Governor: Hispanics lead state workforce

Hutchinson praises work ethic, spirit

SPRINGDALE — Hispanic Arkansans have the lowest unemployment rate of any ethnic group in the state at a time when statewide unemployment has reached a record low, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Friday.

Surpassing the state’s high threshold of industriousness alone is a tribute to the Hispanic community’s work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and the value its members place on education, the governor said. He was the featured speaker at the luncheon during the annual conference of the Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas.

The state’s unemployment rate among Hispanics is 2 percent, compared to a state rate of 3.4 percent, state figures show.

Hutchinson then noted Hispanic members of state boards, commissions and agencies among the luncheon’s audience of almost 500. He made special mention of Edgar Hernandez, the first Hispanic elected to the Rogers School Board.

Margarita Solorzano, executive director of the organization, said she appreciated the governor pointing out Hispanics have taken leadership positions in Arkansas in recent years. The organization

promotes education, grants scholarships, teaches others about Hispanic culture and encourages activity in the community. For many years after being formed in 1999, the organization promoted volunteering in communities, and it’s very encouraging to see Hispanics emerge as leaders, Solorzano said.

The governor also mentioned he has an Hispanic daughter-in-law and two Hispanic grandchildren, and his family has been enriched by that diversity.

Hutchinson praised state Rep. Jeff Williams, R-Springdale, by name. The region’s Marshallese community will have access to Medicaid benefits by the end of the year thanks to the efforts of Williams and others, the governor said.

“It will cost the state a little bit more money, but it is the right thing to do,” Hutchinson said.

Marshall Islanders can legally enter and live in the United States, but receiving benefits such as Medicaid requires a change in state regulations, which the governor approved at the request of the legislators. Williams also steered legislation through the session earlier this year to ensure the change could go forward.

In other events at the day-long conference at The Jones Center, Superintendent Ed Rollins of the Springdale School District was honored with this year’s Hispanic Women’s Community of Excellence Award. The honor recognizes an individual in the community whose leadership promotes advancement for all. Rollins and his district were honored for their efforts at promoting the literacy of not only its students but their families, according to the announcement of the award.

Superintendent Ed Rollins of the Springdale School District was honored with this year’s Hispanic Women’s Community of Excellence Award.

Hutchinson