TORRES RAY DELIVERED DEM RESPONSE TO BUSH

12/02/2006

ST. PAUL (12/1/06) – DFL Senator-elect Patricia Torres Ray delivered the national Spanish-language response to President Bush’s weekly radio address this week. Torres Ray became the first Latina ever elected to the Minnesota Senate earlier this month.


“From growing up in rural Colombia to delivering the national response to an address by the President of the United States, Patricia has blazed an inspiring path to the Minnesota legislature,” Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez said. “She has used her unique experience to become a profoundly effective voice for Minnesotans of all backgrounds. We’re honored to see her nationally recognized and we look forward to her fresh perspective in the Minnesota Senate.”


The text of Senator-elect Torres Ray’s response is below.


Good morning. This is Patricia Torres Ray, State Senator-elect for the state of Minnesota.


As American families gather across the nation this weekend we have much to be thankful for. As a country, we are especially grateful for our brave men and women in uniform serving at home and around the world. We give thanks for the sacrifices they and their families continue to make for our great country.


This month the American people placed their trust in strong Democratic leaders to move our country in a new direction. From state legislatures, like the State Senate in Minnesota where I will take office as the first Latina, to the United States Congress, Democrats are honored to have earned your trust. We take the responsibility and privilege of serving the voters seriously.


Now that the elections are over, it is time to govern. The voters spoke loud and clear this month, the American people are tired of being divided. The new direction Democrats offer is simple. We will bring America together, restore civility and integrity, and increase prosperity, opportunity, and security for all Americans.


Here's what Democrats plan to do. For too long, America's working families have been denied the pay raise that they have earned with their hard work. Democrats will put a bill on the President's desk to raise the minimum wage.


For too long immigration reform has been used as a tool to divide the American people for political gain. Democrats will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that both strengthens our nation's borders and makes it possible for immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law to earn the responsibilities of citizenship.


For too long Americans have been denied the real security they deserve. Democrats will fight for a national security policy that is both tough and smart. That includes finally implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, and getting our troops out of harms' way by working for a real strategy for success in Iraq.


And Democrats will continue to work to ensure that every child in America has a good education, and greater access to college. We'll fight to make health care accessible for every American, ensure retirement security for America's workforce, and above all, put the best interests of the American people first.


Our country is stronger when we work together, and our diversity makes us stronger. Democrats, myself included, plan to honor the trust the American people placed in us by respecting all Americans as we work together to move America in a new direction. We give thanks this holiday season for those who came before us and built our country on the idea that every American has the right to freedom, opportunity, and a chance to live the American Dream.


This is Patricia Torres Ray from Minnesota for the Democratic Party. Thank you for listening.