compiled a legislative scorecard evaluating Senators and Members of Congress on issues of importance to Hispanic communities.

Based on his votes on priority issues identified by the NHLA, Baca received a 100% percent score, reflecting his ongoing commitment to securing basic civil rights and providing a better quality of life for all Hispanics.

"I take pride in representing California’s 43^rd District. Our district is increasingly diverse and includes a sizable Hispanic population. Hispanics play an active and important role in our community and enrich our district with a strong work ethic and family values,” said Baca. “I appreciate being recognized by the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda for my work on behalf of Hispanic Americans.”

The NHLA scorecard is based on votes on a diverse set of issues that have a direct impact on Hispanics and their families. (This most recent scorecard covers the first and second sessions of the 108^th Congress [2003-2004].) Rep. Baca consistently voted in favor of helping the Hispanic community move ahead on issues ranging from education, jobs, health care, economic mobility and civil rights.

“I will continue to address the issues that are important to Hispanic families in the Inland Empire, throughout California and all across our great nation – improving education to open the doors of opportunity, providing access to affordable health care, and giving Hispanic families the tools they need to succeed,” said Baca.

Baca currently serves as the 1st Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and he serves as Chair of the Caucus' Corporate America Task Force, which aims to increase Hispanic representation in corporate America and make sure that businesses support Hispanic organizations and causes.

Founded in 1991, NHLA is a non-partisan coalition of national public policy and civil rights organizations and leaders from across the United States, whose mission is to provide the Hispanic community with greater visibility and a clearer stronger voice in our nation’s affairs. The NHLA scorecard can be viewed online at: http://www.aspira.org/NHLA/NHLA%20Scorecard-05-FINAL1.pdf