Following is a statement from state Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) in recognition of Cinco de Mayo:
“As we today recognize Cinco de Mayo, the day when Mexican soldiers and workers took a valiant stand to defeat a larger and better-funded French army at the Battle of Puebla, let us remember why they fought in the first place – to defend their freedoms and secure the hope of a better life for their children and grandchildren.
“Let us also commit to fight for the same values today.
“Americans of Latino descent still face an uphill climb to fully participate in our society, as Scott Walker and the Republican majority in the Wisconsin Legislature seek to diminish the impact of the Latino vote with a crooked redistricting scheme and unconstitutional photo ID law and Republicans in Congress erect roadblocks to comprehensive immigration reform.
“And when it comes to policies that help working families get into and stay in the middle class, Republicans oppose a modest increase in the minimum wage and access to affordable healthcare.
“That’s why today and every day, Democrats will fight for the values of fairness and equality that unite us.”
