HR1546: HR1546 Latin American Association; LAA Day; March 10, 2026; recognize

26 LC 129 9043 House Resolution 1546 By: Representatives Carpenter of the 4th, Martinez of the 111th, Santos of the 117th, Reeves of the 99th, and Dubnik of the 29th A RESOLUTION Commending the Latin American Association and recognizing March 10, 2026, as LAA1 Day; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Latin American Association (LAA) has, since its founding in 1972, served3 as the preeminent organization supporting Georgia's Latino community, providing culturally4 responsive services that empower Latinos to adapt, integrate, and thrive; and5 WHEREAS, the LAA has expanded over 54 years into a comprehensiv e,6 community-anchored organization offering vital services including economic empowerment,7 youth development, immigration legal assistance, family stabilization, and crisis intervention,8 ensuring that thousands of Georgia residents have access to resources and support; and 9 WHEREAS, Georgia is home to a rapidly growing Latino population whose cultural, civic,10 and economic contributions strengthen the state's prosperity and workforce, and the LAA's11 wrap-around model of services continues to play a critical role in supporting this growth and12 in fostering a thriving, inclusive Georgia; and 13 WHEREAS, the LAA's Family Services and Well-Being programs provide comprehensive14 support to low-income Latino families by addressing urgent need s such as housing15 H. R. 1546 - 1 - 26 LC 129 9043 instability, food insecurity, financial hardship, and domestic violence prevention, offering16 bilingual crisis intervention, resource navigation, and direct assistance that stabilizes17 households and strengthens community well-being across Georgia; and18 WHEREAS, the LAA's Immigration Legal Services programs provides affordable, culturally19 competent legal assistance to low-income households, offering legal support and protections,20 thereby ensuring that vulnerable community members can navigate complex legal processes21 safely, remain united with their families, and build stable futures in Georgia; and22 WHEREAS, the organization provides Economic Empowerment program s, including,23 workforce development, ESL instruction, entrepreneurial trainin g, and job fairs, support24 thousands of individuals each year in building long-term financial stability and contributing25 to Georgia's economic vibrancy; and 26 WHEREAS, the LAA's Youth Services programs cultivate the next g eneration of Latino27 leaders by providing mentorship, academic support, leadership development, and large-scale28 educational events that promote pathways to college and career success; and 29 WHEREAS, the LAA serves as a trusted partner to civic, corporat e, nonprofit, and30 governmental institutions statewide, consistently demonstrating impact through community31 partnerships which expand the LAA's impact and exemplify the po wer of32 community-centered collaboration; and 33 WHEREAS, the LAA has become an indispensable voice on immigrant-related issues and34 a vital resource for many families seeking stability, safety, and opportunity in Georgia; and35 H. R. 1546 - 2 - 26 LC 129 9043 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to recognize March 10, 2026, as LAA Day36 for the decades of meaningful service, leadership, and dedication to advancing opportunity37 for all residents of the State of Georgia.38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that39 the members of this body commend the Latin American Association and recognize March40 10, 2026, as LAA Day.41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized42 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the43 Latin American Association.44 H. R. 1546 - 3 -