WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), an organization representing the interests of over 300 Latino legislators throughout the country, lauded Congress for its bipartisan agreement to extend unemployment insurance, the payroll tax cut and provide a solution to the so-called "doc fix" for this year.  The payroll tax credit alone will save the average Latino family from the burden of an unexpected $760 increase on their taxes.

NHCSL further praises Congressional negotiators for excluding harmful provisions to the Child Tax Credit that would have raised taxes on a large number of low-income Latino families by $1,800 per year.  Additionally, NHCSL hails the inclusion of voluntary spectrum incentive auctions in order to pay for the legislation, which will allow for the development of new products and services that require spectrum allocations.

"I was particularly concerned with the 'doc fix.'  Without this agreement too many of our seniors on Medicare would have lost access to their doctors," said Connecticut State Representative Minnie Gonzalez, President of NHCSL. "We are very pleased with the final agreement. Yet, Congress will soon need to address other critical issues that remain unsettled such as the DREAM Act, small business assistance, education reform, genuine assistance for families underwater or facing foreclosure, and passing a job-creating transportation bill."

"Above all, we praise Congress for finding common ground," said David Ferreira, Executive Director of NHCSL.  "Our national recovery is ongoing, but it is fragile.  We need solutions and leadership, and today's vote on these extensions offers us both."

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country.  NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 340 Hispanic legislators.  For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators