MILWAUKEE, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) – The largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the country brought their convention to Milwaukee.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) aims to improve the economic status, education, political influence and civil rights of Hispanic Americans. 

Picking just one issue proved tough for some attendees.

“From the federal institute to [the] education of our youth, you know literature, empowering our youth, civic engagement, which is really important right now these days,” Patricia Kraker of Milwaukee said.

Many came to talk about labor-related issues.

“I know plenty of small business owners who own tacorias or own small Hispanic bodegas and they would love to compete in the free market,” Alex Ledezma of Madison said.

Other wanted to talk about improving working conditions.

“Paid medical leave, fair wage, equality, there are so many things in the labor field, there's so much oppression,” Diana Valencia of Racine said. 

The 2020 presidential race already seems to be a focus for many of the attendees too.

“Jobs, jobs, engaging in the community, making sure that our voice is heard here, especially with the upcoming election,” Veronica Diaz of Milwaukee said.

No subject seemed too big or too small to bring up.

“Voter registration, getting the community involved, holding candidate forums, and listening to the different stances of candidates so we can get behind them,” Jaime Alvarado of Milwaukee said. 

Leaders at the LULAC convention say attendees tend to organize themselves around issues that they care about rather than by political party or platform. However, there are a couple of major issues that tend to unite most in the delegation.

“Of course, always on our mind is immigration,” Jose Gaona, LULAC's National Policy Manager, said. “One of the most important issues to the community is environmental issues, right? Is the topic of climate change, and so I think the economy is right up there as one of those most important issues to the Hispanic community when polled, and so our community is a little bit more comprehensive as the issues go.”

With so many 2020 presidential candidates visiting the 90th convention, Gaona feels like their message gained ground.