Md Dept. Of Natural Resources Sponsors “Hispanic Heritage Month” Program

Maryland Dept. Of Natural Resources Sponsors “Hispanic Heritage Month” Program

ANNAPOLIS —The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office of Fair Practices will sponsor an 2004 “Hispanic Heritage Month” Program, on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 12 Noon, in the C-1-Conference Room of the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis.

The Keynote Speaker will be Hector Torres, Executive Director, Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

The Mission of the Commission:
The Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs will advise government, advance solutions, and serve as a resource to ensure equal access to economic, educational, health, political and social well-being of Hispanics.

The responsibilities of the Commission include:

Serving as the advisory body to the Governor, the Maryland General Assembly, and agencies within the Executive Department on matters relating to the Hispanic and Latino population of Maryland.

Working with the Hispanic and Latino population of Maryland, community leaders, private groups, and agencies of States and local government for the purpose of serving and representing the Hispanic and Latino population of Maryland.

Assisting in the coordination of State, Federal and private agency programs that serve and affect the Hispanic and Latino community.

Cooperating with federal, State and local government agencies and private groups concerning matters that affect the health, safety and welfare of the Hispanic and Latino communities of Maryland.

Reviewing, evaluating and commenting on any proposed federal, State, or local legislation, regulation, policies, or programs that affect the health, safety and welfare of the Hispanic and Latino population of Maryland.

Prior to his experience with the commission, Torres worked as a Baltimore City firefighter for 29 years, culminating his career as the Chief Spokesperson for the Department. He is past President of the Baltimore City Council Advisory Committee on Hispanic Affairs, a Board Member of the Baltimore National Aquarium, has served as President of the Arcadia Improvement Association, and on the Baltimore City Census 2000 Hispanic task Force. Torres is a 30-year resident of Baltimore and a 1976 graduate of Morgan State University, with a B.A. degree in Political Science.

“Hispanic Heritage Month” highlights the contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the U.S. and is celebrated annually from September 15th through October 15th. The public is invited to attend the event. Light refreshments will be served.