January 25, 2013
The Black and Latino Caucus of the Connecticut General Assembly, a group of 20 members of the House of Representatives and four members of the Senate announced their 2013/2014 leadership team.
State Rep. Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven), who is Deputy Majority Leader, will now lead the group as Chair of the Caucus and Rep. Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk) will serve as Vice Chair. Rep. Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford/Manchester) was reelected Treasurer and Christina Ayala (D-Bridgeport) was elected Secretary.
Rep. Candelaria stated, "It is a great honor to have been elected Chair of the Black and Latino Caucus. The minority growth, attention and momentum we are witnessing across the state and nationwide is contagious and extremely important to us. We will use it to advance our priorities and strengthen our position as one unified and strong voice. I look forward to working with all my colleagues to help our communities move forward."
"The Black and Latino Caucus has played an increasingly influential role in recent major policy initiatives, including education reform, and I am honored that my colleagues have re-elected me as vice-chairman," said Rep. Morris. "The caucus has a significant number of experienced members in leadership positions and an energetic, highly intelligent and qualified group of new legislators as well, who are fully capable of advocating for and addressing the most difficult issues facing our state. I look forward to supporting our new Chairman, Rep. Candelaria, as we build upon our past accomplishments and service to our communities and state."
"I'm honored that my colleagues have re-elected me, and I'm looking forward to continuing my service as treasurer and managing the finances of the caucus," said Rep. Rojas.
"I am honored to be considered for this position as I begin the job of representing my constituents in Bridgeport," Rep. Ayala said. "I am looking forward to working with Caucus members in the capacity of Secretary to address issues important to our communities. I believe that this caucus is instrumental in addressing issues in urban cities like Bridgeport and am confident that we will all work diligently with one voice to move our agenda forward."
A number of members of the Black and Latino Caucus serve in leadership positions in the House and Senate.
House members in leadership positions are:
Larry Butler (D-Waterbury) Chair Housing Committee
Ernie Hewett (D-New London) Deputy Speaker
Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) Deputy Majority Leader
Gary Holder-Winfield (D-New Haven) Deputy Majority Leader
Charles "Don" Clemons (D-Bridgeport) Majority Caucus Chair
Minnie Gonzalez (D-Hartford) Majority Whip at Large
Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk) Deputy Majority Whip at Large
Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford) Vice Chair, Education Committee and Deputy Majority Whip
Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport) Vice Chair, Labor and Public Employees Committee and Deputy Majority Whip
Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Assistant Majority Whip
Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain) Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee Vice Chair and Assistant Majority Leader
Charles Stallworth (D-Bridgeport) Vice Chair Human Services and Assistant Majority Leader
Toni Walker (D-New Haven) Chair Appropriations Committee
Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford) Chair, Planning and Development Committee
Senate members in leadership positions are:
Andres Ayala, Jr. (D-Bridgeport/Stratford) Assistant Majority Leader, Chair: Aging; Regulations Review; Vice-Chair: Public Safety & Security
Eric D. Coleman (D-Hartford/Bloomfield/Windsor) Deputy President Pro Tempore, Chair: Judiciary, Vice-Chair: Human Services
Toni Nathaniel Harp (D-New Haven/West Haven) Deputy President Pro Tempore, Chair: Appropriations, Vice Chair: Aging