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Press Release

LULAC Board Opposes Repeal of the Wright Amendment
Economic Uncertainty for Airline Industry and Community Concerns Drove Decision

September 12, 2005, Media Contact: Brenda Alvarez, (202) 833-6130

Milwaukee, Wisconsin—The National Executive Committee of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States, voted to support leaving the Wright Amendment intact and encourage all airlines serving the Dallas/Fort Worth market to focus on bringing new and expanded air service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. 

LULAC board members based their decision on the concerns of Hispanic residents surrounding Dallas Love Field Airport that repeal or modification of the Wright Amendment would lead to increased air traffic and their quality of life. The board also cited economic uncertainty in the airline industry as a reason not to dramatically alter the competitive playing field in the Dallas/Fort Worth market. 

“Now is not the time to repeal the Wright Amendment,” stated LULAC National President Hector M. Flores.  “Repeal of the Wright Amendment would increase financial pressures on DFW airlines many of which already have serious financial challenges. Instead of repealing or modifying the Wright Amendment, we should support steps that will get our airlines back into good financial health.” 

LULAC officials also expressed concern that the repeal of the Wright Amendment would lead to an increase in air traffic at Love Field, a move that is opposed by Hispanic residents surrounding Love Field. “Our first priority is to represent the interests of the Latino community,” stated Joe Campos, Manager of the LULAC Executive Office in Irving. “Latinos in the neighborhoods surrounding Love Field clearly do not want to see the Wright Amendment repealed and we support that position 100 percent.” 

The LULAC National Committee passed the attached resolution outlining the organization’s position on the Wright Amendment. The organization will communicate this resolution to members of Congress encouraging them to keep the Wright Amendment intact. 

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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