Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus
(NLLC)
The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus, formerly known as the Nevada Hispanic Legislative Caucus, decided to change its name in 2023 in an effort to become more representative of the members currently elected to serve the state and to create a better connection with the community, considering the origins of the term Hispanic.
The term “Hispanic” was adopted in the 1970s in the United States in order to create a new identity category, after a push by activists, bureaucrats, and media executives who argue that Spanish speakers are similar, and thus should be unified under a “Hispanic identity.” However, the term has been criticized since it centralizes the identity of much of Latin America, around Spain- their colonizer and excludes Brazil.
On the other hand, the term “Latino” is short for Latino Americano, a term that emphasizes Latin American countries becoming independent.
Our Story
The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus was informally created in 2007 with the aim to keep the community informed about the work in the legislature, by the only elected Latino members serving the legislature at the time, Mo Denis and Ruben Kihuen, who wanted to grow the representation of Latinos in the legislature.
By 2011 the then-known Nevada Hispanic Legislative Caucus was officially formed with 8 elected Latino legislators, and in 2023 was renamed as Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus. Currently, the NLLC has 8 members serving in the Nevada Legislature.
Our Goals
1 .- To discuss, establish, promote, and monitor legislative initiatives that reflect our common goals and objectives.
2. - To promote and support the economic development, health, education, and law enforcement issues as they pertain to the Latino community.
3. - To invite elected officials, community leaders, community stakeholders, and constituents to NLLC meetings to make them aware of the NLLC's priorities agenda, and request their support.
4. - To promote the election, appointment, and employment of qualified eligible candidates of Latino descent and other people of color in government, to government boards, agencies, and commissions.
5. - To be aware of the agendas of organizations that serve the Latino community, and to continue dialogue and outreach to such organizations.
6. - To inform, educate, and promote the participation of Latino members in the political and electoral process within their communities and the promotion of their diverse and rich cultures, heritages, and languages.
7. - To work toward the achievement of NLLC goals and initiatives and in cooperation with other organizations and stakeholders including, but not limited to: businesses, local chambers of commerce, government agencies, labor, and civic organizations and associations, individuals, and other active entities.
8. - To achieve other goals set forth as a priority by the Executive Board and members of the NLLC.