Save The Idaho Commission of Hispanic Affairs.

Dear Friends of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs;

As many of you are aware- January 11, 2009 the Governor released his budget recommendations for FY 2011. One of the recommendations is to phase out the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs from receiving general funds. By 2014, ICHA will receive no state money to keep the agency operational. At the beginning of FY 2011, ICHA will receive 25% less general funds and that % will increase to 50% during FY 2012, 75% in 2013 and the flow of state funds will cease entirely during FY 2014 and this change will be permanent.

A number of you have been contacting the Commission asking me what you can do in response to the Governor's recommendation that state funds be eliminated for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs and 6 other agencies.

The Governor's office recommends that ICHA pursue alternative funding options to keep ICHA operational- which means we will need to seek federal or private dollars beginning this coming fiscal year (FY 2011).

All Governor recommendations will need to be approved by the legislature.

What does this mean for you and the Hispanic population/community?

It depends.

1) If the legislature approves the recommendations, ICHA will need to actively seek alternative funding. Some of the funding options might place restrictions on what we can do and we might not be able to perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined in our statute. Can we change the statute itself in order to receive other funds? The answer is yes, but would it benefit the Hispanic community? Probably not. The statute was created in 1987, to serve as a liaison between government and our communities our needs still remain true today and we still need to address them.

Today, the Commission works closely with other State agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and private businesses to leverage resources and avoid duplication of efforts; a model that has worked, is working, and emulates what our State government wants to see from one of its agencies.

If we fail to receive sufficient funds, ICHA will cease to operate therefore the Hispanic community will cease to be well-represented and served at the state level.

2) Manpower. If there are funding options available for ICHA- seeking alternative financial resources will take a lot of time and manpower and a huge chunk of our time and commitment will be required for fund raising. Hence, our time with our constituents would be reduced. We will not be able to maximize our responsibilities and duties as much as we would like to due to the fact that we only employ three people.

3) If the legislature rejects the recommendations, ICHA will continue to receive state funding and we will continue with our operations. However, the fund will be much lower than the previous year due to budgetary reductions. ICHA will continue to serve at the best of our ability.

Is there anything you can do?

Yes, you can.

You can write a letter or an email expressing your point of view or concern on this recommendation to both: the Governor and the state legislators (more specifically legislators who serve on Joint Finance Appropriation Committee (JFAC). It is essential that they hear from the general public how this might affect you and on how you are being represented or heard. This is the link to JFAC members; http://legislature.idaho.gov/budget/JFAC/jfac.htm and to the office of the Governor; http://gov.idaho.gov/WebRespond/contact_form.html you could also contact the legislators in your own district if they are not on the JFAC list. I would appreciate it if you would copy me on these if you are comfortable doing so.

In Governor Otter's speech Monday he said:

"What government does, it must do well, effective and efficiently. ... They believe the best government is the government closest to the people."

I personally believe the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs relationship and closeness with the people exceeds any expectations. We couldn't get any closer than that.

It is a difficult time for the Hispanic community, indeed.

I remain committed to serving Hispanic Idahoans and will work with my fellow Commissioners, Legislators, and the Governor's Office to respond to this challenge by charting a course for the Commission that doesn't lose sight of our charge.

This proposal reverses over 23 years of hard work done by numerous Hispanic leaders in Idaho and will have a serious and negative impact on the ability of the Commission to do its work for the Hispanic people of Idaho.

Thank you for your support. It is invaluable.

Margie Gonzalez

Executive Director

Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs

(208) 334-3776

Gracias, have a wonderful day! C
Lymaris Blackmon,
Administrator Assistant
Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs
5460 W. Franklin Road, Suite B
Boise, ID 83705
(208) 334-3776
(208) 334-3778 fax
lymaris.blackmon@icha.idaho.gov
www2.idaho.gov/icha